The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has officially issued $3.8 million in bonds to support planned infrastructure improvements in the Town of Berlin.
Pictured during the recent official presentation of $3.8 million in bond financing for the Town of Berlin are DHCD Manager Charlie Day, Berlin Mayor Zac Tyndall and Secretary Jake Day.
Submitted photo
Funds to cover electric meter upgrades, new public works facility
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced last week it has issued $3.8 million in bonds through the Local Government Infrastructure Financing Program to support infrastructure improvement efforts in Berlin.
“Berlin is a special, lovable and growing place. Our Local Government Infrastructure Financing program is an important tool for local governments to help fund projects to enhance the lives of its residents such as those planned in Berlin,” said DHCD Secretary Jake Day. “We’re also grateful for partners such as McKennon, Shelton & Henn, People First, Caine Mitter, and Wilmington Trust for their hard work and diligence to make this happen.”
The money for these two projects are part of an overall $34.8 million in bonds that will be issued in support of local jurisdictions across Maryland. DHCD’s Community Development Administration administers the bonds on behalf of counties, municipalities and/or their instrumentalities to finance projects that serve the community at large, such as streetscape improvements, transportation enhancements or water and sewer treatment facilities.
For Berlin, the financing through the Department, which includes a bond premium generated from the sale of the bonds, will help bring the electrical system meter replacement and upgrades and construction of a new public works facility.
The town will utilize $1 million in bonds to upgrade its water meter system to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, which will provide voltage monitoring and outage notifications for the electric system and system integration with the town’s existing billing system. The upgrade to the infrastructure will allow the town to continue to provide reliable electric and water services to approximately 2,700 and 2,900 customers, respectively.
The town will utilize $2.8 million in bonds to construct a new public works facility. The current facility was erected decades ago as a temporary structure and no longer suits the needs of the town. The new facility will improve employees’ well-being and retention, contribute to efficient public services and accommodate evolving technology and safety standards.
“The Town of Berlin is excited to receive $3.8 million in Local Government Infrastructure Fund financing through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This funding, which includes $2.8 million for a new Public Works Facility and $1 million for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system for the town’s electric utility, will significantly enhance our town’s infrastructure,” said Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall. “These projects are pivotal for improving our public services and ensuring our community’s sustainable and efficient future. We are grateful for this support, which empowers us to serve our residents better and continue building a stronger Berlin.”