Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
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Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve drinking water reliability, save energy
Baltimore, MD (October 4, 2017) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $54 million in grants and loans today to reduce pollution, improve drinking water reliability and save energy. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford represented Governor Hogan at today’s meeting.
“These are smart investments to protect public health and the environment while saving money and energy in Maryland communities. The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan and Lieutenant Governor Rutherford for their leadership on these priorities,” said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles. “Energy efficiency saves money and, along with the use of renewable energy, helps the Chesapeake Bay by reducing nitrogen pollution. Public-private partnerships for clean water projects in Prince George’s County and reliable drinking water in Harford County 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:
Urban Stormwater Retrofit Public-Private Partnership project – Prince George’s County
Funding of $48 million – a $46.5 million Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $1.5 million grant in the form of loan forgiveness from that fund – to Prince George’s County will be used for the Urban Stormwater Retrofit Public-Private Partnership project. The project entails the planning, design and construction of an array of structural stormwater treatment options, from small rain gardens to large projects such as stormwater pond retrofits and green streets. The projects are designed to store or treat stormwater runoff to reduce water pollution and improve water quality as required by the county’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharge permit and the Chesapeake Bay restoration blueprint. The projects are also designed to reduce flooding.
Winters Run Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements project – Harford County
A $3,843,932 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan to Maryland-American Water Company will fund the Winters Run Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements project. The project includes the replacement of deteriorated source water intake structures, pumping station and other improvements at the Winters Run Water Treatment Plant, which serves the Town of Bel Air. The improvements will help ensure the consistent operation of the plant and address the water capacity issues as required by a 2015 Department of the Environment consent order.
Boonsboro Wastewater Treatment Plan Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade Bay Restoration Fund Reimbursement – Washington County
A $2 million Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Boonsboro will be used towards the town’s repayment of debt for an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade to its wastewater treatment plan in 2009. A law passed in the 2017 Maryland General Assembly session allows the Department of the Environment to award a grant to a municipality that upgraded a wastewater treatment plant to ENR levels before July 1, 2013, if the municipality did not receive a grant for the upgrade.
Sharptown Water Treatment Plant Solar Modifications project – Wicomico County
A $379,568 Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the Town of Sharptown will help fund the Sharptown Water Treatment Plant Solar Modifications project. The project includes the construction of a solar panel system to generate renewable energy for the plant’s operation.
Pittsville Water System Pressure Reduction project – Wicomico County
A $209,496 Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the Town of Pittsville will help fund the Pittsville Water System Pressure Reduction project. The project includes the installation of a pressure-reducing valve on the primary water main and other improvements to the water distribution system. The project is designed to conserve water and save energy.
Galena Water System Generator project – Kent County
An $18,870 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant to the Town of Galena will help fund the Galena Water System Generator project. The project includes the replacement of a failed emergency generator serving the town’s water system. A new generator will ensure that the water treatment plan can continue to function and the town’s water tanks can be filled during a power outage. Because the town currently has no backup power, residents are vulnerable to loss of water service during a power outage.
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