ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 20, 1999) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $500,000 grant increase last Wednesday for the construction of a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at the Northeast River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cecil County.

"We have an obligation to future generations to protect and preserve the ecosystems in our precious Chesapeake Bay," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "By funding the Northeast River project, 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 two 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 $400,000 and received a $900,000 matching grant from Cecil County and an additional loan of $900,000 from the State Revolving Loan Fund.

"This project will play an important role in protecting the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and streams, and will mean a better quality of life for those families living near this facility," said Oakley A. Sumpter Jr., president of the Cecil County Board of Commissioners.

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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