Press Release

BALTIMORE, MD (April 21, 2010) - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $2.35 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and collection systems. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

"These projects significantly reduce nitrogen pollution and put people to work across the state," said Governor Martin O'Malley.

The following projects were approved in the following locations:

Williamsport Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Project – Washington County

This $150,000 grant from the Bay Restoration Fund, in addition to a previous Bay Restoration Fund Grant of $250,000, will fund the rehabilitation of a portion of the Williamsport area wastewater collection system, which serves the 1,868 residents of Williamsport. The work will include the repair and/or replacement of defective sewer lines and manholes. This project will reduce nutrient pollution in the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
Havre de Grace Infiltration and Inflow Reduction – Harford County

This $166,500 Sewer Rehabilitation Grant from the Bay Restoration Fund will improve the wastewater collection system including repair and/or replacement of defective sewer lines and manholes. When complete, the upgrades will reduce overflows and the resulting pollution. Please note: This grant/loan was approved today, not on March 24, 2010, as previously reported by MDE.
Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination – Evitts Creek – Allegany County

This $1.54 million Sewer Rehabilitation Grant from the Bay Restoration Fund, in addition to a previous grant of $2.3 million and a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will upgrade the existing pumping station and force main and carry wastewater from the Evitts Creek Sewer Basin to the Cumberland Wastewater Treatment Plant. Once complete, the upgrade will reduce the frequency and volume of combined sewer overflows and the resulting nutrient pollution to Evitts Creek and the Potomac River.
Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Improvements – Storage Facility – Allegany County

This $300,000 Supplemental Assistance Grant will fund the planning and design of a facility to store and treat combined sewer overflows before discharging into the Potomac River. This project is part of the larger Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Improvements Project, required by a Consent Decree.
Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Improvements – Cedar Street – Allegany County

This $200,000 Supplemental Assistance Grant, in addition to a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will fund the design and construction needed to upgrade the combined sewer overflow system and prevent backups in the Cedar Street area. This is part of the the larger Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Improvements project, required by a Consent Decree.

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