Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $30,000 Grant for the Sharptown Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wicomico County

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced a $30,000 grant for Sharptown, Maryland through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency's SEARCH - Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant Program. This grant will fund a Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Report to address inflow and infiltration issues within Sharptown's wastewater system.

"Maryland's success depends on the strength of every region of our state, and this federal investment in water and wastewater infrastructure will strengthen Sharptown and the entire County,"said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees."For the health of our communities, our economy, and the Chesapeake Bay, we must continue to improve our infrastructure."

"These funds represent a federal investment in Maryland's ongoing efforts to ensure safe, clean water for every family, and that begins with ensuring every corner of the state has safe and up-to-date water infrastructure," said Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "Water is not a partisan issue. When treatment facilities are left outdated, it negatively impacts everyone. That's why it's so critical that states maintain a federal partner in the EPA and continue to prioritize resources for wastewater treatment facilities like Sharptown's."

The SEARCH Grant Program assists low-income communities with initial planning and development of applications for USDA Rural Development Agency's Water and Waste Disposal direct loan/grant and loan guarantee programs.

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