Funding for Technology Infrastructure Growth Supported by Counties

On February 16, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee in support of HB 0552 – Economic Development – Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023).

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee will consider the bill’s cross-file, SB 0549, on March 1.

HB 0552 establishes the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program to provide counties and other public and private actors with funds both for infrastructure projects in qualifying technology sectors, and for specialized workforce training to attract a variety of high growth technology focused industries. The targeted development and workforce projects that might result from the funding called for in this bill have the potential to support Maryland’s economy for a generation, and for this reason, counties fully support HB 0552.

From the MACo Testimony:

Counties are central players in the development and maintenance of infrastructure. Roads, stormwater, wastewater, public transportation, and a broad array of other public services are all developed and maintained at the local level. The vast amount of future infrastructure development will occur largely through county governments or with counties as a central partner in these strategic investments. HB 552 establishes a program whereby counties and other public and private actors may attain grants to fund infrastructure and workforce development projects. These development and workforce projects will be a foundation of Maryland’s advancement in the generation ahead. It is incumbent upon state and county leaders to partner in these strategic investments, as envisioned in HB 552.