WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced $762,000 in federal grants and $3,954,000 in loans through the USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewater Disposal Program to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure in Allegany County. Additionally, $30,000 in federal grants through the USDA Rural Development Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) will be used to conduct preliminary tests to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure in Garrett County.
Senator Cardin is Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee. As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski funds USDA Rural Development programs. Together they understand the economic, environmental and quality of life benefits of investing in infrastructure.
“Investing in water infrastructure is the right thing to do for public health, for our environment and to save energy,” said Senator Cardin. “It also creates jobs. For every three jobs created by local water infrastructure projects, four jobs are created in the national economy. For every public dollar we invest in upgrading our water infrastructure, our GDP grows by more than $6. I will continue to fight to make sure communities in Maryland and across the country can enjoy the many benefits that come with upgrading water infrastructure.”
“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can’t do it on their own,” Senator Mikulski said. “Rural communities need a government on their side. These funds in the federal checkbook will create construction jobs today that will build a modernized infrastructure to keep communities healthy and safe in the future.”
The Allegany County Board of Commissioners will receive a $3,000,000 loan and a $732,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal program to replace the Wrights Crossing pump station. Currently, the station is in danger of failing and presents a public health risk to the community.
The Town of LaVale in Allegany County will receive a $954,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal program to install a new 275,000 gallon ground water tank. This tank will replace the town of LaVale’s 60-year-old, deteriorating tank. The funds will also be used to replace the galvanized lines surrounding the tank. In LaVale, 2,440 homes and businesses will benefit from this project.
The Town of Oakland in Garrett County will receive a $30,000 grant through the SEARCH program to help fund the cost of a Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Report to make improvements to the town’s water facilities.
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.
# # #
