Governor O’Malley Announces Acquisition of 150 acres in Montgomery County

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Governor O’Malley Announces Acquisition of 150 acres in Montgomery County
Board of Public Works approves more than $10 million in Program Open Space funding
ANNAPOLIS— Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of $10.2 million in Program Open Space (POS) funding for acquisition and recreation enhancement projects across Maryland.
Receiving Board approval today was $3.5 million to Montgomery County for the purchase of the 90-acre Spurrier farm, a welcome addition to the 700-acre Rachel Carson Conservation Park. Additionally, a 40-foot-wide trail easement will provide for a natural surface hiking and equestrian trail that will eventually connect the County’s park system to Patuxent River State Park.
The Board also approved the $3.2 million acquisition of a 60-acre addition to Montgomery’s Little Bennett Regional Park, expanding the park’s total acreage to more than 3,800 acres and providing for future ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, parking and trails. Finally, the County was granted $1,408,000 for renovation of the 27-year old, 36,000-square-foot Wheaton Tennis Bubble.
“Montgomery County is not only an important economic and cultural center for Maryland, it is also home to thousands of our State’s working families,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Montgomery County – and all of our local jurisdictions – to enhance recreational amenities for our citizens.”
Program Open Space is an incredible resource for jurisdictions across our State,” added Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. “We cannot overstate our appreciation of State support for these wonderful recreation and open space projects.”
The Board of Public Works also approved:

$863,190 to Queen Anne’s County for:

Shoreline stabilization at Conquest Beach for an area damaged by Tropical Storm Isabel;
Installation of a water and sewer system at Matapeake Marine Terminal; and
Creation of a fishing farm, hiking trails and multi-purpose athletic fields at White Marsh Park at Bloomfield Farm.

$497,359 to Worcester County for an addition to the Northside Park Recreation Building in Ocean City, and development of Worchester County Recreation Center.

$209,500 to St. Mary’s County for the 0.78-acre land acquisition for a public park at Leonardtown Wharf waterfront.

$204,840 to Carroll County for construction of a 5,900 linear foot pathway around the 30-acre Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center Park.

$179,970 for Cecil County for:

Construction of six soccer fields, an entrance road and a storage facility at Cecil Sports Complex and;
Construction of ball fields at the Cecil Sports Complex Development.

$95,306 for Washington County for improvements to J. Joseph Hancock Park.

$67,230 for Garrett County for:

Installation of a train for young children at Oakland Train Station;
Installation of message boards at Accident Town Park; and
Playground upgrades at Grantsville Town Park.

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 recreational areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.

April 4, 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