“There is dust in the air in Lexington Park and it’s a good thing,” said County Commissioner President for St. Mary’s County Jack Russell as he announced the ground breaking for the Great Mills Road Streetscape Project. “We are pleased that the Maryland State Highway Administration is beginning this needed improvement. Great Mills Road was built in the 1940’s and is now a major artery road into the Patuxent River Naval Air Station which employs 22,000.”
A ceremony to launch this important project will occur at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 28 on the grounds of the Lexington Park United Methodist Church at the corner of Coral Drive and Great Mills Road. Joining the members of the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County will be Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, Delegate John L. Bohanan, Jr., Capt. Andrew Macyko, Commanding Officer, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Acting Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley and Lee Starkloff, SHA District Engineer for District 5 as this State Highway Administration project begins.
“Governor O’Malley has made investing in communities and improving life for Maryland’s families a top priority,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley. “Thanks to Congressman Hoyer’s success in securing federal funding and to St. Mary’s commitment and contributions to this project, we are celebrating the kick-off of this wonderful streetscape project that highlights how federal, state and local partners can work together to create a more sustainable transportation network for Maryland citizens.”
“This project is critical to the revitalization efforts underway in Lexington Park,” explained Robin Finnacom, President/CEO, Community Development Corporation. “This $4.6 million project will reconstruct a heavily-used, 1.4 mile section from Coral Drive to the entrance of St. Mary’s Square.” The project will include the construction of brick-edged sidewalks, a median strip from Coral Drive to FDR Boulevard, the replacement of all sewer and water lines, landscaping and numerous other improvements to make Great Mills Road safer and more attractive for businesses, pedestrians and motorists.
All interested persons are invited to attend the ceremonial groundbreaking which will be videotaped and broadcast on County Government Channel 95. For a copy of the current weekly Channel 95 schedule, log on to www.stmarysmd.com or call the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1340.
The Great Mills Road Streetscape Project can be viewed by appointment by calling the Community Development Corporation at (240) 725-5786.