ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 10, 1999) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $500,000 grant increase today for the construction of a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at the Crisfield Wastewater Treatment Plant in Somerset County.

"We have an obligation to future generations to protect and preserve the ecosystems in our precious Chesapeake Bay," said Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. "By funding the Crisfield project and controlling nutrients we are moving aggressively to ensure that the water in our Bay and its tributaries is clean and healthy."

The project will receive a $500,000 grant increase to upgrade the existing one million gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant to reduce nitrogen discharge and achieve the state’s 40 percent nutrient reduction goals. The previous grant was for $1,526,000 and the project also received a $2,348,000 matching grant from Somerset County.

"The City of Crisfield is in concurrence with the importance of the BNR project for our wastewater treatment facility," said Crisfield Mayor Richard Scott. "We realize the need for the City to meet BNR requirements in order to protect the Chesapeake 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.

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