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Kathy Beisner (302) 857-3582

BERLIN, MD., BREAKS GROUND ON USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY ACT WASTEWATER PROJECT

            BERLIN, Md., Oct. 2, 2009 – Town officials in Berlin, Md., today broke ground on a $16 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project that will upgrade a wastewater treatment system and create jobs for local residents. 

            “The Recovery Act is putting people like Mike Dale back to work, helping them provide for their children’s education and a home for their family,” USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This wastewater treatment project in Berlin is an example of how the Recovery Act not only is creating jobs, but also is protecting the environment and providing much-needed infrastructure improvements for the residents for years to come.”

            Tarburton and U.S. Rep Frank Kratovil (Md.) highlighted the impact the Recovery Act is having on workers like Dale, who worked as a heavy equipment operator for nearly 10 years before he was laid off in the summer 2008 due to the downturn in the economy. He is now back to work full-time for Bearing Construction at the wastewater treatment plant on Bottle Branch Road. Bearing is building the expansion of the plant.

            “Given the economic struggles that federal, state and local government officials have faced, I believe today we are all more consciously grateful for the ability to invest in our communities, create jobs, and put ourselves back on a path to economic prosperity,” Kratovil said. 

            The improvements to Berlin’s wastewater treatment system are necessary to comply with environmental regulations and to prepare the Town for expected growth and development. The $16 million project is being funded by a $5.9 million USDA Rural Development low-interest loan, a $5.8 million USDA grant, $2 million from the town of Berlin, a $1.5 million grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment, and a $700,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

            “The upgrade and expansion of Berlin’s wastewater treatment plant is the single most important project the town can take to accomplish our goal of ensuring economic opportunities and cutting-edge environmental stewardship for our community,” Mayor Gee Williams said.  “The council and I are grateful for the financial support we have received from our state and federal partners that makes this project possible in a manner that is both timely and affordable to our citizens.”

            Tarburton also highlighted $8.8 million USDA is providing to Worcester County Commissioners for improvements to the Mystic Harbour wastewater treatment plant. “Rural Development understands the unique challenges that municipalities and county governments face to maintain and operate wastewater treatment systems,” he said. “USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program is designed to help make the process easy to deal with and affordable for the entire community.”

            USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. In 2008, the agency provided more than $156 million to rural Maryland. USDA Rural Development funds more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, community facilities such as libraries, schools and day care centers, and energy-related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling the state office at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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