County Executive says $1 million has been requested for a crisis stabilization center
Frederick, MD (KB) A new initiative allows members of Congress to request direct funding for community projects that benefit their constituents.
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said one local request is for $250,000 dollars to go toward a mobile career center.
“In today’s world, you can’t apply for a job without internet access,” she said. “People who live in the rural areas of our community are especially at a disadvantage if they can’t get online to fill out a job application.”
A mobile career center would provide computers and internet access to areas of the county that aren’t able to engage in virtual services.
Gardner said the county also wants $900,000 dollars to decommission an old dam in Point of Rocks, restore the stream that feeds it, and install a pedestrian bridge over the stream.
“The Point of Rocks project addresses flooding concerns, and eliminates what experts have determined to be a ‘high-hazard’ dam,” she explained. “Residents use the dam as a walking trail to reach the park and the library in Point of Rocks, and go in the other direction to access the Marc Train commuter station.”
Gardner said this restoration project would improve community safety, and benefit the environment.
The county is also seeking $100,000 dollars for a mental health and first aid program, according to Gardner.
“We know the past year has certainly been traumatic and stressful for all of us, and that is particularly true for our health care workers who are on the front line, or first responders, and residents who have been impacted by COVID,” she said.
Lastly, Gardner said the county is seeking more than $1 million dollars for a crisis stabilization center.
“A crisis stabilization center would be available 24/7 to serve people who are in crisis or under the influence of a substance,” she stated. “And divert them away from costly hospital services if they are not in need of emergency care, and instead connect them to services in our behavioral health system, like recovery programs, case management, in addition to basic non-emergency room care.”
The money for the community projects comes in the form of federal grants and is doled out by a formula.