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

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

Grants will reduce pollution and energy consumption, improve water quality

BALTIMORE (Jan. 27, 2021) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $4.6 million in grants today to reduce pollution, save energy and improve water quality. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“These are smart investments to protect public health and the environment while saving money and energy in Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Reducing pollution from septic systems across Maryland and employing renewable energy at the Fruitland Water Treatment Plant will help us to grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”

The following projects were approved today:

Upgrade Septic Systems – Statewide

Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $4,080,000 will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems and make sewer connections to significantly reduce the discharge of nitrogen, one of the most serious pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s coastal bays. Counties will focus on upgrading septic systems located within the critical area. Seventeen Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.

Fruitland Water Treatment Plant solar panel project – Wicomico County

A $522,279 Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the City of Fruitland will help fund the construction of a solar panel system to generate renewable energy for the operation of the Fruitland Water Treatment Plant. The project will reduce electrical costs, and it is consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act’s statewide goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.



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