June 29th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced their direct federal funding requests for Maryland community projects under the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee for fiscal year 2023. The Senators worked with local community leaders to identify these projects, which will support the modernization of water infrastructure systems, watershed restoration, and growth of tourism through historic preservation, among other initiatives.

Here is a list of local projects:    

Project Name: Allegany County for Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades

Applicant: Allegany County

Description: The Barton Business Park Wastewater facility has a current capacity of 50,000 gallons per day. By increasing capacity, the system would be able to attract new businesses and support increased economic development. Federal funds would help increase capacity by 500%.

Project Location: Cumberland, MD

Amount Requested: $9,600,000

 

Project Name: Garrett County for Mt. Lake Park/Loch Lynn Water Distribution Rehabilitation

Applicant: Garrett County

Description: The water supply and distribution systems for the Towns of Mountain Lake Park and Loch Lynn Heights date back to 1900 and were expanded over the years without adequate planning or standardization. As a result, over 40% of the water supply is lost due to leaks in the system. Federal funds will support a design of a new, more efficient system.

Project Location: Loch Lynn Heights, MD

Amount Requested: $640,000

 

 

 

Project Name: Town of Boonsboro for Drinking Water Distribution System Upgrades and Lead Pipe Replacement

Applicant: Town of Boonsboro

Description: Approximately 5,000 linear feet of the Town of Boonsboro’s water distribution system is made of cast iron pipe and sealed with oakum and lead packing in line with outdated industry practices. Boonsboro is also experiencing water leaks in high-water pressure areas of the water system. Federal funds would be used to replace the cast iron pipe and upgrade other areas of the distribution system to prevent leaks.

Project Location: Boonsboro, MD

Amount Requested: $2,400,000

 

 

Project Name: Town of Grantsville for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Applicant: Town of Grantsville

Description: The Town of Grantsville’s sewer system serves the Town and three systems owned and operated by Garrett County Public Utilities. The existing treatment process is unable to consistently meet the ammonia requirement and funding will go towards upgrading Enhanced Nutrient Removal treatment and technologies and meeting the existing Consent Order from MDE.

Project Location: Grantsville, Maryland

Amount Requested: $9,153,000

 

Project Name: Town of Hancock for Collection System Improvements

Applicant: Town of Hancock

Description: The Town's collection system was originally constructed in the 1930s and consisted of terra cotta sewer lines, ductile iron force mains, and brick manholes, which is now deteriorating, leading to overflows into the C&O Canal and Western Maryland Rail Trail, and sewage entering the groundwater. Funds will support the rehabilitation of the collection system to replace sewer lines and brick manholes and disconnect storm sewer lines from the sanitary sewer.

Project Location: Hancock, Maryland

Amount Requested: $13,057,000

 

Project Name: Town of Luke for Sewer Collection System Upgrades

Applicant: Town of Luke

Description: The Town of Luke’s sewer collection system was constructed by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company (Mill) and does not comply with acceptable design standards, including separation from water mains. Funds will address health and safety concerns and eliminate backups and discharges of raw sewerage within the Town limits.

Project Location: Luke, Maryland

Amount Requested: $1,500,000