Annapolis, MD (April 9, 2007)- With just one week left to file your income taxes, Comptroller Peter Franchot and the Chesapeake Bay Trust are encouraging Marylanders to make a voluntary donation to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund-Line 37-at tax time. The fund, which is split evenly between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, allows Marylanders to donate a portion of their state tax refund to help restore the Bay and protect Maryland's native wildlife. To participate, Marylanders simply need to contribute funds in any dollar amount on Line 37 of the state tax form. These funds are tax deductible, and can range from one dollar to any amount of your choice.

"Each and every one of us benefits from the Chesapeake Bay, whether recreationally, economically or environmentally," said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. "Therefore, in this final week of tax filing, we encourage each Marylander to consider donating to the Bay Fund to help us preserve and protect the Chesapeake for future generations."

In 2006, more than $1.2 million was donated through the tax check-off, which helped to fund hundreds of Bay restoration projects and education programs throughout the state. For the 2007 tax filing cycle, Governor O'Malley, Comptroller Franchot and the Trust announced a lofty goal of raising $1.5 million to help the Bay and endangered species through this fund. While ambitious, Trust leadership is optimistic it can achieve the goal.

"In 2006, we saw the average contribution to the Bay Fund increase from $23 per contribution to $26 per return. While not everyone is able to up their donations each year, in this final week, we challenge Marylanders who have yet to file to make a contribution in any amount they can afford," said David O'Neill, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. "The Bay needs our help more than ever and small amounts do add up to make a big difference in restoring the Bay."

Launched in 1990, the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund is one of the most successful voluntary tax check-off programs of its kind in the nation. In 2006, more than 46,000 Maryland state income tax statements were returned with contributions to the fund. To make your donation, simply complete Line 37 on your Maryland state income tax form or ask your accountant. For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Trust, visit www.cbtrust.org, or for details on the Department of Natural Resource's Wildlife and Heritage Division, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife.

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CONTACT: Joe Shapiro, 410-260-7305
Molly Alton Mullins, 410.974.2941, Ext. 107