From a press release by Senator Van Hollen’s office, distributed on December 23, 2022
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced that they have secured $35,694,377 in direct federal funding for local projects in Western Maryland within the fiscal year 2023 omnibus funding legislation, which they voted to pass yesterday. The projects encompass a wide array of local and regional priorities, ranging from public safety to infrastructure improvements to community and workforce development. Overall, the Senators included over $200 million in federal dollars directly for Maryland within the legislation.
Now that the legislation has passed the Senate, it is expected to be considered in the House later today prior to being sent to the President for his signature.
“These federal investments will directly address real needs in communities across Maryland. That’s why we secured these resources that support important local initiatives to boost economic opportunity, enhance public safety, and expand access to health care along with many other important services. I’ll keep working until we get this bill to the President’s desk so we can deliver these funds to our local partners who are ready to put them to good use making a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.
“These earmarks advance long-planned and widely-supported projects for our nonprofit and faith-based communities, bolster environmental and green projects, support vulnerable citizens, enhance public safety and expand opportunities for students,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud to announce these Congressionally Directed Spending projects that meet the direct needs of Marylanders.”
The funding announced by the Senators includes:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Project Name: Frederick Innovative Science Center
Applicant: Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.
Description: The Frederick Innovative Technology Center is a non-profit business incubator and accelerator designed to cultivate entrepreneurship in Frederick and surrounding rural areas. Funds will be used to develop the Innovative Science Center, a hub for science and tech innovators with state-of-the-art lab, office, and community space customized for early-stage bioscience, agriculture technology, renewable energy, and other technology start-ups.
Project Location: Frederick, MD
Amount Included: $1,000,000
FITCI is grateful for a strong ecosystem of supporters, both public and private, who share a vision and a passion for empowering the most early-stage entrepreneurs as they build viable businesses and take hold of their own futures. Their efforts start the ripple of sustainable growth and economic stability for the long-term health of the Frederick community.
