ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 3, 1999) – The Board of Public Works approved a $70,140 grant on Wednesday for a project in the Shallmar community in Garrett County to acquire, demolish, and remove six flood-prone homes and stabilize the sites.

"We must do everything we can to spare Garrett County from experiencing the devastating and heartbreaking effects of flooding," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "This project is part of a comprehensive program to prevent or at least minimize the impact of future flooding and give residents some peace of mind."

The properties lie within the 100-year storm floodplain, and have experienced repetitive, extensive flood damage, most recently from remnants of Hurricane Fran in September 1996. The project was recommended in the report of the Governor’s Flood Mitigation Task Force for Western Maryland. Funding for the project will come from several sources: $8,390 from the State’s Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program and $61,750 from the Department of Housing and Community Development; plus an additional $210,421 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Governor in providing the necessary funding for flood mitigation projects in Garrett County," said Jon B. Franz, Director of the Garrett County Office of Emergency Management. "These funds will significantly lower the risks to property and public safety from flooding in the Shallmar community."

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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