ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 28, 2001) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved today a more than $1.5 million grant for Harford County to continue with work to upgrade and expand the existing Havre De Grace Wastewater Treatment Plant.

"The funding approved today will allow the city of Havre De Grace to improve the quality of service provided to 19,000 customers while reducing the level of nutrients being released back into our Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries," said Governor Parris N. Glendening.

The project upgrade to Havre De Grace’s existing wastewater treatment plant includes the construction of a biological nutrient removal facility to improve the plant’s ability to remove nitrogen from treated water.

City officials are hoping the grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will assist in reducing the amount of nutrients being discharged into the Lower Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, in order to meet a baywide nutrient reduction goal of 40 percent.

Havre De Grace Mayor Phillip J. Barker applauded MDE’s Water Quality Infrastructure Program for its administration of the grant and loan program.

"A $3.2 million grant and equivalent loan for 20 years at 2.6 percent interest plus administrative fees will enable the city to add nitrogen and phosphorous removal capability to meet new requirements for reducing nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay," Barker said.

The total cost of the project is $6.8 million of which $3.6 million is the local jurisdiction’s share. MDE previously awarded the city of Havre De Grace a $845,910 grant for the project. Construction on the upgrade began Feb. 26 and is slated for completion by August, 2002.

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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