U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin have announced $38.4 million in federal funding for the implementation of key water infrastructure projects in Maryland.
The funding, allocated through the U.S. EPAs Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), will go towards Maryland’s $297 million Intended Use Plan, reported TheBayNet.
The Intended Use Plan aims to upgrade wastewater treatment plants and storm water control measures throughout the state.
“This is a huge investment in Maryland’s efforts to upgrade our water infrastructure, protect public health, and reduce costs to consumers,” said Senator Van Hollen. “These funds will reduce water pollution and improve the efficiency of our water use...Maryland’s success depends on modernizing our infrastructure, from our transportation networks to our sewage and water systems.”
The CWSRF program provides low interest loans for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and other projects intended to improve water quality.
“Safe, reliable water infrastructure is of the utmost importance for communities throughout Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “From Talbot County to Baltimore City, these investments will improve the reliability of sewer systems, prevent pollution from reaching public waters including the Chesapeake Bay and protect against future flooding.”
According to the U.S. EPA, the projects eligible to receive loans under the Intended Use Plan are:
- $11.7 million to Talbot County for a sewer line extension project to serve more than 600 properties, many of which are currently served by failing septic systems that lead to wastewater discharges into waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay.
- $1.7 million to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to repair and replace sewer lines in Prince George’s County to help minimize and eliminate sewage overflows.
- $35.9 million to Baltimore City and $50.5 million to Baltimore County for upgrades to the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- $35 million to the Urban Stormwater Retrofit Program Public-Private Partnership in Prince George’s County to store or treat stormwater runoff to reduce pollutants from entering local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.