The dairy farm opened in 1913 and operated continuously until 1998.  It consists of approximately 875 acres in Gambrills, Anne Arundel County, bounded by Route 3, Route 175, Waugh Chapel Road, and the Odenton Nature Area.  Congress has required that the Navy preserve the "rural and agricultural nature" of the dairy farm.  Proceeds from the current lease of the dairy farm go to Midshipmen programs at the Academy.

Before I support the horse park proposal advocated by the Maryland Stadium Authority or any other proposed use, three criteria must be met.  First, we must maintain the agricultural and rural nature of the property.  Second, any proposal must receive support from the local community, including the support of local and county officials.  Third, any proceeds from a long-term lease of the dairy farm must produce a guaranteed, ongoing and substantial benefit to Naval Academy programs that serve the Midshipmen.

Based on the active interest of the Stadium Authority in the dairy site for the horse park, the Navy undertook a broad, public 'request for interest' process to see what other proposals there might be for use of the 875 acres.  There were a number of responses to the RFI that are now being considered for further study by the Navy.  In addition, the Stadium Authority will complete its initial feasibility study of the site for the horse park this year.  This study will include much more detail and analysis of their proposal.  I look forward to considering all these options, using the three criteria I outlined above.
 
I will continue to work with local, county, state, and federal officials, as well as with the U.S. Naval Academy, to ultimately put the Gambrills land to a proper, long-term use.