Swimmable, Fishable Inner Harbor?

Articles in the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Business Journal came out today on a $221 Million effort to clean up the inner harbor, and I'm excited.  While the picture above is corny and a little unrealistic (fishing isn't even allowed there),  I really think that an improvement in water quality will spark a nice boom in Baltimore.  Surrounding housing prices will climb, slip rates will move up for the marinas (boat bottoms get dirty here more quickly than in the county), sailing programs we have will boom, and kayak rentals will probably go crazy.  In addition to making the harbor better, the changes being enacted will work to improve the entire watershed (which is the entire city).  Vacant lots and unused paved areas will be addressed throughout the city, creating new green spaces that can be used by all residents.

Part of the process has already started.  Trash collection along the Jones Falls, Floating wetlands, and rain gardens have already started popping up.  Here's to more progress and some results!

Floating Wetland in place, May 2011