| | |
| |
Grant: $352,800 |
Outline of Need: The unincorporated community of Edesville, population 258, is located approximately 2 miles northeast of Rock Hall. Rock Hall and the immediate area are known as a waterman's community where residents earn much of their living from the Chesapeake Bay and sport fisherman, pleasure boats and tourists come to enjoy the outdoors. The utility service area contains approximately 101 properties of which 92 are homes, four are commercial, two are churches, and two are community gathering locations; i.e. Elk's lodge or the like, and a county owned park. The existing wastewater treatment facility and associated collection system were constructed in 1991 and 1992. The need to improve the project is based on the condition of the treatment lagoons at the existing wastewater treatment plant. Lack of discharge from the lagoons and the presence of fecal coliforms in monitoring wells around the perimeter of the wastewater treatment plant indicate that the lagoons are leaking and need repair. If no action is taken, fecal coliforms will continue to be added to the water table presenting a possible health risk to the area residents. |
How Rural Development Helped:
The non-metropolitan Median Household Income (MHI) for Edesville is $31,603 well below the State's MHI of $41,082. The majority of the households in the Edesville area are low-income. Rural Development will provide 100 percent of the funding needed to Kent County Commissioners to help make improvements to the wastewater system. The funding will help take the failing lagoons out of service and connect the wastewater and water systems to the existing Rock Hall infrastructures. This is much less costly than the $1.46 million it would cost to totally renovate the existing system.
The Results:
The improvements will enhance the overall quality of life in the area, protect the health of the residents, and promote a healthier environment.
Pictured, above: USDA Rural Development announced funds for the Edesville project and for another in Kennedyville, Maryland. Over $2.4 million dollars was announced to highlight funding for wastewater improvements for the unincorporated communities of Edesville and Kennedyville. Both projects are within the Chesapeake Bay area. (L) Pictured (L to R) are Wayne Morris, Director, Kent County Water and Wastewater Services; Delegate Richard A. Sossi; William W. Pickrum, President Kent County Commissioners; Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director; Lee Whaley, representing Senator Paul Sarbanes; and T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator. (R) Congressman Wayne Gilchrest signing check on behalf of the U.S. Taxpayers. Pictured (L to R) are Delegate Richard A. Sossi; William W. Pickrum, President, Kent County Commissioners; Congressman Wayne Gilchrest; and Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director.
|
