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EPA AWARDS $4.9 MILLION TO MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

Release Date: 9/29/1998
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543 & Felicia Dailey (215) 814-5524 September 29, 1998

PHILADELPHIA  - The United States Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $4.9 million to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to improve drinking water systems.  The state will contribute $1.4 million of matching funds.

“Our country has one of the best supplies of safe, clean drinking water in the world.  This grant is an important step to keep Maryland drinking water healthy, “said EPA Regional Adminstrator W. Michael McCabe.

Maryland’s Department of the Environment manages the revolving loan program and selects projects based on environmental and technical merit.  

The funds will be used for loans to communities to improve local drinking water systems.  Specific improvements include construction of water distribution lines and storage and pump facilities to ensure adequate supplies.  For information on proposed community projects contact Quentin Banks, at MDE, 410-631-3013.

The federal grant is from the U.S. EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund authorized by the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act.  The fund helps ensure that the nation’s drinking water supplies remain safe and affordable and are properly operated and maintained.


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