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Maryland Department of the Environment

Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Safe and Reliable Drinking Water

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jay Apperson

410-537-3003

jay.apperson@maryland.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS APPROVES FUNDING FOR SAFE AND RELIABLE DRINKING WATER
Grants will help provide public water system to Morris Mill area of Wicomico County, promote water conservation in Calvert County

Annapolis, MD (November 12, 2014) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $3.7 million in funding today for a project that will provide drinking water to a community with contaminated groundwater and another that will help to conserve water. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Safe and reliable drinking water is vital to our public health and to the economy in Maryland,” said Governor O’Malley. “These types of projects protect the environment and public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders.”

 

The following funding was approved today:

Fruitland Water Tower and Morris Mill Urban Water Service District project – Wicomico County

A $3,000,000 Water Supply Financial Assistance Program grant will help fund the Fruitland Water Tower and Morris Mill Urban Water Service District project. The project entails the design and construction of a new water tower, water distribution system and other equipment for the Morris Mill Water Service District. Individual wells in the Morris Mill area are experiencing groundwater contamination by trichloroethylene (TCE), with several wells exceeding the U.s Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level. This project will provide public potable water and fire protection from the City of Fruitland’s Water Treatment Plant to approximately 272 parcels in the Morris Mill area.

 

Beaches Water Meter Installation project – Calvert County

Funding of $759,426 (a $379,713 grant in the form of loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund and a $379,713 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan) will help fund the Beaches Water Meter Installation project. The project entails the installation of new water meters throughout the Beaches Water Company service area in Calvert County to promote water conservation, accurately track water losses, increase efficiency and minimize leakage.

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