Press Release

June 25, 2013
Cardin, Mikulski Announce Federal Funding To Upgrade Sewage Infrastructure In Talbot County

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced a $5,975,000 loan from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program to the town of Easton to upgrade its existing septage treatment facility to meet the permit requirements and re-establish a grease treatment facility.

 

“This grant is a step in the right direction and what we need to be doing as a nation– investing in modernizing and updating our country’s aging water infrastructure. The sooner we stop ignoring the issue and start investing in America, the sooner we can see a decline in the number of burst pipes and leaking water mains. This project will provide well-paying jobs and improve the quality of life for the residents and business Talbot County,” said Senator Cardin.

 

“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure, but they can’t do it on their own,” Senator Mikulski said. “This federal investment in Talbot County’s wastewater plant is creating construction jobs today that will build an infrastructure to keep communities healthy and safe in the future.”

 

The Easton plant will build new holding tanks for the grease and septage systems to prevent overflow and contamination. New dumping stations with upgraded card readers and security cameras will increase worker safety, and a new grease handling building with odor controls and new chemical delivery system will create a healthier working environment.  Other upgrades include new pumping stations and piping, and two new trailer mounted grease dewatering filters.

The Rural Development grant program was created to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The program helps support essential services and infrastructure improvements, and promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools.

 

Senator Cardin is Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Senator Mikulski is Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. Together they understand the economic, environmental and quality of life benefits of investing in infrastructure. 

 

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