Anne Arundel lawmakers hope the state?s coffers will be able to dole out at least a little money for a handful of local projects, including a new concession stand and team meeting rooms for Old Mill High School and a new roof for Hope House.
The county?s legislative delegation has proposed eight local bond bills totaling $2.6 million in requests. The three biggest-ticket items were for $500,000 each for repairs at the historic Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, expansion of the Light House Shelter and construction of the Providence Center, an educational center for the developmentally disabled.
The deadline to file bills in the House and guarantee they receive a committee hearing was Thursday. The Senate deadline was Monday. Bills introduced after the deadline will need approvals from the rules committees in each chamber.
Other projects included $225,000 for a theater complex for the Children?s Theatre of Annapolis; $250,000 for renovations for the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts; and $250,000 for the creation of Bayhead Park.
Another $250,000 was requested for a new concession stand and new team locker rooms at Old Mill?s football stadium. The school?s athletic boosters have already begun fundraising to match whatever state dollars are approved.
Alex Szachnowicz, acting facilities director for Anne Arundel County schools, said the stadium currently has a small, outdated concession stand, but the closest team locker rooms and restrooms are in the main school building, a bit of a hike from the field.
Another bond bill asked for $200,000 for roof repairs and electrical upgrades at Hope House, the county?s only residential drug treatment facility, located on the old Crownsville Hospital Center grounds.
The state and county officials have been negotiating the possible transfer of the Crownsville Hospital site to county control. Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold has asked the county delegation for help in making that transfer happen.
