Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $1.1 Million in Program Open Space Funds for Two Maryland Counties
Projects involve planning, park development, and resource protection

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $1,068,652 in Program Open Space funds for Charles and Montgomery Counties. The Board is composed of Governor Ehrlich, Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.

“Two main themes are common to the planning effort, park development, and land acquisitions funded today,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The first is outdoor recreation, and the second is the principle of conservation.”

A total allocation of $1,068,652 will fund one project in each county.

Charles County
The Board approved $50,000 to cover the cost of preparing the Charles County 2005 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, a planning project required by state law.

Montgomery County
The Board approved $1,018,652 to fund the first phase of development of the 28-acre King Farm Park in Rockville. Bordered by Gaither Road, Piccard Drive, and Pleasant Road, the park is within easy walking distance of many of the residences existing in or planned for the area. This stage of development includes erosion and sediment controls, grading, landscaping, and the construction of water lines, roads, parking facilities, walkways, a playground, a picnic area, and a dog park.

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March 16, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov