BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works, meeting on Wednesday, approved several key initiatives including a loan program for federal employees impacted by recent layoffs, funding for the new Carroll Island Park, the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course, and a settlement for a wrongful conviction case.

The Board, composed of Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, greenlit a $14.3 million contract with Clark Construction Group for the demolition and initial construction phases of the Pimlico Racing Facility redevelopment in Baltimore. The contract for the demolition, abatement, and construction of the Pimlico Racing Facility in Baltimore has a 35% MBE participation goal, which supports the statewide aspirational goal of 29% across all participating agencies and departments.

Additionally, the Board approved the creation of the Federal Government Employee Assistance Fund, a no-interest loan program designed to aid federal workers residing in Maryland who are facing unemployment due to mass layoffs or similar circumstances. This program stems from legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Comptroller Lierman recused herself from voting on a separate $4.5 million purchase of property in Woodbine, intended to support thoroughbred training and operations at Pimlico, due to a potential conflict of interest. State Ethics Commission counsel advised Comptroller Lierman to recuse herself because a relative’s employment qualified her to do so. Comptroller Lierman, like the Board of Public Works, notified Ethics and her colleagues before Wednesday’s meeting.

In other actions, the Board approved a $1.2 million settlement under the Lomax Act for Tyrone Jones, who spent over 3,600 days wrongfully incarcerated after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in 1999. The conviction was overturned in 2010.

The Board also awarded numerous grants and contracts, totaling over $637 million, for various projects across the state. These included $309 million for projects awarded to certified small business enterprises and over $159 million to certified minority business enterprise primes.

Comptroller Lierman voiced her opposition to extending general obligation bonds for four items, citing the seven-year timeframe provided for grantees to utilize the funds. She emphasized the need for timely expenditure of funds, particularly given the state’s capital budgetary constraints. Comptroller Lierman stated, “Just to reiterate my comments from the February 26th meeting, I feel pretty strongly that grantees have to use it or lose it. They have seven years to encumber funding. I think that’s more than enough time to advance projects given our extremely constrained capital budgetary needs. Over $3.3 million for the four projects could have gone to other grantees in the past seven years who could have expanded the funds on time.”

“A $10 million grant is making the new Carroll Island Park a reality — transforming over 84 acres of waterfront along Seneca Creek into public parkland for families to enjoy,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki. “I’m proud to have helped secure $1.25 million in additional state funding for this project, working alongside Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who have both been strong advocates for improving recreation in our community. This is a big win for our district’s recreation, conservation, and future.

The next Board of Public Works meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Forsite Development, Inc.

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