ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 21, 2001) – The Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kent County will be protected from stormwater flooding thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), which was approved today by the Board of Public Works.

"Safeguarding our citizens is perhaps one of the most essential duties of government, and one we take very seriously," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "This funding lays the foundation to a better quality of life for this treatment plant that has been continually plagued by flooding."

Problems at the Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant began in September 1999, when heavy rainfall from Hurricane Floyd left the plant completely underwater and inoperable for five days. The flooding also prompted about 350,000 gallons of raw sewage to be discharged into the Chester River.

MDE’s grant will fund the majority of the project to make the facility flood-proof with the installation of a Biolac system to prevent another catastrophic sewage spill. The project also includes the expansion of the plant’s capacity to process wastewater from 70,000 to 100,000 gallons per day and the rehabilitation of the existing collection system.

"The town of Millington would like to thank MDE for the $1.6 million grant that it has received," Millington Mayor R. Dennis Hager said. "This money will be utilized to upgrade the plant and to help flood-proof it. In addition, we will be able to provide better services to the residents of the town. Lastly, the grant will help restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries."

The total cost of the project is $2 million, $400,000 of which is the local jurisdiction’s share. Construction is expected to begin Nov. 30 and be completed by Sept. 30, 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.

MDE's primary mission is to protect and restore the quality of Maryland's air, water, and land resources. The department works to ensure achievement of the state's environmental goals while fostering economic development, safe communities, and environmental education.

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