Watch CBS News

Developers Await Fort Ritchie Environmental Study

CASCADE, Md. (AP) -- An Army attorney says the Army hasn't funded an environmental assessment needed to proceed with redevelopment of the former Fort Ritchie in western Maryland.

The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown reported Sunday that Army environmental attorney David Howlett says the earliest the study could begin is this summer, but that depends on when the Army authorizes funds.

The property is now owned by Columbia-based Corporate Office Properties Trust, which says the development is on hold while the company awaits the environmental review prompted by a citizen lawsuit over the project's environmental impact.

Bill Hofmann, senior property and environmental services manager for the trust, says the company has written off its $28 million investment in the property because of the suit and the economy, but still hopes to eventually develop the property.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.