METCOM and county staff outline progress on FDR Boulevard, sewer and water projects; no lead found in service-line inventory

METCOM engineers and county public-works presenters told commissioners on May 12 that major local infrastructure projects are advancing and that systemwide inventories show no lead in service lines.

Christy Hollander, Metcom’s chief engineer, and John Norris of the Department of Public Works and Transportation reviewed joint capital projects. They reported that FDR Boulevard phases 1a–1c and phase 2 are complete; phase 3b, a roughly 1-mile section from Buck Hewitt Road to Peg Road, is under construction and expected to be completed this fall. Presenters described retaining-wall construction, an 8" and 12" water-main extension to support future development, and recent installation of a traffic signal arm at Peg Road.

Hollander outlined coordinated work to avoid repeated property disturbances: Metcom first installs water and sewer mains with a single contractor, then county crews perform paving and curb/sidewalk work. Specific projects discussed included Southampton (full water main replacement and stormwater facilities), Shangri La water rehabilitation (PVC replacements and sidewalk/asphalt work), Town Creek (phased water rehabilitation with phase 5 targeted for 2027 completion), and the King Kennedy and Wicomico Shores work. Metcom staff said easement acquisition and some property work remain in progress and that rental-heavy neighborhoods complicate owner signatures.

Metcom also highlighted systemwide findings from its annual report: the utility received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion for FY2024–FY2025; it secured additional wastewater capacity approval that defers an estimated $40 million expansion of the Marley Taylor wastewater-treatment plant by roughly two decades; and a lead-service-line inventory of more than 16,500 service connections and roughly 300 miles of main found no lead service lines. Metcom described a $150,000 grant program for low-income households that would help with lead-service replacement costs if lines were found.

Technical and customer notes: Metcom advised residents to flush hot-water tanks after service work to clear sediment; the utility said meters are not to be tampered with by homeowners and that private-side cutoff valves can be added by homeowners at their own cost. Metcom also described an AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) pilot that used three gateway devices to capture nearly half of customer signals and move billing closer to real time.

MDE gave final approval for the St. Clement Shores wastewater-treatment plant, Metcom said, and a preconstruction meeting and notice to proceed were expected; construction duration is estimated at two years with new connections targeted beginning in 2028.

Presenters emphasized coordination with state agencies (MDE, State Highway) and the value of joint solicitations for cost-efficiency. Commissioners asked about contractor workmanship, who pays for private-side connections, and timing; staff noted outreach, door tags, and flyers to inform affected residents.