ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 17, 2006) –Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced today Board of Public Works approval of a $250,000 grant through the Supplemental Assistance program, and a new loan of up to $250,000 from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund for the Memorial Drive Sewer Extension and Pump Station project, and with 100 percent principal forgiveness of up to $214,00 for the Memorial Drive Water Extension project in the Garrett County Town of Oakland. The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

“Safe, drinking water and updated sewage management is essential to the life and health of Marylanders,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The state takes pride in keeping up with the evolving infrastructure and needs of this community’s sewer system.”

The project entails construction of a sewer extension in the Memorial Drive area to address failing on-site septic systems and wells. Over 70 residents will be better served with the completion of the project. The town will also receive loan forgiveness as a Disadvantaged Community under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

“This project is extremely important to the residents of our area,” said Oakland Mayor Asa M. McCain. “We are grateful for the state’s assistance in grants for this project, as our residents could not possibly pay the total cost for this extension. The financial assistance provided by the state is vital for this urgent infrastructure project.”

The approval of these funds is essential to providing public water, protecting public health and promoting economic development of the town. The total cost of the sewer project is $500,000 financed through a combination of the grant and low interest State Revolving Fund loans, both administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund with principal forgiveness in this action supplements the Water Supply Program’s previous approval of $15,000 in Sept., 2005. Construction began in Aug., 2005 with an estimated May, 2006 completion date.

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