$10M in Rural Economic Development Grants Available for Western Maryland

A total of $10 million in state grants is available for Western Maryland via the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund for projects benefiting the region. 
The Washington County Office of Grant Management is now accepting eligible projects to  for funding through the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, a grant program is funded by the Maryland Department of Commerce through a partnership with the State’s five tri-county councils serving the rural regions of Maryland.
Those councils will coordinate with counties to award grant funding for projects that benefit the region. In total, Western Maryland was earmarked $10 million for the grants.
According to a county website:
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.
Eligible projects include:
  • Developing public infrastructure such as utilities, transportation, and broadband to support attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses
  • Purchasing commercial/industrial properties for business parks or for attracting, retaining or expanding businesses
  • Infrastructure projects related to specific industry sectors
  • Workforce development
  • Stimulation of entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Planning and feasibility studies
Eligible applicants must be located in Washington County, MD and include:
  • Local government entities
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Workforce development organizations
  • Non-profit entities
Applications are due no later than Tuesday, July 26 at 4:00 PM.
At the 2022 MACo Summer Conference general session, “Riding the Wave: Maryland’s Economic Forecast in Stormy Seas,” leading economists will review the trends and expectations for Maryland’s near-term economic development, including expectations for government revenue, national influence, and best practices for local governments to build resiliency and a strong future.

The 2022 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD from August 17-22. This year’s theme is “Taking Care of Business.” More information can be found on our conference website.