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

 

 

 

Funding for Worton Aimed at Improving the Environment

                                                                                                    

Worton, MD April 24, 2008 – In recognition of the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, officially observed around the globe on April 22nd, Maryland officials gathered in the community of Worton to celebrate the partnership and successful efforts that are underway to reduce harmful nutrients from reaching the Chesapeake Bay.   “It’s appropriate this week as we celebrate Earth Day that we are announcing this important step toward protecting the Chesapeake Bay, which is truly one of our nation’s natural treasures.  Today should be an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to building the partnerships that allow rural communities like Worton access to much needed funding, support and programming,” said Congressman Frank Kratovil.

 

The Kent County Commissioners received $1,157,000 that will fully fund an $11.5 million dollar project that will increase the capacity of Worton’s wastewater treatment facility and to comply with more stringent discharge limits by utilizing a land application system for the disposal of treated wastewater effluent.   With the support of federal and state funding, construction is expected to begin mid to late May that will help improve the economy, improve the quality of life for rural residents, and protect our National treasure -- the Chesapeake Bay.    

 

The wastewater treatment plant is currently operating at capacity and the improvements that are planned will increase the plant’s capacity from an annual average of 75,000 gallons to 250,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day.  The upgrade will also include a spray irrigation system that will comply with environmental regulations to dispose of treated wastewater on land 6 months of the year in lieu of a tributary that is part of Morgan Creek, located in the Middle Chester River and is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  

                                                           

USDA Rural Development is providing a grant in the amount of $556,000 and a low-interest loan in the amount of $601,000 to help make the project affordable for the Worton community.  “Environmental regulations and infrastructure costs are some of the most difficult and most expensive challenges that rural communities face,” said Kathy Beisner, Public Information Coordinator for USDA Rural Development.  “USDA Rural Development for many years has been a partner in helping small towns and rural communities overcome these obstacles by returning your taxpayer dollars home to make the project as affordable as possible.”  

 

USDA’s total investment in the project is $8,891,032.  In addition to the USDA funds, the Maryland Department of the Environment has provided $2.7 million. 

 

“Rural Development’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural communities and its assistance to the Worton project will enable Kent County to construct and operate wastewater treatment systems that will not only be more affordable, but will help to insure a healthier environment for generations to come,” said County Commissioner Roy Crow.  “Kent County is indeed grateful for the efforts of the federal, state and local support that have made this possible.”

The Worton project is 1 of 56 projects announced nationally this week totaling $144.3 million in loans and grants that will help with infrastructure improvements that will improve the environment and protect the health of the rural residents.

 

USDA Rural Developments mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  Last year, the agency returned more than $156 million to rural Maryland.  They have more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their Denton Office at (410) 479-1202, ext. 5 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

 

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Committed to the future of rural communities.

 

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,

 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).