Dominion Pledges $250,000 to Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion will contribute $250,000 to Coastal Conservation Association Maryland (CCA Md) to support construction of artificial reefs in the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and is challenging other conservation organizations to give generously to the project.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000831/DLOGO )

The contribution makes Dominion the largest single supporter of the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative [MARI], which will utilize concrete rubble from the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, D.C., to build new reefs in the Chesapeake Bay. Funds provided by Dominion and other contributors will pay for transporting the material and depositing it in select areas of the bay.

"Dominion is honored to work with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, CCA Md and the more than 30 other MARI partners, such as the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Foundation, to provide this long-term enhancement to the health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Pamela F. Faggert, Dominion vice president and chief environmental officer. "This project is an excellent fit with Dominion's wide-ranging involvement in environmental stewardship."

"We hope that Dominion's contribution will encourage other businesses and organizations to join us in sponsoring this extremely important initiative," Faggert said. "The reefs will enhance marine ecosystems and pave the way for widespread restoration efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay to the benefit of seagrasses, oysters, crabs, sea ducks, and many other forms of marine life. The reefs will provide critical habitat that is desperately needed throughout the Chesapeake Bay."

The Senate and House co-chairs of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus made clear their support for MARI and welcomed Dominion's generosity.

Maryland Senator John Astle said: "The caucus salutes Dominion for its foresight in partnering with 30-plus conservation organizations in helping make the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative a reality. Dominion is leading by example."

Maryland Delegate Richard B. Weldon, Jr. said: "Never in all my years have I witnessed such a groundswell of support for such a single environment- friendly project. This is why MARI has become the signature initiative of the Sportsmen's Caucus for the 2007 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Thank you, Dominion."

Funding for the award comes from the Dominion Foundation, which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by Dominion companies. The Foundation donates more than $10 million annually to non-profit organizations.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves retail energy customers in 11 states and operates the Dominion Cove Point liquefied natural gas facility in southern Maryland. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com/.

Contacts:

Media: Dan Donovan, 412-951-1080, Daniel.Donovan@dom.com