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August 7, 2003
Hagerstown, Maryland
VISIT BY U.S. SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI
Senator Barbara Mikulski met with the County Commissioners to
discuss items of local concern. She thanked the Commissioners
for arranging their schedule to meet with her and introduced her
staff members who were in attendance. Commissioner Snook
welcomed the Senator to Washington County and introduced
Commissioners James F. Kercheval, John C. Munson, and Doris J.
Nipps.
Update on Airport Runway Extension Project
Commissioner Snook thanked Senator Mikulski for her assistance
in obtaining a $47 million grant for this project. Carolyn
Motz, Airport Manager, outlined the project and provided an
update. The Senator praised the project as a major economic
development tool.
Local Projects – Smithsburg Branch Library, Southern Boulevard
and Devil’s Backbone Dam Project
Judith Ferro, Chair of the Smithsburg Library Board, stated that
they have raised approximately $700,000 for construction of the
new branch library in Smithsburg. This includes a $200,000
County contribution. Ms. Ferro outlined the fund-raising
activities the Board has planned and asked if there was a
possibility of receiving Federal funds for the project. Senator
Mikulski requested additional information and stated that,
although she could not promise an outcome, she would attempt to
obtain funding for the project.
Commissioner Snook reviewed a map outlining the proposed
alignment for Southern Boulevard, a bypass from Maryland Route
40 to Funkstown. Senator Mikulski provided details of the new
highway bill. She outlined the process and formula used and
stated that the County needs to get this project on the State’s
priority list. The Senator stated that she would fight for the
money if the County gets the project on the list.
Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed Senator Mikulski
of the repairs that are needed to the dam at Devil’s Backbone
Park. He explained that it is a masonry dam dating back to the
th
late 18 century. Mr. Rohrer stated that, although it would not
be life threatening if it fails, it could have an environmental
impact. Senator Mikulski asked that the Army Corps of Engineers
inspect the structure and report to her office before
proceeding.
She asked that County officials notify her when applying for any
type of federal funding for local projects so she can support
the request.
Fort Ritchie Land Conveyance
Representatives of the Cascade Committee expressed their support
for the transfer of land to the International Masonry Institute
(IMI) and expressed their disappointment in the PenMar
Development Corporation. Commissioner Snook reviewed some of
the issues involved in the conveyance. Senator Mikulski stated
that she and Senator Sarbanes have introduced an amendment to
allow the transfer of a specific parcel to IMI. Congressman
Bartlett feels that the entire property should be transferred
and not just a specific parcel. She stated that the
Commissioners should meet with Congressman Bartlett about the
bill.
The Commissioners thanked the Senator for meeting with them and
adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
___________________________,
County Clerk