ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 9, 2004) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $300,000 grant for upgrade of the wastewater plant that serves Smith Island in Somerset County.

“Approval of this project will eliminate a future plant failure and possible environmental disaster,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Installation of two new treatment systems made possible by this funding will also help lower operations and maintenance costs for the 400 Marylanders who are served by this facility.”

The project consists of the planning, design, construction and upgrade of the Tylerton and Rhodes Point Wastewater Treatment Plants, which are in a state of deterioration.

“The Smith Island project is necessary to continue to economically treat the island’s wastewater while protecting public health and benefiting the Chesapeake Bay,” said Somerset County Sanitary District Manager Robert Street Jr.

Total cost of the work is more than $2.6 million, the majority of which will be borne via a federal grant. Maryland previously granted $370,000 in the project from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Water Quality Infrastructure Program.

Design work began in 1999 and construction commenced last summer. Completion is expected in June, 2005.

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