Published: April 11, 2009 11:34 pm      

Grant funding for LaVale/Frostburg sewer line

CUMBERLAND — The $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant just announced by Maryland’s U.S. senators brings to $1,600,885 the money now available to replace two miles of the Braddock Run sewer line between LaVale and Frostburg.

“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure, but they can’t do it on their own, and rate payers shouldn’t have to bear the full burden,” said Sen. Barbara Mikulski. “This grant is a double value for the taxpayer dollar, creating jobs while helping the community grow.”

Mikulski, along with Sen. Benjamin Cardin, said the project will improve sewer services to 4,400 homes.

In 2008, Allegany County had identified the project as the top priority in its request for ARC funding.

The Braddock Run sewer line was installed more than four decades ago using vitrified clay pipe. Improvements to the sewer line will allow Frostburg and the Braddock Run Sanitary District to bring additional development onto the system, something that would not be allowed, by state order, without the upgrade.

In addition to the ARC funds, $720,885 is being provided from a Maryland Community Development Block Grant, $500,000 from the Maryland Department of the Environment and $80,000 from Allegany County.

“This grant is a targeted investment in the economic development of a region that has often been isolated,” said Cardin. “These funds will promote business development, create hundreds of jobs and boost local revenue in Frostburg during these difficult times.”