The County Commissioners of Kent County, Maryland applauded the inclusion of $6.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Andy Harris (all Md.), in a FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that was recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, toward construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Millington.
“I’m proud to have worked with Kent County to secure $6.2 million in agriculture appropriations funding for 2026 to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Millington,” said Congressman Andy Harris. “This project marks a significant upgrade to aging infrastructure and strengthens public health and environmental protections across Maryland’s First District."
“Upgrades to aging water infrastructure are essential to the health and well-being of our communities. That’s why we fought to secure $6.2 million in direct federal funding to support the construction of a modern and more resilient wastewater treatment plant in Millington to withstand flooding and extreme weather. This new plant’s greater capacity will help better serve the needs of the residents of Kent County for years to come,” said Senator Van Hollen.
"Federal investment in the Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant is long overdue. I was proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen to secure $6.2 million for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Millington. This new facility is a long-term investment in the people and the economy of Kent County," said Senator Alsobrooks.
The current wastewater treatment plant was constructed over 60 years ago. Although major upgrades were completed in 2002 and extensive repairs were made again in 2010 following a significant flood event, these repairs have now reached the end of their useful life. Original mechanical and electrical components of the plant have exceeded their anticipated service life by threefold.
“This investment is a game-changer for Kent County,” said President of the County Commissioners of Kent County, Ronald Fithian. “Preparing for growth will ignite transformation along a long-underutilized corridor, turning potential into progress and creating a vibrant hub for business, workforce, and housing. The support of the Congressional Delegation is instrumental in getting this project off the ground, and we thank them.”
“One of the most critical benefits of this project is resilience,” said Kent County’s Director of Public Works, Daniel Mattson. “Relocating this critical facility outside of the floodplain significantly mitigates the risk of service disruptions and emergency repairs during storm events that have repeatedly impacted the current facility. This investment protects both public health and taxpayer dollars.”
The current plant sits within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, making it vulnerable to damage from severe storms and weather events. The new plant construction will move the treatment facility out of the Flood Area onto higher ground, adding resilience to this critical infrastructure project.
“The new Wastewater Treatment Plant has been designed to meet modern Enhanced Nutrient Removal standards, replacing aging infrastructure with a facility built for long-term performance,” continued Mr. Mattson. “It will provide reliable treatment capacity that supports growth, while protecting local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.”
The existing plant has a capacity of 105,000 gallons per day (GPD) and currently operates at an average daily flow of 73,000 GPD. With an initial capacity of 350,000 GPD and a potential ultimate capacity of 700,000 GPD, the new plant is designed to accommodate the area’s growing demand for wastewater treatment services. The new plant will serve to unlock the economic growth and development potential of this area, presenting a significant opportunity for economic revitalization along the 301 corridor and within the Town of Millington. The project’s anticipated impact on commercial and residential development underscores its pivotal role in fostering regional growth and prosperity.
“The new, modern sewer plant will be a boon to Millington as the town expands to its natural extent, allowing abutting landowners to envision future and diverse planning potential in and around one of the County’s most important traffic hubs, the U.S. 301 and River Road (Rt. 291) intersection,” added Kevin Hemstock, Mayor of Millington. “It will provide greater opportunities for infill development. In addition,” Hemstock continued, “it’s a needed environmental improvement, employing state-of-the-art technology to protect the bountiful and beautiful head of the Chester River, an important wildlife corridor and riverine ecology. It’s a win-win-win for all and demonstrates the good that can come from municipal and county cooperation.”
Planning for this project has been a collaborative effort between Kent County, the Town of Millington, and with the support of Queen Anne’s County, where the current facility is located within Millington’s municipal boundaries.
“We are thrilled that the feasibility and design work supported by the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, through the Upper Shore Regional Council and the Maryland Department of Commerce, has sparked the momentum needed to launch construction of the new Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Susan O’Neill, Executive Director, Upper Shore Regional Council.
“This project marks an important milestone for Millington. This new facility will enhance water quality, support future growth, and ensure compliance with current and future environmental standards. By working together, Millington and Kent County are reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting natural resources and improving the quality of life for all residents,” said Elizabeth Jo Manning, Millington Town Administrator.
