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Grant: $1,550,000 |
Outline of Need: The unincorporated town of Kennedyville lies within the center of Kent County in a generally agricultural area. The major cross road in the town is Kennedyville Road. Kennedyville is located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed approximately 20 miles northeast of Rock Hall. The town contains approximately 89 homes and 7 businesses, as well as a volunteer fire department, one church, and the post office. Both the town's wastewater service area and the existing plant lie in the drainage area of Morgan Creek, a tributary of the Chester River. The Chester River has been classified by the State as a "Scenic River" where pleasure boats and tourists come to crab and enjoy the outdoors. Morgan Creek and the project area are outside the Chesapeake Bay critical area. Kennedyville is currently under a State consent order to upgrade the existing wastewater system. The wastewater system was constructed in the mid-1970s and consists of three pumping stations in need of major repair. There is also evidence of leaks in existing sewage lagoons. The non-metropolitan Median Household Income (MHI) for Kennedyville is $31,343 -- well below the State's MHI of $41,082. The County is predicting growth of approximately 200 homes in this service area. |
How Rural Development Helped:
Rural Development will provide a loan and grant to Kent County Commissioners representing 81 percent of the total project costs to improve the wastewater system. The State will join USDA Rural Development as a funding partner in this project.
The Results:
The improvements to the project will ensure that existing wastewater flows will reach the existing treatment plant and that the quality of the plant's effluent will be improved. 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 Kennedyville project and for another in Edesville, 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.
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