ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 23, 1999) – A $40,000 grant to acquire and stabilize land and remove 18 mobile homes in the flood-prone area of Evitts Creek near Creek Road and McGee Lane, Allegany County, received Board of Public Works approval today. The mobile homes were damaged in September 1996 from the remnants of Hurricane Fran.

"We are committed to eliminating flood-ravaged structures," said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. "The existence of these mobile homes, which lie in the 100-year storm flood-plain, pose a serious risk to public health and safety."

Allegany County will convert and maintain the property as open space. In addition to the State grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute $285,707. The county will match the State’s contribution.

"Allegany County is pleased to be able to move 18 mobile homes from the floodplain of Evitts Creek," said Dale R. Lewis, president of the Allegany County Commissioners. "These mobile homes have been subject to flooding more than four times over the last decade. Each flood event results in
evacuation by our Emergency Management Department and requires cleanup of the water and sewer system that serves the mobile home park. The land being purchased ultimately will be available for use for outdoor recreation after the mobile homes are removed."

Chaired by the Governor, 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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