School Construction Projects Accelerated, New Libraries, Parks, Body Cameras Funded
in Preliminary Capital Budget

FREDERICK, MD –Emphasizing that every student deserves a seat in a classroom, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today unveiled plans for a record nine school construction projects in the upcoming fiscal year. Her preliminary capital budget also funds three new library branches, the purchase of body cameras for deputies, several parks projects, fire stations, technology upgrades, roads, and construction of a new medical unit for the Adult Detention Center.

"I am proud of the significant investment this capital budget makes to support our schools, roads, libraries, parks and more," Executive Gardner said. "These projects support our high quality of life and help to ensure a bright future for everyone in Frederick County."

School projects in the draft capital budget include construction of Waverly Elementary and Brunswick Elementary. The plan accelerates by two years the construction of a new Green Valley Elementary School and a new Valley Elementary School. An addition to Crestwood Middle School will be funded entirely by developers. Thurmont and Monocacy Elementary Schools will undergo limited renovations, and feasibility studies will be conducted for Yellow Springs Elementary and the Middletown school complex.

Other projects in the six-year Capital Improvement Program include building a library on the west end of the City of Frederick five years faster than originally scheduled. A new Middletown branch library begins construction and a regional library in the eastern part of the county is planned. The Northgate Fire Station will open this spring, and replacement stations are scheduled for Green Valley and Carroll Manor. A newly renovated Middletown Park will open this summer, and construction will begin on the next phase of the Old National Pike Part east of New Market. Work will begin on the Richard W. Kanode Farm Park, a new North County Regional Park in Emmitsburg, the next phase of Othello Park in Brunswick, and renovations to Rose Hill Manor's Carriage Museum. A larger shelter for Animal Control is being designed. Major road projects include the Monrovia East-West Connector Road, the final stage of construction for Gas House Pike, and several bridge projects.

The County's purchase of a large property on Himes Avenue/Oak Street eliminated the need for several projects. As a result, $6.9 million in expenses were removed from the six-year Capital Improvement Plan.

Executive Gardner also reviewed operating budget requests, and encouraged the public to share their priorities at a public hearing on Monday, March 21. Her budget is based on the same property and income tax rates that have been in effect for all eight years of her administration.

Fiscal Year 2023 begins July 1, 2022. A full list of operating budget requests is available for review at FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 21. In-person attendance will be limited to the first 25 members of the public who pre-register at FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing. Others may participate virtually by calling toll-free 855-925-2801 and entering meeting code 2445. The hearing will be broadcast live on cable channels 19 and 1085, or online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing. Live translations in multiple languages are available from this broadcast, using the "translate" button on that web page.

For more information, contact Budget Director Kelly Weaver at 301-600-1185 or via e-mail at kweaver@FrederickCountyMD.gov.