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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of New Trailhead For Allegheny Highlands Trail
Local POS Project Improves Access to Scenic Overlook in western Maryland
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of a local Program Open Space project that will allow Allegany County to improve public access to the Allegheny Highlands Trail, a popular hiking and outdoors destination for thousands of visitors to western Maryland.
“For the first time, we will be able to allow residents and visitors to enjoy one of the more spectacular scenic overlooks in the region, providing a breathtaking view of the Narrows, a natural water gap and eco-tourism attraction, the National Road and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad,” Governor O’Malley said.
The county will receive a $228,000 grant to acquire a small commercial property in LaVale that will be developed as a trailhead with additional parking and other amenities.
“The Allegany County Commissioners have placed a high priority on acquiring this property in LaVale because of its unique location at a point where two streams, two highways and three railroad rights-of-way all converge,” said county planner David Dorsey. “We are extremely grateful that the state of Maryland, through local Program Open Space, has enabled the county to continue its development of Maryland’s portion of the Allegheny Highlands Trail and preservation of scenic overlooks in the area.”
Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the Board of Public Works preserved more than 8,617 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,090 acres for open space and recreation areas. The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded through Program Open Space.
The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is 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.
October 1, 2008 Contact: Wiley Hall
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
whall@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.