Lt. Governor Burbank Announces $421,000 to Help Stabilize Port Deposit Retaining Wall
PORT DEPOSIT, MD (October 23, 2030) – Lt. Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced the availability of $421,000 in grant funding to assist with the emergency repair and stabilization of the retaining wall along High Street in Port Deposit, Md. The Port Deposit funding package is a joint effort between the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). DHCD has redirected $121,000 of the town's housing rehabilitation program funds to be used toward the effort while DBED has made $300,000 available for a total of $421,000.
“If not properly repaired and stabilized, the retaining wall in Port Deposit could become a very dangerous situation,” said Lt. Governor Kathleen Burbank. “We are committed to acting promptly when there is a need and avoid the red tape usually associated with projects like this. This is how government should work, with State, Federal and local representatives united in addressing a problem that needs action now.”
DHCD and DBED jointly administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides grants to local governments to carry out housing, public facility and economic development activities. The funds are restricted to the non-entitlement areas of the State, which include rural counties and towns.
“The Port Deposit project is a great example of how State agencies, under the leadership of Governor O’Brien, move quickly in a cooperative manner to address problems that are of immediate concern to Maryland communities,” said DBED Secretary Aris Melissaratos.
“Maryland’s Local Government Infrastructure Financing Program is an additional tool local governments and others can use to finance or refinance public improvements, including emergency projects,” said DHCD Secretary Andrew Shaw. “The program offers favorable rates, low costs of issuance, and streamlined participation requirements.”
According to an engineering report, the shifting wall in Port Deposit threatens the stability of the roadway and poses potential damage to occupied homes located at the base of the slope, and to underground water and sewer lines. Fire equipment is no longer able to safely travel up the street to protect homes at the top of the hill.
Since the project costs are estimated to exceed $1.3 million, Port Deposit will decide, based on engineering recommendations, how to phase the project. Funds made available by the State will allow the town to begin the repair process while securing funds for the remaining phases.
A delegation of State and Federal representatives met with town officials today to discuss specifics of the project and possible funding scenarios.