McClain Delaney, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $3 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Water Infrastructure in Western Maryland

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (all D-Md.) announced $3,340,000 in federal funding to improve water and wastewater infrastructure across Western Maryland. This investment, comprising a $2,779,000 loan for the Town of Emmitsburg to replace a critical Main Street water line, a $465,000 grant for the Town of Luke's replacement of its sewer collection system, and a $96,000 grant for Garrett County's planning costs for the Friendsville and Crellin wastewater treatment upgrades, will help Western Maryland communities upgrade critical infrastructure.

"Every rural community deserves reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, no matter its size or ZIP code," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. "This more than $3 million federal investment will help replace aging water and sewer systems and lay the groundwork for critical upgrades across Frederick, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. I'm proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to bring federal resources home and ensure our rural communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and thrive."

"Aging water systems put the health and safety of communities at risk. That's why it's essential we invest in modernizing community water and sewer infrastructure. This federal funding will support these much-needed improvements across Western Maryland and help prevent costly problems for communities, businesses, and residents in the future," said Senator Van Hollen.

"From Mountain Maryland to the Eastern Shore, I will always work to ensure Marylanders across our state have access to clean and safe drinking water. Investing in clean water - as we are in Frederick, Allegany, and Garrett Counties with this over $3 million federal investment - protects public health, helps us meet our environmental goals, and ensures our infrastructure is modern and resilient," said Senator Alsobrooks.

The federal funding has been awarded as follows:

• $2,779,000 loan to the Town of Emmitsburg in Frederick County to replace a water line along Main Street.
• $465,000 grant to the Town of Luke in Allegany County to replace its sewer collection system.
• $96,000 grant to the Garrett County Sanitary District to conduct Preliminary Engineering and Environmental reports for the Friendsville and Crellin wastewater treatment plants.

This federal funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program, which the lawmakers worked to fund at $140 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package.

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