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Executive Director’s Report
June 12 - July 19, 2004
The following is a status update on various topical
areas and projects the LSHG is working on this month.
Download Director Report (
original Word Doc)
Maryland Heritage Area
Authority
Federal Transportation
Funding Project
Regional Capital Projects
Water Trail Map
Land Trails
Cecil County Economic Development Comm. / Strategic Plan Sub-committee
Annual Gala and Benefit
Auction
Business Partnership Program
River crossing
LSHG Promotional Video
Communication
with Membership Newsletter
Federal
Transportation: Canal Grant
Letters of Support
Maryland Office of Tourism – Underground Rail Road Historical Program
Technical Assistance Needed
Maryland State Highway Administration – State Signage Program
Events
1.
Maryland Heritage Area Authority.
The Technical Advisory committee (TAC) met on June 24th
to review our operating grant request. A recommendation for approval was made to
the Authority for action at the July 19th meeting. Letters of
support were requested and received by Senator Harris, Delegate’s James,
Rudolph, Walkup and Sossi.
The TAC committee also discussed the importance of
heritage areas management plans particularly regarding the Baltimore City
Heritage Area - Odorite Demolition and our trail delineation linking the City of
Havre de Grace and Susquehanna State Park.
2. Federal
Transportation Funding Project
Phase 1
The memorandum of
understanding for the Perryville, and Harford County projects are complete and
have been forward to the jurisdiction for approval. Once these documents are
fully executed and bid packages finalized, permission to advertise will be
granted.
Phase 2
The
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met this month to discuss the projects that
have been submitted for funding. Six weeks ago, Havre de Grace was asked to
submit additional information for consideration. No additional information is
needed from the other applicants. The TAC expected to submit a report to the
Board of Directors in September.
3.
Regional Capital Projects
Jetty Marina Project – Port Deposit
Port Deposit received no bids on the jetty marina projects therefore will
modify the bid package and re-advertise in a few weeks.
Rodger’s Tavern Project
I am working with Eric Morsicato and
Elizabeth Hughes to resolve several intra-departmental procedural rulings that
are delaying progress of the rehabilitation of the Tavern. As you may recall,
funds have been acquired from the Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Heritage
Area Authority, Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Neighborhood Business
Development Program and Community Legacy program, therefore coordination is
necessary.
4.
Water Trail Map
A meeting
is being set-up for the end of July with the trail committee, interested parties
and the project manager, Lisa Gutierrez of DNR to review the final map draft
prior to publication.
5. Land
Trails
GIS mapping of the trail system continues by Board Member Bruce McMillin.
Perry Point to Perryville Community Park Link
A survey is being schedule through
Senator Sarbanes’ office and Board Member Bruce McMillin. The survey should be
complete by September and ready for submission to the Veteran’s Administration
Exelon Trail and Playground
The lease has finally been executed by Exelon and Cecil County
Government. Plans can now begin for the trail in this area. A preliminary
design for the playground is complete and a bid package will probably be awarded
at the August County Commissioner’s meeting.
Havre de Grace to Susquehanna State Park
The Executive Board recently met with Maryland Department of the
Environment and Natural Resources Officials to discuss trail delineation. A
meeting to include DNR, Susquehanna Electric and Arundel is being schedule for
the week of August 23rd to walk the proposed area and discuss various
alternatives.
Port Deposit to Bainbridge
I met with Vernon Thompson, BDC Executive Director to discuss possible
allocation of the rail bed from Port Deposit through the Bainbridge Property. I
expressed our interest in a trail loop from the town to the site and integration
of the trail into future site development. Additionally we discussed the rail
bed from Bainbridge to Colora. A meeting will convene in the future of our
trail committee and representatives from the BDC to further explore the idea.
Trail markings in the Municipalities
I sent a letter to each municipality and Susquehanna State Park
requesting permission to post trail markers along the routes identified in our
management plan. In additional I requested permission to advertise and promote
the trails in literature, brochures, and advertisements.
Federal Scenic Byway Designation
I have submitted a preliminary
application to the Maryland State Highway Administration to develop a corridor
management plan. This plan is necessary for federal scenic byway designation
and is a direct project funding source. I have requested $75,000.00 for
technical assistance to complete this plan. The plan will generally follow the
Maryland scenic byway in both Harford and Cecil Counties. Janet Gleisner,
Harford County Government and Eric Senstrom, Cecil County Government has both
agreed to work with me on this project.
6.
Cecil County Economic Development Comm. / Strategic Plan Sub-committee
I continue to represent the LSHG on this committee. We are continuing to
work on a strategic plan to be forwarded to the Cecil County Commissioners by
early fall.
7.
Annual Gala and Benefit Auction
The committee continues to work on the details for our event. A budget
is being prepared. Raffle tickets are being distributed. Grand prize is
$1,000.00 cash. Tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. Volunteers are needed
to sell raffle tickets and solicit auction items and help with event day
activities.
8.
Business Partnership Program
Applications are being printed. The contribution price points are:
$250.00, $500.00, $1,000.00, $2,500.00 5,000.00. Anyone business interested in
becoming a partner should contact the LSHG office at 410-457-2482.
9.
River crossing
(Short-term)
The LSHG will
facilitate a meeting of local government officials and stakeholders to discuss
the feasibility of a one- month trial run of the “Chessie” water taxi. The
meeting will be held on Thursday, July 22nd at 6:00pm at Portside
Grille. Landing sites have been secured in Havre de Grace, Perryville and Port
Deposit. This may well become a signature public/ private partnership.
(Long term) Bridge from Port Deposit to Susquehanna
State Park
I have begun preliminary
discussions about the necessary NEPA process with DNR and JMT our river crossing
consultants.
10.
LSHG Promotional Video
The Marketing committee continues to develop a script for our new video.
We are seeking narrative and voice-over suggestions to add instant credibility.
Sandy Tuner, Cecil County Tourism and Millie Riddle, Cecil County Chamber has
agreed to join the committee. Wini Roche, Havre de Grace Tourism and Diane
Molner, Harford County Tourism will serve as advisors on the committee.
11.
Communication with Membership Newsletter
In order to keep our members informed on our progress I began sending the
ED report via email to our membership. I have received lots of positive
feedback thus far.
12.
Federal Transportation: Canal Grant
Dr. Susan Langley, Maryland Historic Trust and I will resume work on this
grant in September for re-submission by early fall. Our focus will be to
acquire funding to map all canals in the LSHG area for future integration into
the trail system and educational purposes.
13.
Letters of Support
We have provided a letter of support for the Town of Perryville to the
Neighborhood Business Development Program for a thirty-thousand dollar grant for
Rodger’s Tavern Rehabilitation.
14.
Maryland Office of Tourism – Underground Rail Road Historical Program
Under the leadership of Diane Molner, a group has formed to discuss
becoming part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad trail. Our first
meeting will be held soon to discuss our inventory and what financial
opportunities are available upon national recognition.
15.
Technical Assistance Needed
The LSHG is looking for technical assistance volunteers to assist with
our computer system and website re-development.
16.
Maryland State Highway Administration – State Signage Program
Under the leadership of Diane Molner, a group has formed to discuss
visitor and directional signage in this area. Our first meeting will be held
next week to discuss needs and to develop a regional format. I will offer the
Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area to be a subject study area.
Events
We provided a basket of cheer for the Susquehanna Museum for their most
recent event. We will gladly provide baskets to other non-profit organization.
Wednesday, October 6, 6:00pm –
9:00pm Annual Gala and Benefit Auction
Should you have any questions, desire additional
information or wish to work on any of these projects, please give me a call at
410-457-2482 or send me an email at
malisanti@direcway.com.
Report Submitted:
Mary Ann
Lisanti
Executive Director |
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