The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission is accepting applications from low- to moderate-income homeowners who need help with the cost of pumping out their septic tanks.

The MPPDC has enough funding to pay for half the cost of about 90 septic pump-outs, according to program manager Beth Johnson. The homeowner must pay the other half. As of Tuesday, only about 35 people had applied for assistance. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act requires that septic tanks in designated Chesapeake Bay Preservation areas be inspected or pumped out every five years.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation provided the funding through a Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund grant.

To request assistance, call 758-2311 or e-mail bjohnson@mppdc.com or rlewis@mppdc.com.
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