House Adds $50,000 to Budget Request for Spring Grove Study

The House of Delegates Wednesday added a requirement to Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed 2012 budget that would require a study of possible uses for the Spring Grove Hospital Center.

The money would have to be used for a contract with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation to create a redevelopment plan for the aging state mental hospital facility located in Catonsville. The plan would be created in conjunction with the state Departments of Planning and Business and Economic Development.

The amendment earmarks $50,000 in O'Malley's proposed budget for a study of possible uses of the property including the need for a new hospital as well as using parts of the property for University of Maryland, Baltimore County, recreation space and a mixed use development.

The study would also have to review the effects of potential federal Medicaid money and how Tax Incremental Financing can be used. The study would also have to identify how money from the sale of any surplus property could be used to benefit state mental health programs.

The study would be due by September 1.

The House is expected to take a preliminary vote budget and its nearly 170 amendments later tonight.

A final House vote on the amended proposal could come as soon as tomorrow.

The House version of the budget still requires approval of the Senate where it will likely be further amended. From there, a conference committee review is likely.