ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 24, 2001) – Demonstrating the Glendening-Townsend Administration’s commitment to improving water services in rural communities, Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $332,500 grant to Allegany County to be used to construct approximately 12,000 linear feet of new water lines that will improve the quality of service and the quality of water for area residents.

“Improving the quality of life for Marylanders is one of our top priorities. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure that services of all kinds are delivered more efficiently and effectively,” Governor Parris N. Glendening said. “This funding will allow Allegany County to improve the quality of water and services to 80 homes that will be part of Consol’s new water supply.”

Residents in the Consol area currently receive drinking water from individual wells and springs, which often provide water that is poor in both quality and quantity. In addition, these homes are plagued by many problems common to those relying on wells and springs including, wells drying up and wells and springs located near septic systems. In areas that have been strip-mined with high ground water tables the iron content was so high that residents often refused to drink or do laundry with their water and had to pay high costs for alternatives such as a bottled water supply.

Construction of the Consol Water Supply System, which will connect to the city of Frostburg’s water system, will allow residents to receive high quality drinking water.

“Allegany County is pleased to receive finding assistance for the Consol water project,” said Dale R. Lewis, president of the Allegany County Board of Commissioners. “This water line project will provide fire protection and water service from the City of Frostburg. This project is a major step in fulfilling comprehensive plan for water services. Allegany County sincerely appreciates the on-going assistance in improving water supply throughout the county.”

The total cost of the project is $790,000. The grant approved today comes from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Water Quality Infrastructure Program. Construction on the Consol Water Supply System is expected to begin in June 2002 and be complete by March 2003.

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