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Commissioners Still Evaluating POS Allocations

Jun. 12, 2008
The Garrett County commissioners last week received Program Open Space (POS) funding requests from nine local groups totaling more than $524,000. But there is only about $234,000, including carry-overs from previous years, available in fiscal year 2009 development project funding.
The commissioners were still reviewing the requests this week, comparing them to previous allocations, in an attempt to decide what projects should receive the limited funds.
More than $99,000 is available for local land acquisition projects for FY '09, but no towns or organizations requested this type of POS money.
Zoning administrator Bill DeVore, Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Development, reviewed the requests for the commissioners.
Oakland, DeVore said, asked for a total of $285,000 for four projects. Town officials would like $120,000 for tennis courts, $87,000 for a Little League restroom/concession facility, and $8,000 to conduct an engineering study for an recreational vehicle park, all for Broadford Park Recreation Area. Oakland also requested $70,000 to install additional lighting along the town's walking trail.
Mountain Lake Park requested $72,829.50 to construct the Crystal Springs Walking Trail. DeVore noted that same amount had been awarded to the town in FY 2007 for its B&O Walking Trail Project. But the town has abandoned that initiative and has requested that the '07 funding be transferred to the Crystal Springs project.
Mtn. Lake Park is forgoing the B&O project for various reasons, but primarily because of the cost. The trail would have been constructed in a flood plain, making it too expensive, DeVore noted.
Loch Lynn Heights asked for $64,000 for an athletic complex/parking area. The money would be used for preliminary planning and design, excavation and tree removal, stormwater management, and an underground conduit.
The Garrett County Board of Education would like $36,900 to upgrade the girls' softball field at Northern High School. The improvements would include paving, fencing, infield resurfacing, and outfield regrading.
The Avilton Community Association requested $20,200 to purchase and install playground equipment at the new Avilton Community Center. If the commissioners grant the association's request, this would be first time that the Avilton community receives POS funding, DeVore noted.
He said the association plans to contribute $16,000 toward the playgroup equipment project.
Crellin softball field officials would like $14,800 for improvements. The work would include grading, ditches, stone, fencing, a home plate, benches, and bleachers.
Grantsville asked for $13,5000 to construct a new gravel parking area at the town park.
The Casselman Valley Soccer Association would like $10,000 to install sidewalks and a patio at its existing stand, to replace grave and topsoil, and to top dress the fields.
Accident requested $5,998.50 for aluminum bleachers and six trash cans for Town Park East.
More than $539,000 was available and allocated in POS funding in FY 2008 for local projects.
Program Open Space is funded by the state and is allotted to counties each year, with the monies appropriated by their fiscal authorities. The funds are to be used to renovate existing Open Space facilities or to buy properties for new Open Space use.
All projects must be for public use. Additionally, development initiatives require a 10 percent local match, but those involving land acquisition do not.