ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 27, 1999) – A project to retrofit a stormwater management pond located near Victory Farms Drive in the City of Gaithersburg today received Board of Public Works approval of a $191,200 grant. The grant will allow Gaithersburg to correct stormwater management problems from an area that was developed before the existence of State stormwater regulations.

"This pond controls stormwater runoff from 470 acres of developed land in the Gaithersburg area," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "This corrective action will reduce nutrient and sediment pollution that enters Whetstone Run, a tributary of the Great Seneca Creek and will benefit the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. This improvement in an existing developed area is in keeping with our Smart Growth initiatives to target funding to existing developed areas."

In addition to the State grant, the City of Gaithersburg is contributing $130,644. Construction is expected to begin in July 1999 and be completed in April 2000.

"The City of Gaithersburg is pleased to receive State funding for our stormwater pond retrofit project,’ said Sidney Katz, mayor of Gaithersburg. "The State’s contribution helps us reach our goals and clearly demonstrates that the State shares our vision and recognizes the importance of the project."

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaffer 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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