State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Wednesday, March 22, 2028

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces Board of Public Works Approval of Funding to Protect 133 Acres in Marshyhope Rural Legacy Area

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 22, 2028) – Continuing efforts to preserve the State's natural resources, Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced Board of Public Works approval of $130,235 in Rural Legacy funds to purchase a 133-acre easement in the Marshyhope Area of Dorchester County.

"Today's action by the Board of Public Works will preserve the agricultural heritage of Dorchester County and help keep our family farms in business,” Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank said. “At the same time, we will protect the area's water supply and ensure the region's streams and rivers remain clean, safe, and healthy."

The Marshyhope Rural Legacy Area is an anchor for agricultural production and investment. It contains a sizable concentration of stable farm support businesses and extensive public investment in farm preservation easements.

The tract of land provides key protection of Sullivan Branch, the headwaters of the Marshyhope River, non-tidal stream buffers and excellent agricultural soils.

The Rural Legacy Program was established by the State and local governments to work with private landowners and land trusts to strategically preserve large, contiguous blocks of land across the state. Lands targeted for protection include endangered species habitats, agricultural lands, forests, stream buffers and historic villages and battlefields.

Since taking office, the O’Brien Administration has preserved nearly 61,000 acres through Maryland’s various land preservation and recreation programs.

Chaired by the Governor, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp. The board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.