ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 17, 2006) –Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. announced today Board of Public Works approval of $250,000 for a LaVale Sanitary Commission water line replacement project in Allegany County. The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

“Safe, abundant water is essential to the life and health of Marylanders ” said Governor Ehrlich. “The state takes pride in doing what we can to meet the needs of this community’s water distribution system.”

This project consists of a installing a new 12-inch water line to facilitate the abandonment of numerous unmapped, old existing small lines currently serving customers along the Route 40 corridor. Additionally segments of water mains will be installed throughout the project area to improve hydraulic service to users. The LaVale Sanitary Commission regularly experiences a 30 to 35 percent water loss in Zone 1, which amounts to over 35,000 gallons per day of treated water. This project will correct the leakage issues, which cost LaVale approximately $70,000 per year. Approximately 2,500 residents will be better served with the completion of the project.

“The LaVale Sanitary Commission is grateful to the Maryland Department of the Environment for providing an additional $250,000 in grant funding to rehabilitate the Route 40 water distribution system for the majority of LaVale, Maryland,” said LaVale Sanitary Commission Secretary-Treasurer David S. Wendt. “The funding will allow the Commission to provide many of the LaVale residents with a much more reliable water distribution system.”

The total cost of the project is $3.6 million of which the local share is $3.1 million financed through low interest State Revolving Fund loans administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The Board previously approved a state grant of $250,000. Construction is expected to begin in May and the project has an estimated October 2006 completion date.

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