USDA Rural Development NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE  19904

Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

 

USDA Supports Water System for Glenn Heights Community

Havre de Grace, MD April 25, 2007 – In recognition of Earth Day, officially observed around the globe on April 22nd, Maryland officials gathered at the County’s Swan Harbor Farm on Oakington Road to announce $1.2 million in USDA Rural Development funds to help with the extension of public water to the Glenn Heights community. "For local officials, no problem can be more complicated and costly than to provide residents with access to safe drinking water," said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director. "It is what we are called to do at Rural Development, to work closely with local governments and rural communities to help them overcome their challenges and to give them a means to improve the quality of life for their residents."

In August 2005, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) discovered that the groundwater source serving the approximately 80 households in the Glenn Heights community was contaminated with Trichloroethylene (TCE) that is found in aerosol dry-cleaning products, and Tetrachlorethylene (PCE) that is found in products used to remove grease from fabricated metal parts. MDE has concluded that the contamination is the result of improper handling of hazardous material, but the source of the contamination is unknown. The community is currently served by private wells where some homeowners are using carbon filtration systems and supplementing drinking water with bottled water.

The Harford County Government has estimated that the extension of public water to the Glenn Heights community will cost approximately $2.2 million dollars. USDA Rural Development is providing 55% of the financing needed in the form of a low interest loan in the amount of $454,000 at 4-1/8% for 40 years and a grant in the amount of $746,000. MDE is expected to provide funding for the remainder of the project. "I am very pleased that the Rural Development program is able to provide this substantial monetary support to such a vital project that will protect the health of these Harford County households," said David R. Craig, Harford County Executive.  "I applaud the efforts of Harford County’s Water and Sewer Division, Harford County Health Department, and the USDA Rural Development staff members for quickly getting this application request approved and awarded."

Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at the State Office by calling (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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