August 29th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) have announced $400,000 in federal funding for the Locust Grove Sewer Improvements project in Allegany County, Md. The funding, provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), will be used to install new sewage pumps and wells, as well as replace mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems at the Locust Grove pump station -- which after 40 years of operation has reached the end of its useful life. These improvements will allow the sewer system to increase capacity by 1 million gallons per day, reduce operating costs by $10,000 annually, and serve 769 business by installing new sewage pumps.

 

“Maryland’s success depends on modernizing our infrastructure, from our transportation networks to our sewage and water systems,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees. “This funding will help Allegany County better serve its current residents and businesses and will ensure the Country has the capacity for continued economic growth and expansion. I will keep working in Congress to secure future investments in infrastructure projects across our state.”

 

“Ensuring reliable, modernized water infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government. This much needed federal investment will safeguard families’ drinking water, protect our public waters including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in Allegany County, and reduce costs for local businesses,” said Senator Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee.

 

“To ensure the long-term growth of Western Maryland, we must invest in our infrastructure,” said Rep. David Trone, a supporter of the Appalachian Regional Commission and member of the New Democrat Coalition’s Infrastructure Task Force. “This grant will modernize our sewage and water systems and give communities safe, clean water for decades to come. I will continue to work in the House to support infrastructure improvements like this one for our district.”

 

Established in 1965, ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across Appalachia, according to ARC. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Trone advocated and secured significant funding for the program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019, including a $10 million increase from the Fiscal Year 2018 level. The President had previously attempted to zero out funding for the program.