AGENCIES ANNOUNCE RESOLUTION TO BEL AIR WATER SUPPLY, BUILDING MORATORIUM LIFTED
Dateline City:
BEL AIR, Md.
After years of dialogue and exploration, Maryland American Water,
Harford County, and the Town of Bel Air announced today the development
of a short-term solution to the Bel Air water supply during periods of
drought. This solution, which provides Bel Air citizens and businesses
with additional water supply through a water purchase agreement between
Maryland American Water and Harford County, enables an end to the
defacto building moratorium that had been imposed in Bel Air and parts
of Harford County by Maryland Department of the Environment earlier this
year.
“Maryland American Water expresses its gratitude to all parties involved
for their time and the thoughtful consideration they gave to reach a
solution that serves the needs of all involved,” said Maryland American
Water President William R. Walsh.
The solution offers Bel Air citizens and business owners, both inside
and outside the town, within Maryland American Water’s service area, an
additional 40,000 gallons per day, on an as-needed basis, which
translates to an additional 114 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs),
available for new construction or increased capacity on an existing
connection. One EDU is equal to 250 gallons per day, or 30 “fixture
values” or a typical residential connection. The fee for this new
connection or increased capacity in the Maryland American Water service
area will be $4,234. This fee is referred to by Maryland American Water
as a “New Development Capacity Fee” and is referred to by Harford County
as a “Hook-Up Fee.” This fee covers all capital connection charges,
surcharges and fees contained in the Harford County Code, Chapter 256,
Article V.
“We are very grateful to our colleagues at Harford County and at
Maryland American Water, for working carefully towards a solution that
meets our needs and that of our residents. The coming together of public
and private sector entities on a joint solution makes this a win for all
parties, “ said Jim Fielder, Town Administrator, Town of Bel Air.
The Maryland Public Service Commission approved the Maryland American
Water tariff amendment last week, enabling it to charge the “New
Development Capacity Fee” to developers. This tariff change assures that
none of Maryland American Water’s current customers pay for the new
capacity, and that it is therefore reimbursed for the fee it pays
Harford County to obtain the incremental increase in purchase water
capacity.
“The Commission’s approval of Maryland American Water’s tariff amendment
is much appreciated. We are pleased to enable new construction in the
Town and we thank the community for their patience while we sorted this
out,” said Harford County Director of Public Works Tim Whittie.
Those wishing to obtain a building permit for new construction, or
additional water capacity on a current connection, may apply to the Town
or the County for a building permit. Payment of the New Development
Capacity Fee will be due prior to approval of an application for a new
connection or increase in capacity for an existing connection in
Maryland American Water’s service territory.
About Maryland American Water
Maryland American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK),
provides high-quality and reliable water services to approximately
20,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly
traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in
Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than approximately 6,700
dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other
related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30
states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
About Town of Bel Air
Originally known as "Scott's Old Fields" Bel Air was part of a land
grant issued to Daniel Scott in 1731. In March 1782 "Belle Aire" was
designated the county seat of Harford County. At the turn of the
twentieth century the "e" was dropped and the second "l" and its
companion "e" gave way a few years later. The town's incorporation was
effective in 1874. Bel Air has a Council-Manager form of government,
headed by a board of five commissioners elected for four year terms. The
Town Administrator directs and supervises all departments and is the
Town's Chief Executive Officer and serves in the capacity of Treasurer.
Several volunteer Boards and Commissions also serve the Town Board in an
advisory capacity.
About Harford County
Harford County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2010
census, the population was 244,826. Its county seat is Bel Air. Harford
County was granted a charter form of government in 1972. This means that
the county is run by a County Executive and Council President, both
elected at large, as well as Council Members, elected from districts.
Currently, there are six districts in Harford County. Also elected at
large is the Sheriff, who runs the Harford County Sheriff's Office.
Harford County was formed in 1773 from the eastern part of Baltimore
County. It contains Tudor Hall, birthplace of Abraham Lincoln's
assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Harford County also hosted the signers of
the Bush Declaration, a precursor document to the American Revolution.
Language:
English
Contact:
Maryland American Water
Samantha Villegas
571-577-7477
After years of dialogue and exploration, Maryland American Water, Harford County, and the Town of Bel Air announced today the development of a short-term solution to the Bel Air water supply during periods of drought. This solution, which provides Bel Air citizens and businesses with additional water supply through a water purchase agreement between Maryland American Water and Harford County, enables an end to the defacto building moratorium that had been imposed in Bel Air and parts of Harford County by Maryland Department of the Environment earlier this year.
“Maryland American Water expresses its gratitude to all parties involved for their time and the thoughtful consideration they gave to reach a solution that serves the needs of all involved,” said Maryland American Water President William R. Walsh.
The solution offers Bel Air citizens and business owners, both inside and outside the town, within Maryland American Water’s service area, an additional 40,000 gallons per day, on an as-needed basis, which translates to an additional 114 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs), available for new construction or increased capacity on an existing connection. One EDU is equal to 250 gallons per day, or 30 “fixture values” or a typical residential connection. The fee for this new connection or increased capacity in the Maryland American Water service area will be $4,234. This fee is referred to by Maryland American Water as a “New Development Capacity Fee” and is referred to by Harford County as a “Hook-Up Fee.” This fee covers all capital connection charges, surcharges and fees contained in the Harford County Code, Chapter 256, Article V.
“We are very grateful to our colleagues at Harford County and at Maryland American Water, for working carefully towards a solution that meets our needs and that of our residents. The coming together of public and private sector entities on a joint solution makes this a win for all parties, “ said Jim Fielder, Town Administrator, Town of Bel Air.
The Maryland Public Service Commission approved the Maryland American Water tariff amendment last week, enabling it to charge the “New Development Capacity Fee” to developers. This tariff change assures that none of Maryland American Water’s current customers pay for the new capacity, and that it is therefore reimbursed for the fee it pays Harford County to obtain the incremental increase in purchase water capacity.
“The Commission’s approval of Maryland American Water’s tariff amendment is much appreciated. We are pleased to enable new construction in the Town and we thank the community for their patience while we sorted this out,” said Harford County Director of Public Works Tim Whittie.
Those wishing to obtain a building permit for new construction, or additional water capacity on a current connection, may apply to the Town or the County for a building permit. Payment of the New Development Capacity Fee will be due prior to approval of an application for a new connection or increase in capacity for an existing connection in Maryland American Water’s service territory.
About Maryland American Water
Maryland American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 20,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
About Town of Bel Air
Originally known as "Scott's Old Fields" Bel Air was part of a land grant issued to Daniel Scott in 1731. In March 1782 "Belle Aire" was designated the county seat of Harford County. At the turn of the twentieth century the "e" was dropped and the second "l" and its companion "e" gave way a few years later. The town's incorporation was effective in 1874. Bel Air has a Council-Manager form of government, headed by a board of five commissioners elected for four year terms. The Town Administrator directs and supervises all departments and is the Town's Chief Executive Officer and serves in the capacity of Treasurer. Several volunteer Boards and Commissions also serve the Town Board in an advisory capacity.
About Harford County
Harford County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2010 census, the population was 244,826. Its county seat is Bel Air. Harford County was granted a charter form of government in 1972. This means that the county is run by a County Executive and Council President, both elected at large, as well as Council Members, elected from districts. Currently, there are six districts in Harford County. Also elected at large is the Sheriff, who runs the Harford County Sheriff's Office. Harford County was formed in 1773 from the eastern part of Baltimore County. It contains Tudor Hall, birthplace of Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Harford County also hosted the signers of the Bush Declaration, a precursor document to the American Revolution.
Maryland American Water
Samantha Villegas
571-577-7477