Nearly $20-Million For Western Maryland Is Contained In FY 2024 Funding Bills Passed By The US Senate

The money will go for local projects, including some in Frederick County.

       

Senator Ben Cardin                                   Senator Chris Van Hollen

Washington DC (KM) The funding packages passed by the US Senate contains $19,607,279 for projects in western Maryland, including some in Frederick County. That announcement was made by the offices of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.

It’s part of a six-bill package.

“Delivering these direct investments to our communities is a key way  we’re working to expand opportunity and shared prosperity across the state. These  resources will help strengthen Western Maryland by supporting public safety, enhancing water quality, improving our transportation and water infrastructure and so much more. We’re excited to see our local partners put these funds to work to benefit our communities,”: says Senate Van Hollen in a statement.

“”The bipartisan passage of these six spending bills provides continued investment in Maryland that will help fund locally driven priorities throughout Western Maryland. This congressionally directed funding supports the completion of critical infrastructure, public safety, health care and other projects that strengthen Maryland’s communities and growing economy,” says Senator Cardin, in a statement. “Team Maryland is united  in our ongoing effort to respond directly to needs of Marylanders and is committed to bringing new federal resources to the state.”

These projects in Frederick County will be funded from these spending bills:

* $2 million for Brunswick treatment plant upgrades. The Senators say it will make improvements to both drinking water and waste water treatment to increase efficiency and capacity.

*$380,00 for the reconfiguration of West Patrick Street and US 15. That’s expected to improve equitable access to downtown Frederick for disadvantaged communities.;

* The East Main Street stormwater management project for the town of Burkittsville will receive $385,000.  Senators Cardin and Van Hollen say the funds will be used for design work to address drainage and stormwater issues The town has experienced floods which have  eroded Main Street and damaged homes.

* $1,250,000 in funding to purchase land for the Hope Center to house it’s “I Believe In Me” mentorship program. It currently serves students with after school tutoring,  goal-setting and self-esteem-building activities.

*$4,616,279 to the Ausherman Family Foundation to construct a youth center in downtown Frederick that provides a safe place for young people between the ages of 14 to 24. It’s also for their families to obtain support services and educational programming.

* There’s also $1,000,000 to constrict  a new building for the John R, Webb VFW Post 3285  to continue to operate and help veterans in Frederick County, and provide community space and services.

The President signed this legislation which also  averts a government shutdown.

By Kevin McManus