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Loan: $480,000 |
Outline of Need: The sewer collection system in the Town of Accident was constructed in 1974 and provides service to approximately 200 households in the area. The system was partially upgraded in 1994 with the replacement of pipe, manholes and castings and lids. In October 2000, the Town was placed under a complaint and consent order issued by the State of Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to correct deficiencies. Those deficiencies included many major leaks, illegal tie-ins of roof drains, and surface runoff which was causing pollutant discharge. The Town's sanitary sewer personnel have been working toward reduction of inflow and infiltration into the system via line repairs and manhole raising operations. The existing treatment plant is not capable of treating the increased flows. The Town is a small rural town in the Appalachia Region of Western Maryland with a population of 353 and a Median Household Income of $21,250 which falls below 80 percent of the statewide median household income of $42,916. Outside credit from other sources was not available at favorable rates and terms. |
How Rural Development Helped:
The Town is an eligible Public Body and qualifies for Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal loan and grant (learn more about this program) funding at the poverty interest rate. Rural Development is providing funding in the amount of $1,690,100 -- $480,000 in loan funds and $1,210,100 in grant funds -- to help with improvements to the wastewater system. At the poverty interest rate the loan term is 40 years at 4.5 percent interest. The primary purpose of the loan/grant is to upgrade existing facilities and to alleviate excessive inflow and infiltration of the system in order to meet health and safety standards. There is good partnership of funding from other Federal and State sources. This project will serve 198 households and 2 businesses.
The Results:
The improvements to the wastewater system will enhance the quality of life for the residents and will help prevent harmful nutrients from reaching Bear Creek and the Youghiogheny River. Both tributaries have documented natural trout populations reported by the Maryland Department of Fisheries.
Pictured, above: (L to R) Myra Kidd, Representing Congressman Roscoe Bartlett; Maryland Senator John J. Hafer; Marlene Elliott, Rural Development Maryland/Delaware State Director; Mayor Richard W. Carlson; Tim Magrath, Representing Senator Paul Sarbanes; Amy Short, Representing Senator Barbara Mikulski.
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