Drinking water improvement projects highlighted in Smyrna

SMYRNA, Del. – U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.), Mayor Pat Stombaugh, USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton and Thom May of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) highlighted drinking water improvements in Smyrna today that were made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

Over $3.7 million in ARRA funds were allotted to the Town of Smyrna in 2009. The DPH State Revolving Loan Program estimated that approximately 80 jobs were created as a result of the Smyrna projects. Also announced today was that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has now provided two loans totaling $3.4 million to enable the town to complete the project providing clean drinking water to residents and businesses north of Smyrna along the U.S. Route 13 corridor.

“These drinking water projects are necessary to ensure that our water is clean and safe for years to come,” said Sen. Carper. “Through help from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I was proud to support, and the USDA Rural Development Office, the town of Smyrna was able to accomplish these infrastructure improvements on behalf of their residents.”

“Every Delawarean deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, and when we can meet that goal while creating jobs and upgrading infrastructure at the same time, it’s a win-win,” said Sen. Coons.  “As a former county executive, I understand the importance of and the challenges involved in ensuring that every citizen has a water supply that is free of pollutants.  It is reassuring to know that these infrastructure improvements will serve the town of Smyrna for years to come.”

“The DHSS Division of Public Health is pleased to partner with the Senators and USDA to expand clean drinking water to residents and businesses north of Smyrna,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf.

“Nothing is more critical for the development of strong communities than reliable, clean and abundant water,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton.“This year USDA is commemorating 150 years working with Americans to protect the land.  At the same time, USDA is looking to the future.  We know an economy built to last will rely on the health of our natural resources.”

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The following projects were included:

  • Installation of valves and controls for the Monrovia Tower water main.
  • Upgrading of the water main between Sunnyside Road and U.S. Route 13/Smyrna-Clayton Blvd. (This project provided water services to a group of houses that were experiencing poor service due to an undersized and deteriorated main.)
  • Controls and filters at well houses.
  • Relocation of the U.S. Route 13 water main from the road to the shoulder.
  • Replacement of services in the Glenwood Development.
  • Replacement of the water main in South Street from East Street to Ransom Lane.
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