WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $2,786,000 in grant funding and a loan of $720,000 to repair and expand several water treatment plants in the Town of Lonaconing, in Allegany County, Md.  The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant. 

Specifically, the funding will go toward rehabilitating and expanding the Gilmore and Koontz water treatment plants, upgrading the water line to the Pekin-Moscow service area, and repairing the reservoir to the Midland-Gilmore Dam. 

“Clean drinking water is non-negotiable. This strategic investment to modernize water systems in Western Maryland will keep residents safe, while benefitting the local economy,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.  “I will continue to fight for critical investments in water infrastructure across our state.”

“Upgrading and maintaining our water infrastructure is a public health necessity. Along with creating local jobs, these projects will help ensure that Allegany County families and businesses can count on clean and safe water in their communities. Investing now in Maryland’s infrastructure will benefit residents and regional economies for years to come, which is why we’ll continue fighting for these funds,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees.

“We have a responsibility to make sure every Western Marylander has access to clean water, period,” said Congressman David Trone. “This much-needed investment will bring us one step closer to that. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my Maryland colleagues to secure additional funding for Western Maryland’s water infrastructure.”

Lawmakers previously announced funding from the USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs to support water infrastructure projects in the Town of Westernport and the Cumberland Waste Water Station, also in Allegany County.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development supports economic development and social services in rural communities across America. Rural Development initiatives promote economic development by supporting essential services and infrastructure improvements.