NEWS RELEASE Contact: Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4333

ST. MICHAELS, MD, April 22, 2002 – The sweet smell of success is creeping at the doorstep of Chester Park residents. Federal, state and county officials gathered in St. Michaels today to announce funding that will bring infrastructure to Chester Park and will clearly enrich the lives of the people living there. Pausing to observe Earth Day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development presented a check in the amount of a $250,000 grant to Talbot County to extend sewer service to the residents of Chester Park.

"Modern conveniences we too often take for granted will soon become reality for the residents of Chester Park," said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director. "This investment of public funds will help protect the health of all residents in the area in addition to protecting our natural resources."

With the help of grants provided by federal, state, and county government, all residents of Chester Park will soon be able to realize their dreams of running water, a working toilet and a paved road. In addition to the USDA funds, the State of Maryland through a Community Development Block Grant is providing $196,600 and the County donated $10,000. All together $456,600 has been invested to bring potable water, wastewater disposal, rehabilitation of houses to prepare homes for water/sewer connection, and a new road to the Chester Park community.

Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) has previously toured the community and met with local residents to discuss conditions there. "No one should have to live in a home without running water and place to go to the bathroom," Gilchrest said. "Chester Park residents have been living in third world conditions for some time and I applaud everyone who has been working to change that. Not only will solving these problems help the residents of Chester Park, but it's another important step in safeguarding the health of our waterways. This is an excellent example of all levels of government working together for the best interests of rural residents and our precious resources, like the Chesapeake Bay."

Some of the residents have holding tanks now for their wastewater and have it emptied

on a regular basis. It is expected that the extension of the wastewater system will reduce the

costs associated with wastewater service and bring an end to dumping of waste into local waterways.

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