On February 15, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 0392 – Wastewater Facility Supplemental Operations and Maintenance Grant Program – Establishment.
This bill establishes and calls for the annual funding of the Wastewater Facility Supplemental Operations and Maintenance Grant Program, for the purpose of providing competitive grants for publicly owned wastewater facilities. Many of these facilities face operational and maintenance challenges that threaten the proper functioning of their enhanced nutrient removal technology. It is Maryland’s counties that bear the primary responsibility for managing the delivery and sanitation of water across the State, and for this reason, the investment requested by SB 0392 would be gladly received.
From the MACo Testimony:
SB 392 establishes and provides funding for the Wastewater Facility Supplemental Operations and Maintenance Grant Program. This program seeks to provide local governments and operators with additional resources to help with the maintenance and operations of wastewater facilities. Similarly to nearly all segments of public service, the recruitment and retention of qualified staff have been significant challenges for many roles in the wastewater field, and public works generally. The additional investment provided by SB 392 would help to target this worrisome and prevalent concern.
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