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Your Update of News & Information from Baltimore City DPW | JULY 12, 2018
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 A Note From the Director
Rudolph S. Chow, P.E.
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to keeping water rates fair and affordable for all Baltimore City residents. In a July 6 Baltimore Sun Letter to the Editor, I explained why investment in our water system is a needed sacrifice. Repairing aging water mains, building underground drinking water tanks and improving city sewers are driving the need for rate increases.
As the new fiscal year begins, DPW is committed to making sure that eligible City residents have an opportunity to enroll in a financial assistance program. This is a part of our continued
commitment to providing high-quality service and responsiveness to the needs of
our citizens.
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DPW has increased the amount of financial assistance offered to certain low-income City water customers by 9.4 percent, matching the July 1, 2018, adjustment in water and sewer rates.
Low-Income Grant Program: Qualifying customers who pledge to make consistent payments on their outstanding bills receive a grant. The annual assistance grants for qualifying low-income customers have increased by 9.4 percent, rising from $216 to $236.
Hardship Exemption Program: Exempts eligible customers from paying the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fee and the Stormwater Remediation Fee.
Senior Citizen Discount Program: City residents 65 and older whose annual income does not exceed $31,500 may apply for a discount of 43 percent off their water and sewer rates. That is up from the previous $30,600 threshold. Seniors who receive the discount will also be automatically enrolled in the Hardship Program that waives the Bay Restoration and Stormwater fee.
Water Bill Payment Plan: Qualifying customers who enroll have up to one year to pay a past due amount on water/sewer bills.
To apply for a payment assistance program, City residents can call DPW’s Customer Support and Services Division at (410) 396-5398.
Recycling Coordinator Explains the Business of Recycling
 Information about the do's and don'ts of recycling has been making local and national headlines. DPW Recycling Coordinator Robert Murrow has become the go-to local expert to explain the challenges facing the recycling industry. He recently appeared on WYPR's "On the Record" and MPT's "Direct Connection."
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Enrollment is now open for
the 2018 DPW Small Business
Development Training Program.
Now in its third year, the 10- week
training program was designed
to assist local Minority/Women/
Disadvantaged Owned Business
Enterprises in becoming contract
ready for more than $3 billion in
utility construction
work, including
Consent Decree
sewer rehabilitation
and replacement, and
capital improvements
under drinking
water, storm water,
and wastewater
programs. Classes run from Sept. 6 to
Nov. 15. The cost is $199.00 and
includes training materials and
meals. To apply, visit
publicworks.baltimorecity.gov,
email sbd@baltimorecity.gov,
or call 410-433-2400. |
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In Baltimore City, an estimated 10,000 tons of
waste is illegally dumped annually. It is difficult to profile a typical illegal dumper. However, illegal
dumping offenders can include construction companies, landscapers, scrap collectors,
unpermitted small haulers, and local residents. Illegal dumping is a crime that scars Baltimore's neighborhoods. If a citizen sees illegal dumping occurring, call 911. To prevent illegal dumping, DPW suggests hiring a licensed hauler or calling 311 for a bulk trash
removal or taking trash to a Citizens' Convenience Center. |
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 Keita Wells
Office of the Director
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 Raymond Westerman
Bureau of Solid Waste
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 Marvin Tate
Bureau of Water and Wastewater
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 Dam Jam at Lake Montebello
Join DPW for a fun-filled day of music, food, and water history at Lake Montebello! This is your opportunity to tour the Montebello Water Filtration Plant. We will start the day with the smooth tunes of the Cold Spring Jazz Quartet and bring the Panama Band to the stage to deliver a headlining afternoon performance. Dam Jam takes place Saturday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Montebello.
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Visit the DPW Booth at Artscape 2018
DPW staff will be available to answer questions about the agency's programs and initiatives such as the financial assistance programs. In addition, the DPW water fountain will be in operation. So, please stop by to fill up your water bottles!
Festival dates/hours:
Friday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 21, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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