ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 1, 1998) -- A project to design and restore the Middle Patuxent flood plain located above Folly Quarter Road in Howard County, today received Board of Public Works approval of a $30,000 grant.

"This important project will provide a more natural forested buffer along the Middle Patuxent River which protect and improve both water quality and wetland habitat," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "This will ultimately benefit the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay."

In addition to the State grant, the project is receiving $19,900 in federal funding and $10,100 from the county for a total project cost of $60,000. Construction begins this month and will be completed in December 1998.

"On behalf of the Howard County Soil Conservation District and the citizens of Howard County, let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the State of Maryland for making grant funds available for the project," said Howard Soil Conservation District Manager Robert W. Ziehm. "When complete, the Middle Patuxent Floodplain Restoration Project will restore 33 acres of cropped floodplain and 13 acres of adjoining upland slopes to a more natural wooded-riparian corridor. The project includes reestablishment of nontidal wetlands and warm-season native grasslands."

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered to approve construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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