ANNAPOLIS (Nov. 19, 2008)—Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of funding for a Program Open Space project in St. Mary’s County. $730,000 will be provided to purchase 76 acres for a new park in California.
“Building this new park in California will help balance recreational activities in St.Mary’s County,” said Jack Russell, President of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners.” We have a number of fine facilities and ball fields in the Northern and Southern ends of St. Mary’s, and these funds will help us build nearly 30 new fields in the central part of the county.”
Since 2007, the Board of Public Works have preserved more than 10,197 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has protected more than 327,670 acres with funds from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax.
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.