ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 26, 1998) -- A project to replace old terra cotta sewer pipes with new polyvinyl chloride pipes in the Town of Ridgely in Caroline County received a financial boost Wednesday thanks to Board of Public Works approval of a $200,000 grant.

"By replacing these old clay pipes, we can halt the infiltration of excessive water from heavy rain into the sewer system that puts the Ridgely wastewater treatment plant at risk of being overwhelmed by an excessive flow of sewage," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "This will ensure that public health and the environment are protected."

In addition to the State grant, the county is contributing $70,000. Construction will begin September 1998 and will be completed in March 1999.

"The Commissioners of Ridgely, in cooperation with Governor Glendening and the State of Maryland, are committed and dedicated to efforts to restore and protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries," said Jere W. Wallace, president of the Commissioners of Ridgely. This capital project, made possible by $200,000 in funding provided by the State, will eliminate a significant amount of infiltration into the town's wastewater treatment system."

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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