Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of the Environment

Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay

Media contact:

Jay Apperson

410-537-3003
jay.apperson@maryland.gov

Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay

Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve water quality, improve water infrastructure

BALTIMORE, MD (March 9, 2016) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $3.7 million in grants and loans today to reduce pollution and improve water quality and drinking water infrastructure. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“These are smart investments and great news for Maryland communities and citizens of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan for his leadership on this environmental priority,” said MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Improving drinking water systems and reducing nutrient pollution to our waterways will help us to green and grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”

 

The following projects were approved today:

Galena Wastewater Treatment Plant Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Kent County

Funding of $3,567,858 – a $1,847,832 Bay Restoration Fund grant and a $1,720,026 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Projects Biological Nutrient Removal grant — to the Town of Galena will help fund Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades at the 110,000 gallons per day Galena Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 90 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Sassafras River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

 

Barrelville Route 36 Water Distribution project – Allegany County

Funding of $200,000 – a $100,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $100,000 grant in the form of loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund – to Allegany County will help fund the Barrelville Route 36 Water Distribution project. The project entails the planning, design and construction of about 8,500 feet of water distribution lines to provide water service and fire protection to about 100 homes along Route 36 in the Barrelville area. The new water system will extend water service from the City of Frostburg’s Mt. Savage water system to the Barrelville community and will be operated and maintained by Allegany County.

# # #