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Felton Today
By the People, for the People
Pay-for-Success Projects Reduce Pollution in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Floodplain restoration, wetlands, and forested buffers implemented in York County as part of Conowingo Dam Watershed Plan
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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The Chesapeake Bay Program has highlighted several pay-for-success projects in York County, Pennsylvania that are helping to implement the Conowingo Dam Watershed Implementation Plan. These strategic investment approaches, including PennVEST's Clean Water Procurement Program and the Pay-for-Success Program, rely on pay-for-performance models where farmers and landowners are paid based on the amount of nutrients and sediment they are able to reduce through best management practices.
Why it matters
The Chesapeake Bay has long struggled with pollution issues, particularly from excess nutrients and sediment flowing into the watershed. These pay-for-success projects demonstrate an innovative approach to driving meaningful restoration outcomes by aligning financial incentives with environmental results. The success of these projects in York County could serve as a model for other parts of the Chesapeake Bay region.
The details
The pay-for-success projects have involved floodplain restoration, wetlands restoration, and the creation of forested stream buffers. At each site, decades of accumulated sediment was removed from the floodplains, followed by the planting of native trees and shrubs to create thriving habitats. The projects were implemented at the Sinking Springs Farm in Emigsville, the TNT Cattle Farm in Felton, and the Green Hill Farm in Peach Bottom.
- In late October, stakeholders hosted a tour of the three project sites in southern Pennsylvania.
- The projects were funded through the PennVEST Clean Water Procurement Program and the Pay-for-Success Program.
The players
Chesapeake Bay Program
A regional partnership that leads and directs Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection efforts.
PennVEST
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, which operates the Clean Water Procurement Program to fund water quality improvement projects.
Pay-for-Success Program
A pay-for-performance model where farmers and landowners are paid based on the amount of nutrients and sediment they are able to reduce through best management practices.
What’s next
The Chesapeake Bay Program plans to continue highlighting successful pay-for-success projects as part of the ongoing effort to implement the Conowingo Dam Watershed Implementation Plan and improve water quality in the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The takeaway
The pay-for-success model demonstrates how aligning financial incentives with environmental outcomes can drive meaningful progress in restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These projects in York County provide a template for other communities in the region to follow as they work to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.
