ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 14, 2001) – Demonstrating his commitment to improving the lives of Marylanders, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Board of Public Works approval of more than $108,400 in relief funds for homeowners in Cecil County affected by Hurricane Floyd. The money will be used to purchase 11 flood-prone homes in the Farr Creek community that sits in the Big Elk Creek flood plain near Elkton. Those homes experienced water above the first floor during the hurricane that swept though Maryland in September 1999.

“Safeguarding the lives and property of citizens is one of the most essential duties of government, and one we take very seriously,” said Gov. Parris N. Glendening who visited the community in July 1999. “This funding is the basis for a better quality of life for those residents who were devastated by that storm.”

Once the purchases are complete, the properties will be converted to open space and maintained by the county.

“This approval is a proactive approach to mitigating flood hazards,” said Cecil County Board of County Commissioners President Nelson K. Bolender. “The Farr Creek project will be an example of that approach and we appreciate the enthusiastic support that we have received from state staff and their leadership.”

Funding for the home acquisitions, a total of more than $867,200, will come from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The county will chip in more than $108,400 toward the total.

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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