WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) has awarded a total of $4.334 million in grants and loans to Worcester and Dorchester Counties for water and waste disposal projects and pre-development planning purposes.
“Investing in our water infrastructure is the right thing to do. For each public dollar we put into water infrastructure, we see an increase in private long-term GDP output by more than $6,” said Senator Cardin author of S. 741, The Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act. “Having modern and reliable water infrastructure protects public health, conserves natural resources and saves energy. The people of Worcester and Dorchester Counties deserve the public health benefits and economic growth that come with having up to date waste water systems. “
“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can’t do it on their own,” Senator Mikulski said. “These funds in the federal checkbook will allow our rural communities in Worcester and Dorchester counties to update critical infrastructure. By investing our water infrastructure, we are investing in the health and safety of Maryland families and businesses.”
Worcester County Commissioners received a $750,000 grant and a $2.45 million loan to provide funding for the construction of a pipeline at the Eagles Landing Golf Course, located south of the Mystic Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant, and a reconstruction of the golf course irrigation system.
Pocomoke City received a $24,000 Pre-Development Planning Grant (PPG) that will fund the preliminary engineering and environmental reports necessary to begin rehabilitating the Primary Pump Station, which dates back to 1968.
In Dorchester County, the Town of Hurlock was awarded a $1.11 million water and waste disposal loan. The loan will be used to replace the water mains on Main Street and Academy Street from Delaware Avenue to Mapleton Street, alleviating a health and sanitary issue.
The USDA 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.
###
