County gets grant for sewer, water projects

April 15, 2005

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved grants totaling more than $1 million for two water and sewer projects in Washington County.

Gov. Robert Ehrlich announced approval of a $640,000 grant to Washington County to replace sewer lines and manholes in the Halfway area.

"In order to safeguard public health and the environment, projects like these are critical to government's mission," Ehrlich said in a prepared statement. "Having key infrastructure is essential to every citizen's quality of life."

The proposed project entails repair or replacement of defective sewer lines and manholes in Halfway.

"This project will remove and replace existing clay and concrete pipe which has deteriorated or collapsed," said Gary W. Rohrer, director of Washington County's Division of Public Works. "This project will improve the operating efficiency of the collection system and assist overall capacity management at our facilities."

Total cost of the project is $913,000, of which $273,000 is the county's share. Designs are expected to be complete this summer with construction beginning shortly thereafter. The work is expected to be complete by August 2006.

Ehrlich also announced approval of a $380,000 grant to assist in the installation of a water distribution system in the Pen Mar area.

"This project cuts to the very core of basic governmental services," Ehrlich said. "It provides safe and adequate drinking water to an area currently served by wells and cisterns, improving the quality of life for those living there."

A new water distribution system, including construction of an 8-inch transmission line, a 100,000 gallon storage tank and distribution lines, will serve approximately 80 customers.

Total cost of the system will be more than $2.9 million, of which $501,000 is the local share. The remainder is to be paid for with future state funding and a federal contribution, according to the Department of the Environment.

Construction is expected to begin in August with the project reaching completion in April 2006.

The Board of Public Works includes Ehrlich, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller William D. Schaefer.

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