Rising Sun staff report progress on Chester water line, wastewater testing and broadband plans

Town staff reported progress on several infrastructure projects and grant opportunities during the March meeting.

An engineer’s update read by the town administrator said the Maryland agency had authorized final payout for the town’s portion of the Chester water line grant but withheld 5% of the grant—an amount the administrator estimated at about $25,000—until final paperwork is submitted. Staff said they will complete the required paperwork and finalize the payout.

At the wastewater treatment plant, staff reported ongoing toxicity testing to ensure the plant continues to meet or exceed performance standards. The administrator said the town is eligible for additional state grant funding when plants exceed requirements.

Staff also said they have sought funding from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (referred to in the transcript as "Bridal Funding") to support decommissioning the lagoon as a mitigation project; staff will meet with MDEM to discuss eligibility. Finally, the town is finalizing specifications and drawings for a water‑line replacement and a broadband project funded via a Rural Maryland Council grant and will be preparing both projects for bid and contract award.