Over $800,000 in grants will be presented today for facility improvements at the library and parks in Long Branch.
County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Andrew Friedson, Maryland State Senator Will Smith, State Delegates Lorig Charkoudian, David Moon, and Jheanelle Wilkins, along with Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley, will be present today as two checks totaling $805,600 are presented to fund improvements at the Long Branch Library and Long Branch Parks.
Funding for the project will be provided by the Capital Grants Program of the Maryland Department of General Services, according to a county media advisory.
The District 20 representatives sponsored and secured approval for two Legislative Bond Initiatives benefiting the Long Branch Community, which were signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore during the 2023 session. As a result, the county is set to receive a $250,000 allocation for the Long Branch Parks Initiative and a $555,600 allocation for the Long Branch Library Initiative.
Phase 1 of improvements at the Long Branch Library will include installing an awning system over the upper roof plaza using a $555,600 grant from the county’s Department of General Services (DGS). The new awning aims to make the space more comfortable during the spring and summer months, addressing issues with high temperatures during festivals and community gatherings. Once the community and library staff select a color, DGS will start the installation. Additionally, the county plans to spend around $200,000 to buy multiple picnic tables and set up outdoor electric outlets for community use at the facility.
The total cost of the Long Branch Library improvements is estimated to be $1 million.
Montgomery Parks will use the $250,000 grant to enhance the quality of multiple park facilities in the Long Branch area that are aging, in poor condition, and need to be renovated.
The check presentation ceremony will happen at 9:30 a.m. in the Upper-Level Main Meeting Room at the Long Branch Library, located at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring.
Montgomery County Photo