ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 24, 2004) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announces Board of Public Works approval of a $306,000 grant to the City of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County for improvements to a local stream that suffers from erosion.

“This project will help improve water quality in the Muddy Branch by reducing sediment and nutrient loading as a result of stormwater runoff,” Governor Ehrlich said.

The stormwater retrofit project entails design and construction of extended detention facilities, micro-pools and modification to existing structures. Embankments will be enhanced to provide some water quality treatment for the 2,000–acre urbanized drainage area that ultimately flows to the Potomac River. Once complete, the work will reduce peak stormwater discharges that have caused downstream erosion.

“The City of Gaithersburg is extremely pleased to receive state funding for our Brighton Weir retrofit project,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz. “The implementation of projects that restore and improve our watersheds is one of our key strategic directions. Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is part of our vision statement. The state’s participation helps us reach our goals.”

The total cost of the project is estimated at $600,000 of which $294,000 is the local jurisdiction’s share. Work on the weir is expected to begin in May and be complete this coming fall.

###​