ANNAPOLIS, Md., — In a significant stride toward sustainable development and environmental stewardship, the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) has authorized funding exceeding $230 million for 59 statewide initiatives. The move underscores Maryland's commitment to combating climate change and promoting renewable energy solutions.
The comprehensive funding package includes diverse projects, with a notable $200,000 grant earmarked for the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in St. Mary's County. This grant is allocated for installing a solar power system expected to fulfill 100% of the electrical needs for the department's fire stations in California and Leonardtown, Maryland.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman spotlighted the initiative, emphasizing its benefits of significantly reducing the department's utility expenses by approximately $18,000 annually and decreasing carbon emissions. The project received backing from Delegate Brian Crosby (D-29B St. Mary's County), who supported the venture through a letter of endorsement and spearheaded the bond initiative in the preceding year.
"I'd like to acknowledge and extend my appreciation to Delegate Brian Crosby, for submitting a letter of support for the project and sponsoring the bond initiative last year," Lierman remarked, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project.
Further expanding on Maryland's green agenda, Comptroller Lierman discussed a request approved by the BPW from the Department of General Services. This request involves commissioning three firms to devise decarbonization strategies for state-owned buildings and facilities. The objective of these plans is clear: to transition Maryland's public infrastructure towards more energy-efficient, clean, and cost-effective electricity solutions in alignment with the state's ambitious climate targets.
"These plans are necessary to meet our state's climate goals," Lierman stated, highlighting the importance of these initiatives in Maryland's broader environmental strategy. "They will help the State of Maryland transition our buildings to efficient, clean, and cost-saving electricity to meet our state Climate goals."
The comptroller also underscored the significance of legislative action in environmental policy, remarking, "This is a huge step forward. We pass important legislation and then it actually has to be implemented and this is one of those steps to implement it."
In her concluding remarks, after expressing gratitude towards the Office of Sustainability, Lierman acknowledged the ongoing nature of Maryland's environmental efforts. "There is a lot more work to do, and we keep moving forward," she said, indicating the continuous journey toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The approval of these projects by the Maryland Board of Public Works represents a pivotal advancement in the state's environmental and sustainability goals. With these initiatives, Maryland sets a precedent for integrating renewable energy solutions into public infrastructure, significantly reducing carbon footprints, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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