WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that Kent County Board of County Commissioners has been awarded a $326,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant to upgrade the water treatment plant for the Village of Worton.
 

“These Rural Development funds are invaluable in helping the community protect the environment and improve the quality of life for residents,” said
Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works.
  “I will continue to champion the needs of communities across Maryland as we work to improve the environment.”

“Maryland cities and towns need to do the right thing for the environment by upgrading their water and sewer infrastructure – but they can't do it on their own. This funding will help the Village of Worton continue to grow in an environmentally responsible way,” said
Senator Mikulski. “I will continue to fight to put funds in the federal checkbook to create jobs, build communities and take care of our environment.”

In addition to this grant, the Kent County Commissioners will receive a $338,000 loan from the USDA.
  They have previously received grants totaling $1,965,360 and loans totaling $4,693,000 in Fiscal Years 2007 and 2008 for this project.
  The combined funds will be used to upgrade the existing water treatment plant, and install a new well and new water tank.
  The water treatment plant serves about 445 people in the rural Village of Worton.
   

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.