ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 3, 2001) -- The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $145,000 grant for Wicomico County yesterday to continue work to upgrade and expand the existing Pittsville Water Treatment Plant.

"The funding approved today will allow the city of Pittsville on Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore to improve the quality of water being used by customers," said Governor Parris. N. Glendening.

The project upgrade to Pittsville’s existing water treatment plant includes the construction of a new clarifier to improve the plant’s ability to remove iron from treated water. The town’s raw water supply currently contains high concentrations of iron because the existing water treatment system is unable to completely remove the iron during times of peak water demands.

City officials welcome the addition of a new clarifier, which will give the system the necessary iron treatment capacity eventually lowering iron concentrations.

"By granting this transfer, we can allow the water treatment clarifier project to proceed and ensure that our residents, business owners and schools have safe, clean drinking water," Pittsville Commissioner President David A. Fitzgerald said.

The total cost of the project is $550,000 of which $100,300 is the local share. The Maryland Department of the Environment previously awarded the city of Pittsville a $305,000 grant for the project. Construction on the upgrade began in April and is slated for completion by October.

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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