WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced a $2,822,000 loan and $963,000 grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program to upgrade and expand the Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant in Worcester County.
The Rural Development funding will be used to make crucial physical and technological upgrades to the Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was built in 1975 and fully acquired by Worcester County in 2004. According to county officials, the plant is currently in very poor condition, making it difficult to adequately treat wastewater. The plant’s deteriorating condition poses significant risks to the public health and environment of Worcester County and Atlantic Ocean coastal bays.
“Mystic Harbour’s aging water infrastructure system is part of a nationwide problem in which many communities have deteriorating water and sewer systems that require greater investment,” said Senator Cardin, who is Chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This funding will help safeguard the health of Marylanders and our fragile coastal areas.”
“I am proud to work in the U.S. Senate to build communities and create jobs. This federal investment to improve Mystic Harbor’s sewer system will do just that,” Senator Mikulski said. “Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can’t do it on their own, and rate payers shouldn’t have to bear the full burden. This grant is a double value for the taxpayer dollar, creating jobs while improving health and safety and helping this community grow.”
County officials expect the renovation project to involve essentially rebuilding the entire plant and to last approximately 18 months. In addition to significantly improving wastewater treatment, the project will also expand capacity at the plant to accommodate potential commercial growth in the area. The entire project is expected to cost $12,585,000.
###
