City of Salisbury Secures $24.6 Million for Water Treatment Upgrades
Salisbury, MD - The Maryland Department of the Environment has awarded the City of Salisbury $24,660,000 in funding assistance. This allocation is part of the State of Maryland Capital Budget for fiscal year 2027. The funding will help the city lead the way on the Eastern Shore in providing clean drinking water.
The funds will support a filter replacement project at the Paleo Water Treatment Plant. They will also cover upgrades to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which are necessary to operate new filter controls.
The project involves replacing existing green sand pressure filters that have passed their useful life. It also includes constructing a new building to house the filters and treatment equipment.
This new facility is designed to accommodate Granular Activated Carbon for PFAS removal and Anion Exchange for nitrate removal.
Salisbury currently meets all PFAS standards but is preparing for regulatory changes expected in 2031. These upgrades will ensure the city remains compliant and protects water quality for residents. Construction is targeted to begin in the summer of 2026.
"This investment ensures that Salisbury continues to provide safe, clean drinking water for generations to come," said Mayor Randy Taylor. "I want to take a moment to recognize Cori Cameron, our former Director of Water Works, who retired earlier this year after 38 years of dedicated service. Cori's leadership and vision laid the foundation for projects like this, and we are grateful for her commitment to the health and well-being of our community."
The City of Salisbury expressed gratitude to the Governor's Office for the support, noting that the funds will help cover the cost of these necessary improvements. Additionally, the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration announced that Salisbury has received $9,458,000 in federal grant funds.
This grant is part of the EPA's Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Small and Underserved Communities Emerging Contaminants Grant Program. It is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will further support PFAS remediation at the Paleo Water Treatment Plant.
