ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 23, 2007) – The Maryland Board of Public Works today approved $470,000 in grants for two projects in Caroline County. The Board is comprised of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

Federalsburg WWTP BNR/ENR Improvements

The Town of Federalsburg received a State Supplemental Grant of $170,000 for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) improvements to the Federalsburg Wastewater treatment plant. The project involves planning, design and construction for the Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing 0.75 million gallons per day (mgd) Federalsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). These improvements will reduce nutrients discharged to the Marshyhope River and the Chesapeake Bay

“Upgrading wastewater treatment plants is critical to achieving nutrient reductions discharged into the Chesapeake Bay,” said Shari T. Wilson, secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). “We serve Marylanders to protect and restore the state’s natural resources. These grants are significant in expediting the technological advancements in reducing nutrient flow to the Bay.”

Nutrient removal at the Federalsburg WWTP is essential for the success of Marylands effort to achieve a 40% reduction in the amount of nutrients discharged to the Chesapeake Bay and to meet its commitments under the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement. Construction is expected to begin in August, 2007, and the project has an estimated January, 2009, completion date.

Jonestown/Nelpine Heights Water System

The County Commissioners of Caroline County received a $300,000 Water Supply Financial Assistance Grant for the construction of a water supply system including well, treatment and distribution components to provide safe drinking water to the residents. The water system will serve 250 residents

“We have an obligation to insure high quality drinking water is provided to the residents,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “The State takes pride in keeping up with the evolving infrastructure and needs of community’s drinking water system to protect human health.”

This project is necessary to provide safe and adequate drinking water to those living and working in the Jonestown and Nelpine Heights areas of Caroline County. The proposed water project will allow for the closure of the existing dilapidated well in the Jonestown neighborhood. Construction is expected to begin in June 2008, and the project has an estimated December 2008, completion date.

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