Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Two Anne Arundel County Park Improvement Projects 

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ANNAPOLIS, MD —  Today, Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of local-side Program Open Space (POS)  funds for improvements at two community parks in Anne Arundel County.

Completion of Phase II of the Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Trail (WB&A), a multiuse trail along the abandoned roadbed of the WB&A Railroad between Odenton and the Patuxent River will be partially funded ($1,471,500) by POS. The WB&A Trail will offer a safe, ADA accessible opportunity for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and equestrian uses. The Trail links natural areas, residential communities, commercial centers, public services, and the Odenton MARC Station for the benefit of commuters. In addition to serving local citizens, the trail forms a component of two national trails, the north-south East Coast Greenway and the east-west American Discovery Trail.

Completion of Phase IV development of Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, a 228-acre regional park, will be partially funded (75 percent) with $525,000 in POS funds. Phase IV development includes installing energy efficient, night-sky friendly lighting on seven athletic fields, electrical upgrades, and expanding a baseball field.

In total the BPW approved funding for 12 local park and recreation areas and preservation of more than 1,299 acres of agricultural and forest land in 16 Counties today.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of nearly 322,000 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.

Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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November 28, 200777

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

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 449,000 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 12 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