Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland has awarded $1.6 million in grants to local businesses to ramp up production of personal 
protective equipment (PPE).
Both governments and the healthcare industry have faced sincere difficulties in securing PPE such as masks and face shields. As the market gets increasingly competitive, many looking to purchase equipment have turned to their local areas for supplies. In response Maryland has created the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The fund will provide grants up to $100,000 to businesses that either begin producing PPE or expand their production capabilities. The fund began with $5 million, and in the first round of awards the State issued a combined $1.6 million to 20 Maryland based businesses across nine jurisdictions. The program has received over 200 applications and will issue further grants in later rounds.
From the press release:
“Ramping up our supply of PPE is a critical building block in our state’s recovery plan, and we are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to secure these resources for our front line workers,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank and commend the local businesses who have shifted their operations and increased production to help us save lives and flatten the curve.”
Useful Links:
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund
Prior Coverage on Conduit Street:
Frosh, Other AGs Urge 3M to Combat PPE Price Gouging
