Designations bring first Enterprise Zones to Kent and Frederick counties.
The Maryland Department of Commerce has designated two new Enterprise Zones — The Chestertown Kent County Enterprise Zone and the City of Brunswick Enterprise Zone.
As announced by the Department of Commerce:
The new Chestertown Kent County Enterprise Zone covers more than 1,000 acres, including commercial and industrial areas, Washington College, and the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center. The designation of an enterprise zone will help existing employers expand, attract new business to the town, and encourage Washington College students to remain in the area after graduation. This is the first time Kent County has applied for the program.
“We are ready to promote the enterprise zone tax incentives and spark more smart growth for Chestertown and Kent County,” said Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino. “The Maryland Department of Commerce and the county’s economic development office have provided terrific leadership and collaboration throughout the whole application process. When paired with the gigabit Internet infrastructure being installed throughout Kent County, this new designation will really help us attract and expand businesses and create more jobs to keep our beautiful river town vibrant.”
The City of Brunswick Enterprise Zone contains approximately 1,300 acres, surrounding the Main Street district and the business transitional district, as well as the commercial and industrial properties along Petersville and Souder roads. Designating the city as an enterprise zone will encourage business attraction and investment while diversifying employment opportunities for the city’s 6,000 residents. This is also the first time Frederick County has applied for the program.
“This designation will help attract investment and jobs to revitalize Brunswick,” said Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. “I am pleased to partner to support job creation in Brunswick.”
“The City of Brunswick is excited to receive the enterprise zone designation and honored to be the first enterprise zone in Frederick County,” said Mayor Karin Tome. “We see this designation as an important implement in our economic development tool chest for attracting businesses and investment to Brunswick and assisting those already here with adding employment and improving their buildings. Thanks very much to Frederick County for providing its support and commitment to Brunswick for the enterprise zone designation.”
The announcement also notes that the Department has approved the re-designation of the Greater Aberdeen/Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone.
For more information read the full announcement.
