ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 12, 2001) – Governor Parris N. Glendening announced approval by the Board of Public Works of up to $10.5 million to help the City of Cambridge update its sewer and stormwater management systems and reduce the level of nutrients present in water entering the Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay.

"Not only are these projects consistent with our Smart Growth policies, but they also help us to provide cleaner water to the residents of Cambridge and move us closer to meeting the nutrient management goals spelled out by the Chesapeake Bay Agreement," said Governor Glendening. "Maintaining the health of Maryland families, the condition of the Chesapeake Bay, and our overall quality of life continue to be among our top priorities."

The Board approved a $9 million loan from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Maryland Water Quality Revolving Fund to plan, design and construct a biological nutrient removal facility at Cambridge’s wastewater treatment plant, which now handles 8.1 million gallons per day. An initial $1.5 million was approved for a new sanitary sewer and storm drains for the city. Additional grant funding of more than $6.5 million from other sources was previously secured for the projects. The city will repay the loan, via bond, over a period not to exceed 20 years following completion of the project.

The city of Cambridge currently combines its stormwater and sanitary sewer functions. In times of heavy precipitation the system overflows into local waterways, causing a potential health hazard and dumping excessive nutrients into the water. Excess nutrients lead to degraded water quality, which negatively affects the ecology of the Bay and its tributaries.

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.

###​