Funding supports state-of-the-art wastewater treatment for Chesapeake Bay restoration, clean drinking water, jobs
BALTIMORE (Sept. 2, 2026) – The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced nearly $23 million in funding to support wastewater treatment operations statewide and replace aging water infrastructure in Prince George’s County, reinforcing Maryland’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening water systems and reducing pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay.
The funding, approved by the Board of Public Works, includes $11 million for ongoing operations and maintenance at wastewater treatment plants across the state that have been upgraded to dramatically reduce pollution that can harm the local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Upgrading these plants played a key role in Maryland meeting nearly all of its 2025 bay restoration goals, and ongoing financial support is critical to maintaining and building upon that success.
“Maryland has done the hard work to meet nearly all of our pollution reduction goals and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but there is more work to be done,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “These investments show that we are maintaining the infrastructure that is designed to reduce pollution, just like someone would maintain their home or vehicle.”
Maintaining wastewater plants requires continuous, hands-on oversight of the biological and mechanical systems, including aeration basins and blowers, denitrification filters, and chemical feed equipment. Operators also inspect and repair pumps, motors, and electrical controls; calibrate monitoring instruments that track nutrient levels in real time; and maintain the clarifiers and sludge-handling equipment that remove solids from the process.
The board also approved nearly $12 million for three projects that are part of a broader effort to replace aging pipes in Prince George’s County:
- Larkwood Avenue Water Main Replacement: $4.8 million to replace about two miles of 65-year-old water mains with new pipes with a life expectancy of at least 100 years.
- Rolling Acres Water Main Replacement: $3.6 million for a new water main and house connections to the property line or water meter.
- Weldon Drive Water and Sewer Main Replacement: $3.6 million to replace an aging water main and a small segment of sewer line.
Governor Wes Moore included more than $400 million in his FY27 budget for Chesapeake Bay and clean water projects. These projects create local jobs, improve public spaces and enhance property values. Cleaner waterways bolster tourism in Maryland, which generates about $3.2 billion a year in economic activity. Improved water quality and habitat also benefits Maryland’s seafood industry, which contributes nearly $600 million to the state’s economy each year.
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