ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 9, 2004) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $250,000 grant for the Town of Deer Park to operate its own water system.

“Deer Park residents currently receive water from private wells,” said Governor Ehrlich. “But often those wells have not been satisfactory in quality or quantity. New wells have been drilled and are essentially dry holes. This new water supply will provide safe and adequate potable water to the town, the most basic of services a government can assure.”

The project includes the construction of a raw water line, well pumps, treatment facility and distribution system to serve about 600. The water system is scheduled to begin serving citizens later this month.

“The residents of this rural Garrett County town have eagerly but patiently awaited public water service and will benefit greatly from its arrival,” said Garrett County Sanitary District Director Mark Tonkovich.

Total cost of the project is nearly $3 million. A U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development grant, a low-interest loan from the Maryland Department of the Environment, and other local contributions will round out funding for the work.

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