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 and loans will improve drinking water systems, save energy
BALTIMORE (March 10, 2021) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $3 million in grants and loans today to improve drinking water systems and conserve energy. 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 save energy in Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading drinking water systems in Rock Hall, Denton and the Cresaptown area of Allegany County all underscore the Hogan Administration’s commitment to water infrastructure and the public health and safety benefits that flow from it.”
The following projects were approved today:
Denton Water Main Replacements project – Caroline County
Funding of $1,186,702 – a $553,314 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant and a $633,388 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan – to the Town of Denton will help pay for the replacement of substandard portions of the water distribution system for the Town of Denton. The system experiences leakage and occasional service interruptions due to its age, deteriorated condition and outdated design. The upgraded system will have larger, corrosion-resistant PVC pipe without lead joints and will add isolation valves at key locations to improve water quality and facilitate maintenance work. The project also will involve the installation of fire hydrants and the replacement of service connections. This project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.
Rock Hall Water Meter System Upgrade project – Kent County
Funding of $997,272 – a $498,636 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant, a $249,318 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $249,318 grant in the form of forgiveness of a Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan – to the Town of Rock Hall will pay for the replacement of manually read water meters in the town’s distribution system with a new radio read meter system, which will allow wireless digital data collection and provide software to assist with billing. This system upgrade will improve the accuracy of meter reading, save time for employees and promote water and energy conservation. The project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.
Brant Road Waterline Replacement project – Allegany County
Funding of $897,640 – a $448,820 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $448,820 grant in the form of forgiveness of a Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan – to Allegany County will pay for the replacement of aging water lines along Brant Road and other areas of Cresaptown in Allegany County. The water lines have exceeded their useful life and are experiencing failures. The proposed improvements will provide residents with a safe drinking water supply, including fire protection. This project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.
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