Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $168,000 in Program Open Space Funds for Three Maryland Counties
Planning projects and pool renovation receive support

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $168,000 in Program Open Space funds for Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Queen Anne’s Counties.

“Recreation is a theme common to each of today’s approvals,” said Governor Ehrlich. “I am especially pleased that we are able to help with the completion of essential renovations at Laurel Municipal Pool.”

The Board is composed of Governor Ehrlich, Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.

A total allocation of $168,000 will fund three projects in three counties:

Montgomery County: The Board approved $25,000 to cover the cost of preparing major parts of the Montgomery County 2005 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, a planning project required by state law. Project items include assessing trends in recreation and completing quantitative recommendations regarding various kinds of recreation facilities.

Prince George’s County: The Board approved $118,000 in additional Program Open Space funds to complete the second phase of renovation at Laurel Municipal Pool, located on Ninth and Main Streets in Laurel. Project progress was delayed because of insufficient funding and increased construction costs. This outdoor public pool accommodates about 13,500 users each year.

Queen Anne’s County: The Board approved $25,000 to cover the cost of preparing the Queen Anne’s County 2005 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, a planning project required by state law.

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April 19, 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 18,000 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