The Chesapeake Bay Program says grants announced Wednesday will support 55 projects to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment runoff. Matching funds to be provided by grant recipients mean a total of $27 million will be going toward the projects.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that spur algae blooms, which cloud water and lower oxygen levels. Sediment clouds water and can bury grass beds and oyster reefs.

The grants include $400,000 to the University of Maryland to reduce fertilizer runoff from lawns and improve soil conditions. A $600,000 grant to Water Stewardship Inc. will be used to reduce nutrient pollution on Virginia farms.

Read the complete story in The Washington Post