ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 15, 2007) –Governor Martin O’Malley announced yesterday Board of Public Works approval of a nearly $210,000 state grant for the Highfield and Sharpsburg water storage tanks in Washington County. The Board is comprised of Governor O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Safe, abundant water is essential to the life and health of Marylanders” said Acting Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “The state takes pride in doing what we can to meet the needs of this community’s water distribution system.”

The proposed project entails rehabilitation of the Highfield Water Tower serving the Highfield Water System and the Sharpsburg Water Tower that serves the Sharpsburg Water System to address deteriorating conditions caused by the age of equipment and appurtenances. The water storage towers have been in deteriorating conditions caused by the age of the equipment and appurtenances. The project will improve the integrity of the water supply systems.

“The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is pleased that with the assistance of grant funding from the Maryland Department of the Environment the County will be completing rehabilitation of the Highfield and Sharpsburg water storage tanks,” said Washington County Division of Public Works Director Gary W. Rohrer, P.E. “Rehabilitation of these facilities demonstrate the County commitment to maintaining high quality and reliable water systems to serve its customers.”

The total cost of the project is $515,000. Construction is planed to begin in March 2007 and the project has an estimated October 2007 completion date.

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