BALTIMORE – U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin was honored today by Baltimore City Mayor Martin O’Malley, the Parks & People Foundation, the Gwynns Falls Trail Council and the Trust for Public Lands for his efforts to improve Baltimore’s parks and greenways with the dedication of a picnic grove and pavilion in Leakin Park.

The Third District Congressman has been a strong advocate of using federal funding to construct greenway trails along the Jones Falls and Gwynns Falls. He also has been successful at getting funding for projects to revitalize Baltimore’s watershed and parklands.

Over the past decade, Rep. Cardin has been responsible for getting $3.3 million in federal funds to construct the 10-mile Jones Falls trail from Pennsylvania Station to the Inner Harbor and the 14-mile Gwynns Falls Trail from the Inner Harbor to the Woodlawn area.

"Expanding and developing new greenways has been one of my most satisfying achievements in Congress. These trails run from urban to suburban areas, connecting neighborhoods and allowing Marylanders to experience the joy of the outdoors," he said.

Rep. Cardin also has been responsible for obtaining funding for the Baltimore Watershed Cooperative, a community-based effort to revitalize Baltimore’s eco-systems.

"The City of Baltimore has greatly benefitted from Congressman Cardin's leadership in directing federal resources to support our park system, trail development and greening programs. His long-standing commitment to environmental issues is to be commended," said Baltimore City Mayor Martin O’Malley.

                                         ##