Wicomico Co. clears major hurdle in decades-long effort to build out sewer system

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Wicomico County and state leaders are calling the passage of Senate Bill 246 a major win. The legislation allows for creation of a sanitary district and commission in the county, and goes into effect on October 1st, 2023.

“A bill we absolutely had to pass”

In other words, county water and sewer service could be coming to your neighborhood in the future.

“This is a bill that we absolutely had to pass in order for Wicomico County to go forward with its water and sewer plan,” said Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

Even more than a win, lawmakers say, it’s a step in the right direction. The legislation’s passage marks the first major hurdle in an effort that’s been talked about, and worried over, for more than 50 years in Wicomico County.

“Without that, we couldn’t move forward. So, it’s a first step,” said Delegate Carl Anderton. “But, it’s a big step, because now it’s something tangible we can point to that we’re moving the ball down the field.”

Preparing for Passage

Eastern Shore lawmakers have been working to convince their colleagues in Annapolis to lend their support to the bill throughout the 2023 session. Meanwhile at home, Wicomico County leaders have been busily working behind the scenes to prepare for the next steps.

The Greater Salisbury Committee headed up a task force to firm up the sanitary commission. GMB Architects are working with county leaders to suss out next steps, says County Executive Julie Giordano.

And, those leading various aspects of the project are already aboard.

“We were able to hire Amanda Pollock, who used to work for the city [of Salisbury]. And now, not only is she taking on our water and wastewater, she’s also taking on our storm water, as well,” said Giordano. “She’s been able to work really closely with our acting director of Public Works, Heather Lankford, and our Planning and Zoning people, Lori Carter and Keith Hall.”

As Wicomico County waits for additional funding from the Biden Administration’s water infrastructure upgrades, they’re also hoping Maryland’s Congressional delegation offers their support for more funding.

Figuring Out What Comes Next

Closer to the ground, county leaders really trying to figure out what comes next, says Giordano.

“I think the next stages are just going to be really where to kind of start, and figure out what are the easy wins in the beginning,” said Giordano. “But again, we can’t really do anything until October 1st. But, we want to try to get at least the planning stages of that sanitary district and commission up and running.”

In looking at the what some of the most viable first steps will be, Giordano says some have already been identified. However, she stresses that planning is still in its very early stages.

“Salisbury has room, right now, in their waste water facility. So, it only made sense to expand out. There are some easy wins in Salisbury, where tie-ins should happen. So, those are going to be conversations that will have to be had with Mayor [Jack] Heath,” said Giordano. “I think Sharptown is very open to having the county come in and help. So, that’s something else that we’re looking at.”

Concerns Raised

Despite the excitement, concerns over bringing a water and sewer system to more rural areas of Wicomico County have been raised in the past.

“I guess I’m kind of hearing those concerns from people who live down Nanticoke Road, or in the more rural parts of the county. A lot of it has to do with the monetary part of it: how is this going to affect our property taxes? Are they going to double?” said Giordano.

Giordano says she understands those residents’ concerns. However, she assuages constituents that the county is not looking to turn rural areas into urban hubs; nor will any changes come any time soon.

“These are things that are years down the road, and I think that’s what people think; we passed a sanitary bill, and tomorrow we’ll have water and sewer. It’s just not that way. It’s going to be a very long process,” said Giordano.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Giordano says developers have already expressed interest in building in the area, should a countywide sewer and water system be in place.

Giordano adds that expanding sewer and water service will also help on a larger level. “This is one step forward, but this also gives us kind of a golden ticket, or like a peace offering, to government agencies like [Maryland Department of the Environment] when we are stuck and a septic system is failing, we can show we’re moving in that right direction,” she said.