ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 9, 2000) – The Maryland Board of Public Works today approved a $150,000 grant to Washington County for improvements to the Elkridge Water System that will provide the community with additional storage capacity during water emergencies.

"Every Marylander has a right to an abundant and safe supply of drinking water, and this grant will help make a big difference to the nearly 60 families who are served by the municipal water system," said Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who chaired today’s meeting.

At present, the community has two underground water storage tanks, which provide 6,000 gallons of total storage capacity in a community where the daily average use is 5,800 gallons. This project, which includes the installation of an additional storage tank, will provide a back-up water supply in case of drought or other emergency.

The total cost of the project is $175,000 of which $150,000 is provided by the grant approved today and $25,000 is the local share. The project will begin in early spring and completed in the fall.

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.

###​