WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, (both D-Md.) announced $1,522,000 in direct federal funding for three local projects in Frederick and Garrett Counties within the fiscal year 2024 funding package passed by the Senate on March 23. These funds, included at the Senators’ request, will support the establishment of an African American Heritage Center as well as resiliency improvements for emergency services in Frederick County; and facilitate needed renovations at a mental-health focused residential crisis facility in Garrett County. The Senators included over $40 million in federal dollars directly for Maryland within the legislation, in addition to the over $160 million they secured in the initial package passed March 8. In total, the Senators secured over $200 million for local projects across the state for FY24. President Biden signed the second package into law on March 23, averting a partial government shutdown.
A full list of the funds included by Senator Cardin is here. A full list of the funds included by Senator Van Hollen in both fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills is here.
“This second FY24 spending package continues critical investments in locally driven projects and opportunities across the state. Through Congressionally Directed Spending, Team Maryland is supporting programs in Western Maryland that preserve our history and culture, provide critical mental health support services and keep communities safe,” said Senator Cardin. “We are responding directly to the needs of Marylanders and remain committed to bringing new federal resources to our state.”
“Delivering these direct federal funds for key local initiatives helps strengthen communities in Western Maryland and across our state. These resources will help bolster mental health crisis resources, improve emergency response services, and honor local history. We’re excited to see our local partners put these funds to work to benefit communities in Frederick and Garrett Counties,” said Senator Van Hollen.
Project Name: African American Heritage Center
Applicant: African American Resources-Cultural and Heritage Society Inc.
Project Location: Frederick County
Amount Awarded: $162,000
Description: The Society and the City of Frederick are converting a long-vacant city-owned commercial property into an African American Heritage Center to offer exhibits and programs for visitors to learn about Frederick County’s history. Funds will be used to produce and install exhibits.
Project Name: Garrett County Residential Crisis Services
Applicant: Garrett County Lighthouse, Inc.
Project Location: Garrett County
Amount Awarded: $85,000
Description: Safe Harbor RCS is Garrett County’s only mental-health focused residential crisis facility and has been closed due to structural water damage. Funds will be used to repair the damage and upgrade the structure so the facility can reopen and provide critical services to residents.
Project Name: Prospect Center Resilient Power System
Applicant: Frederick County
Project Location: Frederick County
Amount Awarded: $1,275,000
Description: Funds will be used to install a solar-charged microgrid to ensure uninterruptible power supplies for Frederick County’s Emergency Operations Center, 9-1-1 Center, Interagency Information Technology Data Center, and several critical County services that protect residents.
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