Congressman Trone Secures Funding for Maryland Water Projects in Historic Water Resources Development Act

Strategic Insights -

Congressman David Trone secured crucial funding for Maryland water projects in the recently passed Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022. The legislation authorizes investments in America's ports, inland waterways, flood management systems, and ecosystems, including $20 million toward local projects in Boonsboro and Brunswick. Congressman Trone's two requests were incorporated into the final legislation, including $15 million for the Brunswick Water Treatment Plant/Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Project and $5 million for the Boonsboro-Keedysville Regional Water System Reservoir Replacement Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Trone visited the Brunswick Water Treatment Plant in January with Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown, where it was announced that the plant will receive $15 million through the House-passed legislation.
  • The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 passed with strong bipartisan support (384-37) and now heads to the Senate for passage.
  • Congressman Trone's two requests were incorporated into the final legislation, including funding for the Brunswick Water Treatment Plant and the Boonsboro-Keedysville Regional Water System Reservoir Replacement Project.
  • The Brunswick Water Treatment Plant provides over 20% of the city's drinking water, but its water distribution system turns drinking water brown, and its wastewater treatment plant can barely keep up with demand during storms.
  • The Boonsboro-Keedysville Regional Water System Reservoir Replacement Project is suffering from leaks, impairing its function, and estimates that they are losing 82,000 gallons of water a day, nearly 30 million gallons a year.
  • WRDA 2022 includes provisions that will improve U.S. water infrastructure, strengthen America's economy, build more resilient communities, and direct the Corps to increase coordination with Tribal, indigenous, and economically disadvantaged communities.
  • Congressman David Trone serves on the Appropriations, Veterans' Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees and has been fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.

Statistics:

  • $20 million will be allocated toward local projects in Boonsboro and Brunswick.
  • $15 million will be allocated for the Brunswick Water Treatment Plant/Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Project.
  • $5 million will be allocated for the Boonsboro-Keedysville Regional Water System Reservoir Replacement Project.
  • The Boonsboro-Keedysville Regional Water System Reservoir Replacement Project estimates a loss of 82,000 gallons of water a day, nearly 30 million gallons a year.
  • WRDA 2022 passed with a vote of 384-37.

Sources:

  • "Congressman Trone Visits Brunswick Water Treatment Plant to Discuss Critical Infrastructure Needs" by the office of Maryland Rep. David Trone.
  • The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022.
  • Congressman David Trone's official biography.