ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 23, 2002) – Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $225,000 grant for Howard County to complete a bowl storm water pond restoration project in Columbia.

“We are taking action to protect our precious natural resources before they are lost forever,” said Governor Parris N. Glendening. “This funding will help the County’s Department of Public Works better control the amount of runoff entering the storm water pond. As Maryland’s task of restoring and preserving the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries becomes more challenging, it is even more crucial for State government to help counties correct potential problems before an environmental issue develops.”

In addition to designing and retrofitting the existing pond to meet current requirements for all state storm water management ponds, the project will include construction of a shallow marsh at the entrance of the pond that will treat runoff from 66 acres of developed area that flows into the pond.

The project – funded in part by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – is located northeast of Columbia Pike and Broken Land Parkway and will assist with improving water quality to the Little Patuxent River.

“Howard County is pleased to have received an offer of financial assistance from MDE for construction of the Bowl Pond Project,” County Executive James N. Robey said. “This project will further the goal of improving water quality and aquatic habitat in Howard County’s streams and reducing the contribution of sediment and nutrients to the Chesapeake Bay.” The total cost of the project is $350,000 of which $43,750 is the local share. Construction on the upgrade is slated to begin this fall, in October, and has a January 2003 completion date.

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