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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of 12 Local Park Improvement Projects
Anne Arundel County’s Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary to be Expanded
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 12 local park and recreation facilities in seven counties across Maryland.
As a result of today’s actions, Anne Arundel County will receive $5.8 million for acquisition of a 30-acre forested parcel to expand Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian. Preservation of the property, which buffers Galloway Creek, a tributary of the Patuxent River, will protect water quality, prevent the degradation of sensitive habitat areas and expand opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.
“Program Open Space is a critical component of our ability to protect sensitive woodlands and local stream watersheds from the impacts of development,” said Governor O’Malley. “Every acre of forest that we protect within our watershed helps move us closer to restoring our treasured Chesapeake Bay.”
Funding for the following projects were also approved today:Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 322,700 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.
- Allegany County will receive $80,634 for four local park improvement projects including:
- A $39,500 grant for a new walking trail around the 6.7-acre Barton Meadow Park.
- A $2,968 grant for water, sewage, and electrical improvements to 30 campsites at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland.
- An $11,467 grant for development of a multi-use pavilion, including horse stalls at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland. The pavilion is used by approximately 200,000 visitors annually.
- A $26,700 grant for upgrades to Lonaconing’s only little league ball field.
- Frederick County will receive $39,000 to renovate the tennis and basketball courts at Walkersville Community Park.
- Garrett County will receive $5,917 to install picnic tables, benches, and trash receptacles in Accident’s community park.
- Kent County will receive $35,100 for renovations at Millington Pool, the largest public pool in the County.
- The City of Laurel in Prince George’s County will receive $90,000 to develop youth athletic fields and a walking path on the Alice B. McCullough Living Aluminum Field, which will increase the usable recreation area at this park to 11.3 acres
- Wicomico County will receive $64,000 for two local park projects:
- $54,000 for installation of bio-retention drainage areas, landscaping, and erosion control at Cherry Beach Recreation Area Park in Sharptown -- stormwater runoff improvements that will help improve water quality.
- $10,000 for creation of a new .5-acre dog park. Once established, Salisbury expects the park to receive 260,000 visits annually.
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.
February 26, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland 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