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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of $4.5 Million For Local Program Open Space Projects
ANNAPOLIS, MD —The Board of Public Works (BPW) yesterday approved $4.5 million in Program Open Space funding for nine local projects in six Maryland Counties. The funds will be used to preserve more than 285 acres of open space, and expand or improve local park projects.
“We are committed to protecting our priorities in Maryland including bringing exciting, outdoor recreational opportunities to families across our state,” said Governor O’Malley. “By using eco-friendly practices for these projects, we are building a more sustainable Maryland for our children and improving our quality of life at the same time.”
Allegany County is slated to receive an $18,000 grant for public use improvements at the Little League and Community Park in Barton and a $37,750 grant for the Lonaconing Recreation Area to upgrade parking to pervious surface.
In Baltimore County, a $780,180 grant will purchase 20.5 acres to expand Sparrows Point High School Recreation Center in Edgemere.
Carroll County will receive $98,100 to develop Double Pipe Creek Park in Detour.
Cecil County will use a $1,400,476 grant for the purchase of the Sonic Sports Arena in North East to provide for a variety of recreational opportunities, and a $7,500 grant to add fencing to improve the safety of Fair Green Park in Charlestown.
In Charles County, a $1,667,500 grant will fund 216 acres of open space to ease the current demand for active recreation, particularly athletic fields, in the Waldorf area. The county will also receive a $1.4 million grant for development of a 13-mile hiker/biker trail connecting the town of Indian Head to the White Plains community.
Harford County will receive $651,000 to acquire 43.9 acres in Pylesville. The protection of this land will improve water quality protection of Big Branch and Deer Creeks.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW 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 more than 321,000 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.
January 31, 2008 Contact: Kara Turner
410-260-8018
katurner@dnr.state.md.usThe Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 280 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.
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