Maryland's Public System of Higher Education

The University System of Maryland (USM) during the past few weeks has received inquiries about the Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, one of three laboratories of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES).

Today, the Finance Committee of the USM Board of Regents said that it will recommend to the full board that Horn Point not be categorized as one of the system's under-utilized properties, nor appear on any list of properties that the system is considering selling. In making this recommendation, we are emphasizing the tremendous value of Horn Point's research to the university system, the state, and the world. The critical work done at Horn Point continues to broaden our knowledge of the wetlands and estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and the open waters of the world's oceans.

At its meeting in Baltimore this morning, the Finance Committee reviewed USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan's recommendations to develop a process to identify any excess property in the university system's holdings. The committee has asked Chancellor Kirwan to refine his recommendations for consideration at a future meeting.

Regarding the Finance Committee's recommendation on Horn Point, Chancellor Kirwan said: "I applaud the committee's decision. The Horn Point property is critical to UMCES' future development and its current research and education programs."

Contact: Anne Moultrie

Phone: 301/445-2722
E-mail: amoultrie@usmd.edu