ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 29, 1998) -- Five water quality retrofit and restoration projects that will improve Baltimore County streams and estuaries will receive financial assistance thanks to Board of Public Works approval of grants totaling $466,750.

"When these projects are completed, sediment and erosion problems caused by stormwater runoff will be corrected," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "By reducing this source of pollution, water quality will improve in Baltimore County streams and estuaries and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay."

The five projects are:

• Gunpowder Falls Watershed

  $25,000 matching grant to improve streams and estuaries flowing into the watershed. Construction is expected to begin in February 1999 and completed in April 1999.

• Bird River

  $156,250 grant for water quality retrofit to streams and estuaries near the White Marsh business community. The project involves construction of a shallow marsh to treat stormwater runoff. Baltimore County is contributing $100,000 to the project which is expected to begin in August 1998 and be completed in November 1998.

• Middle River Shoreline

  $92,500 grant to stabilize and restore the Middle River shoreline near Dark Head Creek Park. Baltimore County is contributing $100,000. Construction is expected to begin in December 1998 and be completed the following March.

• Redhouse Run

  $143,000 grant to reduce streambank and channel erosion. Baltimore County is contributing $300,000. Construction is expected to begin in July 1999 and completed in October 1999.

• Middle River Watershed

  $50,000 grant for a stormwater retrofit project to improve stream and estuaries flowing into the watershed. Baltimore County is contributing $75,000. The project is expected to begin in December 1998 and be completed in March 1999.

"These projects are intended to reduce various pollutants and contaminants to rivers and streams, restore the natural stability of rivers and streams, restore and provide essential wildlife habitats, and provide numerous long term and far reaching environmental and sociological enhancements," said Baltimore County Delegate Joseph J. Minnick, Chairman of the Baltimore County House Delegation on behalf of fellow delegates John S. Arnick, Diane DeCarlo, Kenneth Holt, Katherine Klausmeier, Jacob J. Mohorovic, Jr., James F. Ports, Jr., Alfred W. Redmer, Jr., and Michael H. Weir.

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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