Maryland Governor Larry Hogan visited Greenbrier State Park on Tuesday to announce a $75-million investment proposal for Maryland State Parks and to talk about the possibility of new state parks this spring.
According to a report, Hogan pointed out that the park in Washington County was in line to receive $1.4 million in the budget proposal for the 2023 fiscal year.
Greenbrier is among Maryland‘s most visited state parks and has more than 300,000 people visiting yearly, Hogan shared. He allocated the funds to improve the park’s entrance, landscape, and stormwater management.
The state park received funds from the dam rehabilitation project budget last year.
Hogan also hinted at new state parks in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. The new destinations are scheduled to be revealed during Maryland State Park Week in April, as per Jeannie Haddaway, the secretary of natural resources for the state.
Hogan’s budget was first proposed in January and is still awaiting approval from the General Assembly. The budget year begins in July.
In addition to the $75-million investment, Hogan stated that his budget proposal includes an additional $30 million for the Natural Resources Development Fund and more than $37 million to fund critical maintenance projects.
Hogan has also allocated $85 million for local parks and playgrounds.
Maryland‘s outdoor recreation industry generates more than 100,000 direct jobs and draws $14 billion in consumer spending, Hogan said.