WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer today announced that the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2005 federal funding bill that funds the Veterans Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and additional Independent Agencies at the end of last week which included $625,000 for projects that will benefit Southern Maryland. Funding for these three projects were added to the bill at the request of Congressman Hoyer and were not requested in the President's fiscal year 2005 budget.
"Lexington Manor has long been discussed as an area in need of redevelopment," said Congressman Hoyer. "I am pleased that this federal funding will help our region acquire this property and will strongly illustrate the local, state and federal support for the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. I look forward to continuing to work with the state and local governments in St. Mary's County, as well as the entire community who remain committed to doing what it takes to keep Pax River well positioned for the upcoming BRAC in 2005.
"The funding included in the bill for the Boys and Girls Club in Calvert County and the Girl Scout Camps in Charles and Prince George's Counties will also provide a tremendous service to our young people by expanding the resources at the Camps and the Center so that they can offer Southern Maryland's students new exciting learning and social opportunities.
"I will continue to work to ensure that this funding is included in the final bill," Rep. Hoyer concluded.
Funding that will benefit Southern Maryland included in the VA-HUD Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2005 approved by the Committee last week is listed below:
Lexington Manor Northern Parcel Redevelopment Project, St. Mary's County, $225,000
This project will eliminate both physical and economic distress in the area immediately bordering the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The County will acquire Lexington Manor, a chronically blighted and largely vacant housing development, and blighted structures on the property will be demolished as part of the effort to protect the AICUZ area from encroachment and help protect the mission of this important military installation.
Bayside Boys and Girls Club Expansion, North Beach, MD, $200,000
This project would be used to expand the Bayside Boys and Girls Club in North Beach, Maryland in Calvert County through the construction of a gym and a multipurpose room to serve as a teen center and special programs and activities room.
Girl Scout Camp Construction, Charles and Prince George's Counties, $200,000
These funds are needed to expand Camp Winona in Hughesville, Charles County and Camp Aquasco in Aquasco, Prince George's County. The funds will be used to build new lodges, create nature study areas, and complete infrastructure requirements to make sure that there is enough room at the camps for all Girl Scouts in Southern Maryland.