The Montgomery County Council today approved more than $41 million over six years in County funds for the Legacy Open Space program. The Council also approved expenditures of at least $18 million in non-county funds.
Legacy Open Space is a 10-year, $100 million program proposed by the Montgomery County Park and Planning Commission. The program will safeguard up to 10,000 unprotected acres of green and open space through County purchase of selected sites.
Quote - Dacek
The Park and Planning Commission has identified several sites in the County that should be preserved because of their environmental, agricultural, open space, or cultural significance to the heritage of the County. These sites include sources of ground water, heritage resource sites such as the Underground Railroad/Quaker Cluster, farmland and rural open spaces, and urban green spaces.
The County would either purchase the land or restrict development on the site by purchasing an easement.
The Council approved expenditures of $10 million each year over ten years. A portion of each year’s expenditures would come from grants and private contributions.
"I believe this is a great gift for future generations to come," said Councilmember Betty Ann Krahnke. " It will maintain and conserve natural and green space for our County by balancing development and the protection of sensitive natural resources, water supply, heritage resources, farmland and urban open space.
I commend private donors in their effort to help maintain our own Grand Canyons, Yellow Stones, and Central Park."
The County Executive included $15 million over six years for Legacy Open Space in the capital budget submitted to the Council.