On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Board of Public Works will be considering several items that impact your Districts 1A, 1B, and 1C. Specifically:

District 1A

• A request from the Department of Natural Resources to commit $31,000 from the Program Open Space funding allocated to Garrett County to construct a pickleball court at Town Park East (Item 6A of the Department of Natural Resources’ Real Property Agenda);
• A request from the Department of Natural Resources to grant $238,000 of Program Open Space statewide funds for the acquisition in fee simple of 52.16 +/-acres (Chesapeake Power Foundation, Inc. property) in Garrett County. This mostly forested property includes road frontage and features approximately 1,400 feet of the upper Savage River, which supports an important brook trout population. Acquisition will protect the watershed by expanding the buffer zone along the Savage River, increase public access to remote areas for hunting and fishing, and improve boundary management. The property will be managed by the Maryland Forest Service as an addition to Savage River State Forest (Item 16A of the Department of Natural Resources’ Real Property Agenda);
• A request from the Department of Natural Resources to grant $8,700,000 of Program Open Space statewide funds for the acquisition in fee simple of 41.96 +/-acres (Russell-Dreisback LLC property (Savage River Lodge) in Garrett County. This mostly forested property is located entirely within Savage River State Forest and will be managed by the Maryland Park Service as part of the New Germany State Park Complex. The property includes established facilities (lodge, cabins and yurts) that will be used to expand overnight accommodations in an area where these amenities are in high demand. Acquisition will increase recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing. It will also expand public access to the hunting area in Savage River State Forest and simplify boundary management by eliminating an inholding (Item 20A of the Department of Natural Resources’ Real Property Agenda);

District 1B: A request from the Maryland Department of the Environment for the following funding streams for the Winchester Road Waterline Replacement project.

• Up to $3,786,088 ($1,984,688 loan and $1,801,400 grant) to Allegany County (Items 11 of the Secretary’s Agenda); and
• Up to $1,000,000 (loan) to the LaVale Sanitary Commission (Item 12 of the Secretary’s Agenda).

The proposed project involves the replacement of the aging water distribution system in the LaVale Community. The current deteriorating water distribution system has exceeded its useful life and is in need of replacement. The proposed improvements will provide residents with safe and adequate drinking water, including fire protection.

District 1C: A request from the Department of Natural Resources to grant $180,000 of Program Open Space statewide funds for the acquisition in fee simple of 32.36 +/- acres (Humphrey property) in Allegany County. This mostly forested property includes an unnamed tributary of Mill Run. Acquisition will provide opportunities for early successional habitat management that is optimal for small game species, protect water quality in the Potomac River Lower North Branch watershed, improve access, and expand public recreational opportunities for hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and birding. This acquisition will be managed by the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service as an addition to Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Item 17A of the Department of Natural Resources’ Real Property Agenda).

Treasurer Davis asked that I keep you informed of these items. If you should have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joanna

Joanna W Kille
Board of Public Works Liaison
Maryland State Treasurer’s Office
80 Calvert Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

O: 410-260-7588
C: 443-239-2615
jkille@treasurer.state.md.us