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In November, the Rec & Parks Board voted to “accept” the Aquatic Feasibility Study, acknowledging that the need for public aquatics exists, but that the funding does not.   In December, County Executive Ken Ulman heard the first round of citizen testimony on the FY2010 Capital Budget.

The next round of citizens' testimony on FY2010 Capital Budget is Wed.,  March 18, 7:30pm (sign-in testimony starts 6:30pm), in the Board Room at the Howard Co. Dept. of Education building, 10910 Route 108,  Ellicott City,  21042 (NOTE:  Alternate location due to county offices’ renovation.) 

Attend or speak at the March 18th Budget Hearing -- and/or file online testimony by March 17 via this county website link:   http://www.howardcountymd.gov/DOA/BO_GiveTestimony.asp  to offer your ideas for future aquatics in our county (including the issue of High School Swimming), your support for partnerships between agencies (the county, the school system, and possibly CA) as a necessity for a large capital project like a 50-meter pool. 

The important thing is your continued advocacy for aquatics at each stage of the budget process to send a message to Mr. Ulman that once the county coffers start flowing again -- whether for FY2010 or future budget cycles -- a 50-meter pool is a priority!

To stay current on the developments and public meetings that may impact this issue, please join the new FACEBOOK group: "Howard County Aquatics Advocates" <http://www.facebook...com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=72599675469> (and click "Join this Group") and/or join the YAHOO group "HoCo4a50meterPool" <http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/HoCo4a50meterPool/> (and click "Join this Group") .