ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 23, 1999) – A $25,882 grant to acquire five flood-prone properties in the Town of Gilmore, Allegany County, received Board of Public Works approval today under the State Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program. The properties were damaged in September 1996 from the remnants of Hurricane Fran. A grant of $33,625 to acquire eight properties in Gilmore was approved last May by the Board.

"We continue our commitment to eliminating flood-ravaged structures such as those in Gilmore," said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. "They pose a risk to the town and the health and safety of others downstream."

As in the previous acquisition, Allegany County will convert the properties to open space. In addition to the State grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute $155,293. The county will match the State’s contribution.

"Allegany County is very pleased to be able to continue the acquisition of flood-prone properties in the Gilmore area of Georges Creek," said Dale R.
Lewis, president of the Allegany County Commissioners. "These homes were severely damaged during the floods of January and September 1996. The removal of these homes from the floodplain of Georges Creek will allow the residents to move to a safer location and end the cycle of flood-repair-flood that has been prevalent in the area."

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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