County government news

Friday, Jan. 1, 2010

Health department offering perc tests

Due to high seasonal groundwater levels, the St. Mary's County Health Department can begin wet season perc testing for all soil types. Perc testing was suspended in April because of declining water levels.

For more information call the division of environmental health services at 301-475-4321 or permit services at St. Mary's County Department of Land Use and Growth Management at 301-475-4200, ext. 1500.

Recreation and parks meeting rescheduled

The St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks Board will hold its January 2010 meeting Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 5:30 p.m., in Room 14 of the Potomac Building at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown.

The board usually meets on the first Thursday of each month.

Home heating assistance available

Help is available through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program for those having difficulty paying their home heating costs.

To determine eligibility for a Maryland Office of Home Energy program, St. Mary's County residents should contact the offices of the Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee at 301-475-5574, ext. 200.

Info on Patuxent Park work available

Current information about revitalization work in the Patuxent Park neighborhood in Lexington Park is available at www.stmarysmd.com on the Patuxent Park Revitalization icon. The page contains information describing the project, monthly construction updates, photos and contact information. Phase one of the project includes the reconstruction of roads, sidewalks, storm drainage and management and new water and sewer lines for Midway Drive, Gambier Place, Princeton Drive and Bunker Hill Drive. Project managers are Allen Settle with the department of public works and transportation, 301-863-8400, ext. 3525, and Steve Engleson with the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission, 301-373-4733, ext. 307.

Funds available for homebuyers

As part of the Maryland Mortgage Program, $3 million is allocated for St. Mary's County residents for two months. Eligibility for the program is income based. Qualifying families include one- to two-person households making less than $85,600 and three or more person households making less than $98,440. The maximum mortgage amount under this program for St. Mary's County is $343,125.

To find an approved lender call 800-638-7781. More information is at www.mdhousing.org.