ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 7, 2006) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. announced Board of Public Works approval today of $2.1 million to replace antiquated water main lines. Today's actions are in the form of a grant of $1.2 million from the State Revolving Loan Fund and $900,000 from the State Drinking Water Supply Financial Assistance Program. The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

“It is critical to assure that communities like Lonaconing protect replace faulty water mains to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The state needs to assure its citizens that their drinking water quality is safe.”

The project involves the replacement of antiquated water mains within the Lonaconing water service area to improve the drinking water quality by eliminating cross connections, backflow conditions and the potential for bacterial contamination.

“Without the help and assistance from the Maryland Department of the Environment, Lonaconing would never be able to complete our water projects,” said Mayor John W. Coburn, Jr. “We would like to thank all the people involved in obtaining this grant for Lonaconing.”

The total estimated project cost is $5.7 million. Construction is expected to start June of this year, with a construction completion date of June 2008.

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