Governor O’Malley Requests Nominations For 2011 Smart, Green & Growing Recognition
Governor, agency chiefs present 2010 awards
Annapolis MD (May 7, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley today asked Marylanders to consider nominating their fellow citizens, local governments and organizations for recognition under the 2011 Smart, Green and Growing Awards Program. The announcement comes as Governor O’Malley and members of the Governor’s Smart Growth cabinet continue to present this year’s awards at events across the State.
“Smart, Green & Growing is both an initiative and a call to arms,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is about people –-governments, businesses, citizens and grass roots organizations -- coming together to create a sustainable future for our State.”
“When we began this effort in 2008, we knew that Marylanders would take action to address the environmental and fiscal challenges we share with the nation and the world,” continued Governor O’Malley. “Immediately we saw our citizens not only taking action, but creating innovative models for sustainable agriculture, community development, natural resources restoration, smart growth and more.”
The first round of award recipients were nominated and selected by the Governor’s Smart Growth Coordinating Council, which includes staff from a cross-section of agencies that lead policy development on sustainability issues. This year, the program has expanded to allow for any citizen or organization to nominate innovators.
The 12 award categories are: Greenbuilding, Government Innovation, Community Activism and Achievement, Community Revitalization/Development/Redevelopment, Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship Award, Buy Local Agricultural Challenge, Youth Education and Awareness, School Siting/Construction/Renovation, Natural Resource Protection, Economic Development and Job Creation, Smart Moves in Transportation, and Sustainable Infrastructure/ Innovation in Stormwater Management. Details on the nomination process and criteria are available at www.green.maryland.gov.
Governor O’Malley presented the first round of SGG awards at the Annual Maryland Agricultural Dinner in February year:
- Tony Geraci, head of the Baltimore City public school food and nutrition services received the Buy Local Agricultural Challenge Award for bringing national recognition and leadership to the farm to school effort by showing that getting fresh local foods into the cafeteria can be done.
- Bill and Ann Collier, Caroline County farmers, were selected as the Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship Award recipients in honor of their long-term, stewardship of soil, water, air, and other natural resources.
- The St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District was honored as the Outstanding Soil Conservation District of the Year for their superior level of service, and
- Jeff and Terri King, Dorchester County farmers, received the Smart Green and Growing Soil Conservation Districts Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award for their dedication and participation in soil and water conservation activities on their farm, as well their strong conservation leadership in the agricultural community.
Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley recently presented Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake with the SGG Smart Moves Award for Baltimore City's collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to complete a three-mile section of the Jones Falls Trail that connects the Woodberry Light Rail Station to Penn Station. The trail provides inter-modal connections for bicycles and pedestrians to light rail, metro and regional rail service, as well as connections to major parks and residential areas.
Planning Secretary Richard E. Hall will present the Allegany Arts Council with the Governor’s 2010 Smart, Green & Growing Development and Redevelopment award and Garrett County Municipalities, Inc. with the Governor's 2010 Smart, Green & Growing award for Local Government Innovation on May 19 at the Plan Maryland Forum at Frostburg State University. Allegany Arts Council will receive the award for its part in the rehabilitation of 9 North Centre Street, a historic property located in downtown Cumberland. Garrett County Municipalities is a 501(c)3 that provides the eight municipalities of Garrett County with a collective voice, greater leverage in implementing projects and the ability to provide shared services.
Information on the remaining awards, which will be presented at events around the State over the next few months, is also available at the Smart Green & Growing Awards page.
“Our collective vision is of a future Maryland where our children and theirs enjoy clean air and water, vast open spaces, and livable communities that support a strong economy, a healthy environment and social well being,” added the Governor. “And by making sustainable choices every day, we are coming ever closer to delivering these results, and ensuring that vision becomes our reality.”
Maryland: Smart, Green & Growing is a multi-agency, statewide initiative to help Maryland achieve a more sustainable future by linking community revitalization, transportation improvements, economic development, smart growth and environmental restoration efforts.
