PRESERVATION OF OVER 615 ACRES OF FOREST AND FARM LAND IN CECIL, DORCHESTER AND WICOMICO COUNTIES

The Board of Public Works has approved preservation of more than 615 acres of forest and farm land in Cecil, Dorchester and Wicomico counties through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program.

“These conservation easements protect the culture, environment, and history of our rural communities, while enabling landowners to continue to own and use their property for agricultural production and personal enjoyment,” said Governor O’Malley. “The success of Maryland’s nationally recognized Rural Legacy Program would not be possible without our partnership with local governments, land trusts and private landowners.”

In Cecil County, the board approved $457,695 to acquire a conservation easement on a 52-acre farm near Fair Hill.

In Dorchester County, the board approved $731,000 to acquire a conservation easement on a 271-acre farm in the Nanticoke River Rural Legacy Area.

In Wicomico County, the board approved $709,571 to acquire a conservation easement on a 292-acre property in the Quantico Creek Rural Legacy Area.

Since 1997, Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program has provided funding to preserve more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.

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.

Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval of $5.7 Million for Recreation Projects in 10 Counties

Governor Martin O’Malley  announced the Board of Public Works has approved more than $5.7 million for local Program Open Space (POS) projects in 10 counties, including new pavilions, sports centers, playground equipment and road improvements in local and regional parks.

“Thanks to these local Program Open Space grants, we are preserving one of our most precious resources – our local and regional parks – while helping communities throughout Maryland improve public recreation facilities,” Governor O’Malley said. “We encourage families to take advantage of the beauty of Maryland’s parks and recreation facilities, and explore the outdoors together in their very own backyard.”

The board approved funding for the following projects:

Allegany County will receive $57,000 for a concession stand and restroom building at a recreation complex in Frostburg.

Baltimore County will receive more than $577,000, including $150,000 to enhance a portion of a hiking and bicycle trail between the Hawthorne-Midthorn and Darkhead Creek parks near Middle River; $100,000 to complete improvement of a trail in Catonsville Community Park; and $327,553 to acquire a five-acre property for Double Rock Park.

Carroll County will receive $66,168 for a skate park in New Windsor.

Frederick County will receive more than $186,000, including $108,750 to pave a road in the Walkersville Heritage Farm regional park; $71,250 for a pavilion and youth recreational system at the Walkersville Heritage Farm regional park; and $6,813 for a security system at the Walkersville Creamery Park.

Garrett County will receive $282,930 for an observatory boardwalk trail looping through a natural habitat area and recreational park in Loch Lynn Heights.

Montgomery County will receive more than $4 million to acquire 32 acres, mostly wooded, for the Black Hill Regional Park to enhance recreational and outdoor opportunities in the region.

Somerset County will receive $60,000 for new playground equipment for the Mt. Vernon recreational area in Princess Anne.

Washington County will receive $136,300, including $60,800 for playground equipment at two Hagerstown parks; and $75,000 for a walking trail and other improvements at Veteran’s Park in Smithsburg.

Wicomico County will receive $310,000, including $210,000 to replace basketball and tennis courts and other recreational facilities at Gordy Park in Delmar; and $100,000 for improvements at Doverdale Playground in Salisbury.

Worcester County will receive $80,966 for landscaping and other improvements at Byrd Park in Snow Hill.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 2,556 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the preservation of more than 323,320 acres across the state. 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.