Dominion Pledges $250,000 to Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative

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Dominion Pledges $250,000 to Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative

                * Largest grant so far to important project
             * Goal to promote enhancement of marine ecosystems
     * Dominion challenges other conservation groups to give generously

    ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Dominion
Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion (NYSE: D) 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

SOURCE Dominion

http://www.dom.com/
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070223/CLF008
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203456.html/
CONTACT:
Dan Donovan of Dominion, +1-412-951-1080,
Daniel.Donovan@dom.com