Wittman Secures Funding for Winter Harbor Dredging

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) delivered $2 million for Winter Harbor Dredging in Mathews County. The funds were passed by the House and signed into law on January 23, 2026, as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.

"As an avid outdoorsman, I've seen firsthand how well-maintained waterways support both access and conservation, which is why I am pleased that my $2 million CPF request for Winter Harbor Dredging was signed into law," said Rep. Wittman. "This funding will allow Mathews County to dredge the harbor - making it navigable, safe, and healthy once again."

Winter Harbor has not been dredged since 2009-2010, and it has experienced severe shoaling over the last 15 years. The funding for this dredging project is critical to reestablishing navigable depths in Winter Harbor, which will allow recreational and commercial vessels who use its working waterfronts and many piers, marinas, and boat ramps to have access to safe waters that lead to the Chesapeake Bay.

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district's needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects-rather than leaving those decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington who lack a direct connection to the community. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits, reinforcing Congress's control over the power of the purse. Rather than allowing that money to fund projects in different states, Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.