Conservationists, MD counties fight proposed cap on open space funding

By Len Lazarick | Maryland Reporter

Environmental and land conservation advocates, along with county officials across the state, are gearing up to fight a Senate Budget Committee proposal to limit Program Open Space funding to $100 million a year.

The Maryland Association of Counties said the cap on open space funding would result in “devastating” cuts of as much as $263 million over the next five years.

“These reductions … would affect the State’s and local government’s ability to preserve open space, shorelines, and waterways while providing recreational opportunities,” MACo’s blog told local officials, urging them to contact their senators and delegates.

Program Open Space is funded by 1/2 percent tax on all real estate transfers, but this dedicated pot of money has been repeatedly raided to fund other programs.

at Maryland Reporter.

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