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DELAWARE GETS $12.5 MILLION FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER

Release Date: 10/9/1998
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

WILMINGTON - The United States Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $12.5 million to the state of Delaware to improve and protect drinking water supplies.  The state will contribute a $2.5 million matching share.

"Our country has one of the best supplies of safe, clean drinking water in the world.  This grant is an important step to keep Delaware drinking water healthy," said W. Michael McCabe EPA’s Regional Administrator.

According to Governor Carper, "There are few quality-of-life and health issues that are more important to the people of Delaware than safe drinking water.  This funding from the EPA will help ensure that we are providing safe drinking water for residents and providing the infrastructure necessary to keep it safe for years to come."

 The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) ranks and selects projects based on environmental and technical merit.  DHSS will provide $11.8 million in loans to 11 communities to improve local drinking water systems.

Specific improvements include constructing water distribution lines, water treatment facilities, and storage facilities.  For specific information about proposed Delaware projects, contact Ron Gough at DHSS at 302-739-2005.

In addition, $900,000 of the award will:

* provide technical assistance to small drinking water systems;
* expand operator training and certification programs; and
* ensure that drinking water systems remain viable.

The remaining $2.3 million will be used by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)  for protection of river and underground sources of  drinking water.  DNREC manages the financial elements of the loan program.

The grant is from the 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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