PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to educate Rhode Islanders about Narragansett Bay and preserve it for future generations, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) today joined Curt Spalding, Executive Director of Save The Bay, and local students to announce $1,081,000 in federal funding they secured for Save The Bay's Explore the Bay Marine Education program.

Reed and Whitehouse secured $893,000 and Kennedy secured $188,000 in the 2008 Appropriations spending bill to bolster Save The Bay's Explore the Bay Marine Education program, which supports environmental education, curriculum development, and hands on learning for youth and adult programs focused on preserving Narragansett Bay.

"Narragansett Bay has shaped our state's history and is vital to our economy. This federal funding will give more Rhode Islanders the opportunity to get out on the water, explore the Bay, and learn firsthand about its many benefits and wonders. Save The Bay's educators and volunteers do an outstanding job of teaching young people about the Bay and this money will allow them to reach a wider audience," said Reed a member of the Appropriations committee who has championed Save The Bay throughout his career. "Teaching Rhode Islanders about the Bay and our marine environment is critical to preserving it, and I commend Save The Bay for their steadfast commitment to education and conservation."

"For over 35 years, Save The Bay has been among Rhode Island's leading voices in the fight to preserve and protect Narragansett Bay, our state's greatest natural treasure," said Whitehouse. "I was proud to join Jack Reed and Patrick Kennedy to secure this funding, to ensure that Save The Bay's Explore the Bay Marine Education Program is able to continue its vital mission of educating Rhode Islanders about marine conservation."

"The pristine and beautiful Narragansett Bay has been one of Rhode Island's greatest resources since the state's founding," said Kennedy. "Save The Bay has been instrumental in bringing new life back into our bay over the years and their current projects are no exception to their tremendous record of dedication and service. The Marine Education Program will allow the youth and future generations of Rhode Island to learn about and appreciate this wonderful natural resource, as will the Shellfish Restoration Strategy breathe new economic life in the Bay. Save The Bay deserves all the credit and support we can bestow upon them for keeping our Narragansett Bay alive and well," added Kennedy.

"In Rhode Island, kids and their families are fortunate to have strong environmental education advocates working for them in Washington," said Save The Bay Executive Director Curt Spalding. "On behalf of our students and their teachers, we say thanks. The funds that keep Explore The Bay programs going put the state ahead of the curve when it comes to experiential learning opportunities. This support helps teachers take marine science out of the classroom, making learning about the Bay and watershed exciting and fun. It's a wise investment that will pay dividends for generations."

Save The Bay, southeastern New England's largest environmental organization, provides both classroom and experiential Bay learning opportunities to youth and adults in an effort to foster a connection between Rhode Islanders and Narragansett Bay. The program provides enhanced science educational opportunities and fosters a respect for the economic, recreational, and environmental benefits of Narragansett Bay.