ANNAPOLIS (Feb. 13, 2008) - The recent billion dollar plus State budget crisis that resulted in large tax increases appears to have
had little effect on non-essential spending. Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval today of Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 24 local park and recreation facilities in eight counties that total more than $3.9 million dollars.
The amount includes $639,315 for four local park and recreation area improvements in St. Mary’s County.
The four projects include:
-- Expansion of the Three Notch Trail in California will be partially financed by a $330,000 grant. Beginning at the Walmart and extending a half mile to connect with Chancellor’s Run Road, the trail will offer walking, biking, running, and rollerblading opportunities. Once completed, the State estimates the Trail will receive 25,000 visits annually.
-- A $160,000 grant will finance entrance, roadway, and parking area improvements at the Seventh District Park in Bushwood.
-- A $100,000 grant will partially finance walkway and parking improvements at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park.
-- Two new tennis courts will be built at Cecil Park in Valley Lee and partially funded by a $49,315 grant. Once completed, the State estimates the park will receive 20,000 visits annually.
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.