For local government entities, institutions of higher education, workforce development organizations, and other not-for-profit entities:
The Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund seeks to fund infrastructure projects that will support economic development activity, stimulate private investment, and grow jobs in the state’s rural counties. The Maryland Department of Commerce will provide grant funds from the Fund for projects proposed by the state’s five tri-county councils which serve the rural regions of Maryland. The regional councils shall coordinate with the local jurisdictions within their regions to identify the priority projects to be included in the application.
Counties may identify projects that benefit the entire region as an eligible use of funds. Eligible uses include developing public infrastructure such as utilities, transportation, and broadband to support the attraction, retention, or expansion of businesses, as well as infrastructure projects related to specific industry sectors such as, but not limited to, manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, cybersecurity and agribusiness. Funding can also, be used for workforce development and stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation. Planning and feasibility studies are eligible, as well as capital and operational expenses. Ineligible uses include direct private sector incentive, subsidy, grants, or loans; construction of facilities to be owned or leased to private-sector entities; and residential/housing projects.
Anticipated to be awarded to Garrett County is approximately $3,300,000 in grant funding for all projects. ($10M in total is anticipated regionally to fund Garrett, Allegany, and Washington County projects.)
You are invited to submit a one-page Project Summary by Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 4:30 PM to Cindy Sharon at csharon@garrettcounty.org for consideration of funding from the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund. Click Here for the one-page Project Summary.
For more information, contact Cindy Sharon, Grants Management, Garrett County Finance Department, 301-334-1990 or csharon@garrettcounty.org
