ANNAPOLIS (October 5, 2007) - Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval on Wednesday of more than $10 million in local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 35 local park and recreation facilities in 13 counties across Maryland. Only one project was for southern Maryland.
Charles County will acquire a 22-acre private in-holding within Maxwell Hall Park with an $800,500 grant. The acquisition preserves a restored 18th century manor home and barns which offer future opportunities for historical interpretation of southern Maryland colonial life along the Patuxent River watershed, Maxwell Hall’s involvement in the War of 1812, and the British invasion of Washington. The addition also allows Charles County to expand an existing 10-mile hiking and equestrian trail.
In addition to the local-side projects, the BPW also approved the $160,000 acquisition of a 60-acre forested property located within the Green Ridge State Forest. The acquisition will protect and connect two important parts of the forest and provide additional buffers for the Potomac River.
Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of more than 321,000 acres for open space and recreation areas. According to the Governor's office, most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.