12/14/2022
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Modernize a Civic Center and Restore Road Infrastructure on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
05/17/22
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $6.5 million in American Rescue Plan grants to support Maryland’s Eastern Shore as it recovers from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The EDA investments announced today are:
- Wicomico County, Maryland, will receive a $5.5 million EDA American Rescue Plan grant to improve safety and accessibility at the Civic Center, boosting tourism and creating jobs in the local hospitality industry. The project will be matched with $1.4 million in state and local funds and is expected to create 70 jobs, retain 150 jobs and generate $34.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
- Somerset County, Maryland, will receive a $1 million EDA American Rescue Plan grant for the restoration and resurfacing of local tourist roads. The project will be matched with $250,000 in local funds and will create 10 jobs, retain six jobs and generate $100,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
