Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of $1.49 Million In Program Open Space And Rural Legacy Projects

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of $1.49 Million In Program Open Space And Rural Legacy Projects
ANNAPOLIS— Governor Martin O’Malley yesterday announced the Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of $1.49 million in Program Open Space (POS) funds for development and acquisition projects across Maryland.
“These open spaces throughout our state will help improve the quality of life for all Marylanders,” said Governor Martin O'Malley. “I look forward to continuing to work with our environmental partners to preserve and expand our open spaces.”

"Program Open Space not only helps protect our environment but also makes it possible for Marylanders to enjoy a higher quality of life," said Comptroller and Board member Peter Franchot. "I am proud to partner with the Governor and Treasurer to support this wonderful program and preserve our precious natural resources and green space."

Program Open Space funding was approved as follows:

$838,500 to Washington County for:

Washington County North Hagerstown Track Facility – engineering, excavation and construction of a new running track and runway approach.

Funkstown Community Park Development – construction of a basketball court, installation of security lighting and ADA accessible walkway system.

Kirkwood Park Bridge Development – installation of a new bridge.

$264,500 to Baltimore County for General Sticker Middle School Recreation Center for an upgrade to the existing lighting system.

$151,304 to Garrett County for:

Grantsville Community Park – acquisition of two lots, .19 acres for additional parking

Mountain Lake Park – construction of a walking trail and the acquisition of an 11.48 acre parcel of land.

Crellin Softball Field – fence repair and parking upgrades

$89,297 to Anne Arundel County for Patuxent Wetlands Park for the acquisition of 43.24 acres of land bordering the Patuxent River. This acquisition will provide an additional buffer for the existing parkland and improve public access to the Patuxent River.

$84,600 to Somerset County for Great Hope Golf Course for the installation of a new irrigation system.

$45,000 to Carroll County for Fenby Farm Quarry for the installation of climbing boulders:

$18,750 to Frederick County for Middletown Wiles Branch Walking Trail for the construction of additional walking trails.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.
Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of nearly 292,000 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.

March 21, 2007
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