Renovation Update: Bay Restoration Fund Act

Baby steps people.  We are finally getting started on our journey towards our home renovation!

We received word that we were approved by the St. Mary's County Health Department for the Bay Restoration Funding Grant. There are still a couple of documents that need to be sent in for review, such as tax return info from last year, but this is still a great first stepping stone! Once everything is in order, we will be able to get started on installing a new septic and mound system.

Based on our income from 2012, they will determine how much of the Grant funding we are eligible to receive. If collectively we've made less than $300,000 in 2012 alone, we are eligible for 100% of the Grant funding. Let's just say, we are certainly going to receive the full 100% of the Grant.

From there, we get to choose from a list of five Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU) Vendors to determine what the best style of tank is for our home. Then we can finally call our excavator [which is still yet to be decided] and get to work. I don't want to jinx myself, but I may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's just a glimmer!

Mounds of Dirt

Renovation UPDATE:

All of the paper work required for applying for the Innovative Sand Septic System has been completed and submitted to the St. Mary’s County Health Department. Now we wait [im]patiently to hear if we've been accepted or not. All signs are pointing to yes, but I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch! In the mean-time, we’re looking at excavators in our area that we will need to dig the mound system. Apparently there are a lot more excavators in Maryland than I realized. I found a GREAT document online [thanks, Google] that lists all licensed excavators in the state of Maryland and even breaks it down into counties.

Are you looking for an excavator too? Check out the listing I’m talking about by visiting the Maryland State Department of the Environment website, or simply click HERE. Once we find the best deal we can, and figure out how we’re going to afford this pricey mound of dirt [literally], we can move forward. When our septic system is finally up to date and able to pump as promised, we'll FINALLY be able to start our home renovations!

Before I go, I have to share some “pretty” with you. My wildflowers are STILL blooming and looking better than ever!

Oh, Harper. I see you hiding in there...

Finally, all the waiting has paid off. So pretty!