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Staff reports MALPF and IPP progress; board notes continued opposition to MPRP transmission route
Summary
At the April 27 meeting staff updated the board on MALPF and IPP settlement activity, Rural Legacy and CREP projects, and interest in Next Generation and SANG programs. Staff said MPRP transmission-line proposals face community opposition and legal challenges.
Frederick County Office of Agriculture staff reported program updates to the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board on April 27, outlining progress across multiple state and county conservation programs and noting continued local opposition to the proposed MPRP transmission-line route.
Staff summarized MALPF activity (work on FY2025–FY2026 offers and 36 applications received for the FY2027–FY2028 cycle), ongoing IPP settlements (two recent settlements totaling 530 acres near Emmitsburg and 11 accepted offers so far), and several Rural Legacy and CREP projects moving toward Board of Public Works review. Staff said one CREP project of 31 acres had been submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a 120-acre Thurmont project was planned for submission.
Staff also reported no new updates for the Critical Farms program but said interest continues for Next Generation and SANG projects, with at least one SANG project to be submitted this month and possibly another next month.
Under other comments staff noted the MPRP proposed transmission-line route remains contentious, with ongoing community opposition and legal challenges; staff encouraged residents to stay engaged in that process. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, and the county executive is hosting a Boards and Commissions appreciation event on May 7, 2026.
There was no public comment during this meeting. The board adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
