Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Local Recreational Projects In Prince George’s, Somerset And Worcester Counties

Annapolis, Md. (February 9, 2011) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in Prince George’s, Somerset and Worcester Counties through local-side Program Open Space.

"By continuing to add hiking, biking and connector trails across our State, we are encouraging Marylanders to enjoy their natural surroundings and use alternatives to unnecessary car use,” said Governor O’Malley.

Prince George’s County will receive $287,141 to construct a connector trail from Henson Creek Trail at the Tucker Road Athletic Center to the Southern Regional Tech Recreation Complex. The connector trail will be approximately 1,500 feet long and include a 200-foot bridge.

“The proposed connector trail meets several of our Department’s goals: providing pedestrian and bicycle access between recreational facilities, connecting facilities to regional trails, promoting fitness, and connecting people to the outdoors,” said Charles Montrie, Park Planning Supervisor for MNCPPC’s Park Planning and Development Division.

Somerset County – Crisfield will receive $12,604 to install a hiking/biking trail linking the city’s Municipal Waterfront Park and downtown business area. The trail will be handicapped accessible. A large portion of the project traverses an abandoned railroad bed which will be covered with a pervious trail surface. The remainder of the trail will also utilize pervious materials which will have minimal to no effect on storm water runoff. The BPW has previously approved $136,000 for this project.

Worcester County – will receive $5,000 to remove 1,000 feet of existing bulkhead at Greys Creek Nature Park and create approximately 900 feet of living, environmentally friendly, soft shoreline. The creation of a soft shoreline is an eco-friendly long-term solution for the existing failing bulkhead.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 962 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling over $284 million through local-side Program Open Space since 2007.

A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Governor O’Malley (chair), 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.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 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