On Thursday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. announced more than $500,000 in funding to help the Eastern Shore’s local economy respond to and recover from COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into local development plans throughout Maryland. This investment will help the Eastern Shore’s businesses and communities respond to the pandemic – because when our local economies thrive, Maryland thrives,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “We will keep fighting in Congress to ensure our state can make a full recovery and emerge stronger on the other side.”

“Along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and we must find safe and creative ways to bolster their strength. Congress must pass additional funding for our state and local governments during this crisis,” said Senator Cardin.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I applaud the award of these federal grants to the Eastern Shore regional councils to support redevelopment and revitalization on the Eastern Shore. These funds will help our regional communities and businesses respond to and recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak and the shutdown of our local economy. I will continue to support our local governments and main street businesses working to maintain jobs during this pandemic,” said Congressman Harris.

$400,000 will go to the Mid-Shore Regional Council in Easton and $107,937 will go to the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in Salisbury.