Governor O'Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Local Recreational Projects In Anne Arundel And Allegany Counties

Annapolis, Md. (March 23, 2011) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in Anne Arundel and Allegany Counties through local-side Program Open Space.

"With spring’s arrival, we are reminded of the vast opportunities for Maryland children and families to make the most of the beautiful weather we’ll enjoy over the next several months,” said Governor O’Malley. “These projects expand access to outdoor recreational activities for all Marylanders.”

Anne Arundel County will receive $100,000 to develop the County’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan as mandated by State law. The plan will present the goals and objectives associated with parkland acquisition and development, agricultural preservation and natural resource protection.

Allegany County will receive $164,190 to develop a third ballfield at the 146-acre Allegany County Fairgrounds site. Two existing ballfields at the County’s Regional Recreational Center are used extensively and a third ballfield is now needed. The Hot Stove League, Inc., the projects local sponsor, is contributing 42 percent of the funding for this third field.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 966 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling over $286 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