DOVER, Del., Oct. 9, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced last week that USDA is investing in 116 projects across the nation to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural and Tribal communities. Part of the funding announced will make water infrastructure in Maryland communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change and severe weather.
The Department is investing $5.4 million to support 5 local projects in Maryland. These investments advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to strengthen water infrastructure across the nation. These Maryland investments are a continuation of that commitment,” State Director Andrew Dinsmore said. “In the face of climate change, strong water infrastructure is even more critical to building resilient rural communities and maintaining strong local economies.”
Strengthening Rural Water Infrastructure
In total, USDA is investing $443 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage for communities in 24 states.
The agency is helping state and local governments, private nonprofits and federally recognized Tribes build or improve rural wastewater systems. A list of Maryland’s investments is below.
City of Crisfield received a Water and Waste Disposal Loan in the amount of $1,527,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to fully fund the proposed construction for phase 2 of the Crisfield Wastewater Facilities Improvements project. Phase 1 is nearly 100% complete and addressed the removal of inflow and infiltration of the city's sewer system. Phase 2 proposes to install two new pumping stations: Cove St. and Rubberset. Once completed, the upgrades would help the city to address health and sanitary concerns due to sewer overflows. This project would also help support the growth needs of the city.
Town of Luke received a Water and Waste Disposal Grant in the amount of $307,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to assist with the installation of replacement water lines, fire hydrants, and new water meters in the Town of Luke located in Allegany County, Maryland. This project addresses a health and sanitary issue by replacing aged and failing water mains and fire hydrants in an economically distressed, rural community. Once completed, the project will supply the town's 85 residents with access to clean drinking water and water flow for fire protection. This project is funded in partnership with the State of Maryland.
Town of Queenstown received a Water and Waste Disposal Grant in the amount of $807,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to support the town of Queenstown, Maryland to improve and expand its public water system. These funds will contribute to the construction of a new water storage facility, well, and treatment facility. In addition, there will be repairs to an existing water storage tank, replacement and installation of new water mains. This project will increase water volume, enhance access for Queenstown, Maryland residents, and improve fire flow for increased public safety.
The County Commissioners of Kenty County received a Water and Waste Disposal Loan in the amount of $1,700,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to expand the onsite water treatment facility at the Nicholson Landfill to provide chemical addition and sedimentation for the removal of iron including settled iron solids. The Landfill is closed and as part of its closure the county is installing a groundwater treatment system to remove volatile organic compounds (VOC's) that will prevent migration off the property. Groundwater is currently treated with Granular Activated Carbon. The county is under a consent order with the Maryland Department of the Environment to provide additional treatment to remove iron from the discharge to surface waters. This project alleviates a health and sanitary concern.
Town of Trappe received a Water and Waste Disposal Loan in the amount of $1,141,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to fully fund the proposed construction for phase 1 of the Trappe Pump Stations Upgrades project. Phase 1 proposes to construct three new pumping stations at the following sites: S. Main Street, Lakeview, and Rumsey Drive. Once completed, the upgrades will eliminate fire and worker safety hazards and bring the sites up to current code standards. This project helps support the existing and future growth needs for the town.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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