August 10th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $595,000 in federal funds to support a water infrastructure project in the Town of Westernport in Allegany County, Md. The grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants.

“Modernizing our state’s water infrastructure is critical to protecting the health and safety of our citizens and strengthening our local economies. These federal funds will ensure the Town of Westernport will have access to clean drinking water and up-to-date waste management systems, while helping better prepare to withstand flooding. Team Maryland will continue to fight for these long-term investments to upgrade and improve water systems throughout the state,” said Senator Cardin.

“Protecting our water infrastructure is critical to public health and the safety of our citizens. By investing in these essential resources, we can create local jobs and ensure that Allegany County residents have access to clean drinking water and key flood control measures. We will keep working to bring federal investments to Maryland for the good of our infrastructure, local economies, and communities,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“For far too long, the infrastructure of Western Maryland has been neglected, impacting the health and safety of residents,” said Congressman David Trone. “This critical funding will help bring the Town of Westernport’s water infrastructure into the 21st century, expanding access to clean drinking water and modernizing the wastewater management system. I will continue working alongside my federal colleagues to secure additional investments in Western Maryland’s infrastructure.”

The federal funds will go toward re-lining the existing sanitary sewer collection along Lincoln Drive. The project will include repairing cracks, fractures and disconnections of the pipes.  This will ultimately eliminate surface water intrusion.  This water intrusion results in water contamination, further risking the health and safety of the community. 

The USDA Rural Development programs supports economic development and social services in rural communities across America. Rural Development initiatives promote economic development by supporting essential services and infrastructure improvements.