Senate approves $2 million for Blackwater refuge

WASHINGTON – (AP) The U.S. Senate has approved $2 million to help acquire additional land for the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

The two sections of the refuge in Dorchester County on the Eastern Shore are separated by an area of unprotected land.

Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin made the announcement on Friday.

The Senate also has approved $1 million for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, which increases accessibility to the bay.