Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $445,000 for Infrastructure Investments on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced $445,000 for improvements to water infrastructure on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These federal funds are awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants. 

Through upgrades to water infrastructure facilities that are located within the floodplain and at risk during flooding events, this federal investment will support positive stormwater management drainage at the Chestertown Marina. These improvements will benefit more than 5,000 Maryland residents in the Town of Chestertown and surrounding Kent County.

“Maryland’s economic success relies on modernizing our infrastructure, from our roads and bridges to our wastewater systems. In November, I had the opportunity to visit the Chestertown Marina and see its growth and potential first-hand. These funds will help the Marina continue to thrive and will also serve residents in the surrounding area. We will keep working to direct federal funds toward infrastructure projects across Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

“This federal investment in infrastructure on Maryland’s Eastern Shore will support the local economy and protect public waters,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Shoring up our infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of flooding is a smart long-term investment in our communities. We will continue to fight for such improvements throughout the state.” 

"The Town of Chestertown is eternally grateful to USDA for their steadfast support of the revitalization of our municipal Marina and for the associated stormwater improvements made along the community's waterfront,” said Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino. “This initiative simply would not have been possible without their assistance, and without the continued advocacy of the project by Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.  With USDA's help, the Port of Chestertown Marina will continue to serve as an economic engine for Chestertown, Kent County, and the state of Maryland for generations to come." 

The USDA Rural Development programs supports economic development and social services in rural communities across America. Rural Development initiatives promote economic development by supporting essential services and infrastructure improvements.