ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 2, 2005) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced approval of more than $200,000 in two grants by the Board of Public Works to assist Montgomery County in refurbishing a local stream and better manage storm water. The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

A grant for $176,000 will fund the Joseph’s Branch stream restoration project along Spruell Drive in Garrett Park.
“Ultimately this project will improve water quality, increase habitat opportunities and reduce impairments from sediment, nutrients and trash that impact the Rock Creek watershed,” Governor Ehrlich said.

The project entail constructing rip-rap, tree and shrub plantings, and use of bioengineering techniques to stabilize eroding banks to enhance riparian conditions, protect utility infrastructure and reduce downstream sedimentation to Joseph’s Branch that flows to Rock Creek and the Patuxent River.

The total cost of the project is $352,000, of which half is the local share. Construction is expected to begin by year’s end and be complete in June 2006.

The second grant for $91,000 will retrofit the Olney Oaks storm water pond. The project proposes construction modifications to the pond’s riser to increase the detention time to meet state Channel Protection Volume requirements—which controls the amount of runoff generated by development. The drainage area to the pond is 397 acres.

“As a result, uncontrolled runoff from this massive residential area will now have additional water quality treatment and downstream portions will have greater stream bank stability while improving wildlife habitat and having other aesthetic benefits,” the Governor said.

The total cost of the project is $120,780. The local share of the project is $29,780. Construction is intended to begin April 2006 and be complete about three months later.

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