(Annapolis) - As part of his pledge to maintain a well-functioning transportation infrastructure that is as environmentally sensitive as possible, Governor Martin O'Malley has committed over $609,000 in Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funds to reconstruct 13 stormwater management facilities along I-97 from south of MD 178 to MD 100 and two stormwater management facilities on MD 100 near MD 713 and Wright Road to current standards.
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will provide funding for the remainder of the total cost of the project, which is $1,224,401.
Reconstruction of these stormwater management facilities will serve to protect the state's waterways by bringing them up to current Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) water quality standards. "Maintaining stormwater facilities and keeping our transportation infrastructure in good working order are critical parts of our responsibility to the environment and to future generations," said Governor O'Malley.
Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold praised the restoration project, saying, "I'm pleased that so many of these stormwater facilities will be improved at the same time. This is a welcome development for everyone who travels in Anne Arundel County."
The State contribution to this and similar projects is made possible through the Transportation Enhancement Program, which funds non-traditional, community-based transportation-related projects. The Governor determines which projects qualify for funding based on need and potential benefit to the public. Grants approved so far in 2007 total $11.3 million. The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration oversees the federal program, which has awarded more than $173 million for 244 projects in Maryland since TEP began in 1991.
CONTACT:
Rick Abbruzzese
Governor's Press Office
410-974-2316
Valerie Burnette Edgar, SHA
410-545-0303
800-323-6742 |
