Looking back, my Bill 19-16, Scuba Facility in Mineral Mining Districts, must be my favorite and most interesting piece of legislation. This bill, an act to add "scuba facility" to the list of permitted uses within the Mineral Mining Districts, was passed by a 7-0 vote and became effective on February 15, 2020.

In 2019, Matt Skogebo, Owner of Aquanautics, LLC., talked to me about his idea for turning a 17-acre quarry lake in Woodsboro into a premier scuba diving destination in the mid-Atlantic region. His project was called Juturna Springs and included creating a diving recreation area in conjunction with Laurel Hill Quarry, an active mining property. Mr. Skogebo’s mission was to build an educational facility to promote aquatic conservation and education, as well as support the military, local first responders, and disabled diving programs. The project sounded exciting to me and a perfect fit to promote Frederick County in District 5. I worked with Matt Skogebo, Brad Hill of Comus Construction, and Jerry Walker of Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC), along with the Council’s legislative staff, the County’s legal staff, and Planning and Zoning to help make his dream a reality.

I spoke to Mr. Skogebo recently to get an update on Juturna Springs and was happy to hear that his plans are still moving forward. Unfortunately, COVID issues, closures, and delays has slowed down Mr. Skogebo’s project. The site plans were not approved until late summer of 2021. Currently he is gathering investors to finish building the facility and open to the public. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Juturna Project they can contact Mr. Skogebo at info@aquanauticsllc.com.

It has been my pleasure to interact and try to get to know each one of you. Thank you all for your patience and support. The folks of "north county" are a special group and I will definitely miss working with you.