Two Caroline County Communities Receive Combined $1.15 Million for Infrastructure Improvements

The projects are two of 13 across the state to be funded through the Community Development Block Grant program

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (September 13, 2023) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced that two communities in Caroline County have received a total of $1,150,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The federal grants, administered by DHCD, will be used to support infrastructure improvements.

The Town of Federalsburg was awarded $700,000 for engineering and design for the replacement of three sewer pump stations. The Town of Henderson will receive $450,000 for road improvements and storm management upgrades to three streets.

“The money provided from DHCD will provide funding for the design and engineering phase of our waste water treatment pump station replacement,” said Federalsburg Mayor Kimberly Abner. “Our pump stations date back to 1958 and have been limping along and are in need of being replaced before we have a catastrophic failure. Thank you again for helping get the much needed sewer pump stations replaced.”

“The Town of Henderson is so excited to have received this grant. Henderson is a very small community, and without help from state agencies, we would not be able to do the repairs needed for our community,” said Henderson Mayor Sandy Cook. “This grant will help us to provide safe roads for our residents and alleviate the flooding issues we have experienced.”

More than $5 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grants were awarded to 13 projects in eight counties across Maryland, including improvements to infrastructure and community facilities, as well as programs serving homeless persons, persons with disabilities, and low- to moderate-income individuals.

“Maryland’s local leaders have their finger on the pulse of their residents and communities, each with its unique needs,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “With the partnership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, we’re excited to be a part of helping promote affordable homeownership in Garrett County.”

The national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities. CDBG consists of two parts — the Entitlement Program, managed by HUD and providing federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities, and the States and Small Cities Program, providing federal funds to states which distribute assistance to more rural counties, cities and towns.

For a full list of awards, please visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/SFY24-CDBG-Awards.pdf.