KENT ISLAND, Md. – The Maryland Department of the Environment announced that the Board of Public Works has approved more than $29 million in new funding to support two major clean water initiatives, including one in Kent Island. 

“These infrastructure improvements are a big step forward for clean water in Maryland,” said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain. “These projects not only work to resolve critical infrastructure needs to make for safer and healthier communities, but they are also investments in our economy — creating local jobs, enhancing property values, and bolstering the industries that thrive on a cleaner Chesapeake Bay.”

The new loan and grant money will advance Phase 4 of the Southern Kent Island Sanitary Project, a years-long effort to move homes off septic systems. The project addresses groundwater contamination resulting from high groundwater tables and poor soil conditions in the community. The construction will provide public sewer to about 1,500 homes and eight non-residential properties by connecting them to the Kent Narrows-Stevensville-Grasonville Wastewater Treatment Plant for upgraded wastewater treatment.

The funding comes as part of Governor Wes Moore’s inclusion of more than $400 million in his FY26 budget for Chesapeake Bay and clean water projects.