ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 13, 2005) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. announced today’s Board of Public Works approval of a $640,000 grant to Washington County to replace sewer lines and manholes in the Halfway area. The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

“In order to safeguard public health and the environment projects like these are critical to government’s mission,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Having key infrastructure is essential to every citizen’s quality of life.”

The proposed project entails repair and/or replacement of defective sewer lines and manholes in Halfway, just southwest of Hagerstown. The existing sewer system has deteriorated to a point where inflow and infiltration from runoff are entering the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant. Reduction of inflow and infiltration will improve the plant’s treatment processes.

“This project will remove and replace existing clay and concrete pipe which has deteriorated or collapsed,” said Gary W. Rohrer, director of Washington County’s Division of Public Works. “This project will improve the operating efficiency of the collection system and assist overall capacity management at our facilities.”

Total cost of the project is $913,000, of which $273,000 is the county’s share. Designs are expected to be complete this summer with construction beginning shortly thereafter. The work is expected to be complete by August 2006

###​