The extremely harsh winter weather has taken its toll on the budgets of the counties in Southern Maryland. One victim of the weather has been area roads, with potholes the visible sign of freeze-thaw cycle. But help is on its way, courtesy of the state of Maryland.
An emergency appropriation of $10 million was authorized in a supplemental budget presented by Governor Martin O’Malley and approved by the Maryland General Assembly during this this year’s legislative session. The one-time grant monies have been made available during the current fiscal year, which ends July 1.
Several of the counties have already received their check and the work is being scheduled. Southern Maryland counties will be getting more than $800,000 of the pothole pot, with Charles receiving $321,953, St. Mary’s $268,588 and Calvert $239,000.
St. Mary’s County Director of Public Works and Transportation George Erichsen told the county commissioners on May 20 that the money will be put to good use, supplementing the monies already budgeted for road maintenance.
