WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Congressional Representative Andy Harris visited several cities and towns in Wicomico County where he secured funds for important projects.
Harris made the trip to Hebron Town Hall, Delmar Fire Department, and Sharptown Fire Department to talk about the $7.8 million he secured for the small towns. “We have helped a lot of our community here in the congressional district.”
He tells WMDT that voters will have to make decisions come election day, but that experience should be weighed accordingly.
Hebron officials walked through how some of that money will be used to revamp the town. They will receive upward of $2.55 million, which will be designated to replace the lead service lines connecting water mains to residents’ homes.
The project would encompass all of Hebron within municipality limits. It will allow Hebron to provide a safer drinking water supply by removing aging, hazardous infrastructure and replacing it with modern, compliant materials that meet current EPA standards.
According to Harris, the funds will be ready sooner rather than later. “It is the contracting and the permitting, but the money should be readily available by early 2027, if not early December.”
The town of Delmar is receiving something on its own. A new substation that is to be constructed to reduce response times. This $2.25 million price tag will be placed on the Maryland side of Delmar to help the department expand.
Harris said that financial issues are consistent with towns with small populations. “If a big city has a problem, it’s a lot easier because people can pay that bill, for a small city, it is a lot harder.”
Finally, Harris visited Sharptown’s Fire Department. He could get eyes on the station. See what they want to build and how they want to add onto the current property. The department is expecting $3 million that will be used for engine bay additions and renovations to the station.
“It would be an enormous burden for our rural community to do on their own,” said Harris.
The station was last updated in 1976.
