Today, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen along with Congressman David Trone announced $50,000 in funding for the Western Maryland Resources Conservation & Development Council to establish a feasibility study on the industrial hemp processing industry.

Funding for the study comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership between federal agencies and 13 state governments. Their mission is to encourage community capacity and economic growth in the region. The study will examine the feasibility of a hemp processing facility in Western Maryland that would serve the surrounding area in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

From the press release:

“The recent congressional approval of the hemp industry provides new opportunities and stimulus to the economy of Western Maryland economy. This federal funding will support job growth in the agriculture sector and new developments in sustainable farming,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “I will work to secure additional funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s important efforts to strengthen the Western Maryland economy.”

For more information, view the full press release, and visit ARC’s website.