Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4300

                                                                                                                                                      (302) 270-5767

 

                                                                                                                                    

Kent County receives $2.4 million from USDA for wastewater projects

 

 

Chestertown , MD April 19, 2004 – In recognition of the 34th anniversary of Earth Day, Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, along with federal, state, and county officials gathered together at the County Government Center to announce improvements for Edesville and Kennedyville’s wastewater systems.   “This is great news for Kent County ,” said Congressman Wayne Gilchrest.  “This is a return of our federal taxpayer dollars coming back home to the Eastern Shore for fundamental purposes.  The federal funding will go a long way in ensuring safe disposal of wastewater for the residents, the environment and preserving our Chesapeake Bay heritage.” 

 

Over $2.4 million dollars is being provided by USDA Rural Development to help with upgrading the aging wastewater systems.  “No problem is more significant or more expensive for small, rural communities than access to safe drinking water and sanitary disposal of wastewater,” said Marlene Elliott , USDA Rural Development State Director. “The Bush Administration is committed to helping rural communities overcome these challenges by providing the sound investment needed to strengthen their infrastructure.  Rural Development’s programs are an important element of the rural landscape that help protect the environment, improve the quality of life and strengthen economic opportunity.”   

                                                                                                                       

  The wastewater treatment lagoons for both communities are showing evidence of deterioration.   Kennedyville’s system was constructed in the mid 1970’s and will receive necessary repairs to the lagoon and upgrades to their equipment.  It is the County’s intention to take Edesville’s lagoon out of service and connect the wastewater system to the nearby Rock Hall infrastructure.  Repairs to the projects are being done to eliminate any health or safety concerns in the future, and to help prevent harmful nutrients from reaching Maryland ’s precious resources like the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay .  Last year in Maryland, USDA Rural Development’s water and waste disposal program helped provide over $6.1 million dollars to construct or improve water and waste disposal facilities. 

 

  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) 697-4300, or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.