Recently Passed FY26 Appropriations Bill Delivers Nearly $2.2 Million for Critical Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

Laurel, Md. – February 11, 2026 – A recently passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill includes nearly $2.2 million in federal funding to support two critical sewer infrastructure projects - one in Prince George’s County and one in Montgomery County - helping modernize aging systems, protect public health, and safeguard local waterways. The funding will support sewer rehabilitation and replacement projects that address decades-old infrastructure nearing the end of its useful life. 

Prince George’s County – Hillcrest Heights 

Approximately $1.1 million is allocated to improve deteriorating sewer mains in Hillcrest Heights, where some pipes are more than 75 years old. 

The project includes: 

• Rehabilitation and replacement of 0.9 miles of sewer mains
• Upgrades to 19 manholes 

The estimated $10.2 million project serves more than 2,800 residential customers and 35 commercial customers. Construction is estimated to begin in Fall 2026 and to be completed Fall 2027, weather permitting. 

Montgomery County – Silver Spring/Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River 

Approximately $1.1 million will support sewer improvements along the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River in Silver Spring, where existing sewer mains are more than 75 years old. 

The project includes: 

• Rehabilitation and replacement of approximately one-half mile of sewer mains
• Upgrades to 12 manholes
• Stream stabilization work to protect the surrounding environment 

The estimated $4.4 million project serves more than 1,000 residential customers and seven commercial customers. Construction is expected to begin in September 2026 and should be complete in October 2027, weather permitting. 

WSSC Water thanks U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey and Jamie Raskin, for securing this critical federal funding. Special thanks also go to state, county and local leaders for their support of this congressionally directed spending request. 

“Hillcrest Heights and Silver Spring residents are relying on sewer systems that are more than 75 years old, which is why we fought to secure this direct federal funding to help WSSC Water complete long-overdue improvements for the well-being of these communities. This investment will help ensure Montgomery and Prince George’s County residents have modern, reliable wastewater systems for years to come,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

“As County Executive, I worked closely with Prince George’s County residents who struggled with aging, buried water infrastructure – especially how much time and money it costs to address failures. That’s why, as Senator, I have committed to modernizing Maryland’s aging infrastructure early. For Maryland to continue being a leader, we need infrastructure that works and that we can trust. With over $2 million in federal funding, I am grateful WSSC Water will be able to modernize aging systems, protect our state’s public health, and preserve our natural waterways,” said Senator Alsobrooks. 

“Modernizing and replacing critical sewer infrastructure inside the Beltway is an investment in public health, environmental protection, and the long-term resilience of some of our oldest communities. By upgrading aging systems, WSSC Water is ensuring safer, more reliable wastewater processing that protects families and local waterways alike. Securing strong federal support is essential to accelerating this work, and we are grateful to Senators Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, and Federal Team Maryland for their leadership in delivering the resources our region needs. Together, we are building a healthier, more sustainable future for the residents we serve,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04). 

"Every American deserves safe, modern infrastructure in their community," Rep. Raskin said. "That's why we’re investing $1,092,000 in federal funding to help WSSC Water fix and replace sewer infrastructure in Montgomery County. This critical project will make overdue upgrades and essential repairs to help better protect our water, our environment, and public health. I’m grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for working with me to secure this federal funding win for Marylanders." 

“We are deeply grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Representatives Ivey and Raskin for their leadership and commitment to investing in this critical infrastructure,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “These funds will help us modernize aging sewer systems, protect public health, and preserve our local waterways – including our beloved Chesapeake Bay. Partnerships like this are essential to our ability to leverage federal funding to maintain affordability.” 

WSSC Water’s sewer system is a modern sanitary system. The pipes that carry sewage from homes and businesses to water resource recovery facilities are separate from the stormwater drainage system. Since 2005, WSSC Water has invested more than $4.1 billion to upgrade its wastewater collection system, reducing sanitary sewer overflows and basement backups throughout its 1,000-square-mile service area.