ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 11, 1999) – A $3,000 grant to acquire a flood prone property at 450 Liberty Street in the City of Oakland, Garrett County, received Board of Public Works approval Wednesday under the State Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program. The one-story home on the property has a history of repeated flooding above the first floor.

"We are committed to eliminating flood-ravaged structures such as this one in Oakland," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "They pose a risk to the health and safety to their occupants as well as others downstream."

The structure was flooded during the winter storm of 1996 and by Hurricane Fran in September 1996. The City of Oakland will demolish the structure and convert and maintain the land as permanent open space. In addition to the State grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute $18,000 and Oakland will match the State’s contribution.

"We appreciate the cooperation among local, State and federal agencies in acquiring this property, which has had repetitive flooding problems," said Brad Franz, Director of the Garrett County Emergency Management Agency. "Garrett County looks forward to continued cooperation with the State of Maryland in future mitigation projects."

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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