Gov Moore Announces $1.7M for Eastern Shore Drone Program To Expand Healthcare Access

Governor Wes Moore announced today that Maryland will receive a $1.76 million grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program.

The Maryland Department of Planning will pilot uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to improve healthcare access for rural communities on the Eastern Shore. The program will focus on addressing critical needs in areas like Smith Island in Somerset County.

“All Marylanders deserve equitable access to health care and health care resources,” said Governor Moore.“This funding will strengthen our capacity to support our rural communities and presents an important opportunity to learn more about how enhanced technology can be deployed to serve those in need.”

UAS offer a promising solution to improve health outcomes for residents facing transportation challenges in accessing medical services. These systems also reduce healthcare providers’ time traveling to serve homebound patients.

The Eastern Shore pilot program will focus on delivering medical supplies between Crisfield and Smith Island, where several hundred residents rely solely on commercially operated boat services for access to the mainland.

SMART grants fund state, local, and Tribal governments to conduct demonstration projects. The projects are focused on advanced smart city or community technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

The program unfolds in two stages. Stage 1 focuses on planning and prototyping, with grants capped at $2 million and an 18-month timeline. Projects that succeed in Stage 1 can apply for Stage 2, with grants up to $15 million and 36 months for full implementation.

The Maryland Department of Planning manages the grant, with the University of Maryland UAS Research and Operations Center leading the project. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Aviation Science Program and School of Pharmacy will also collaborate on the project.

More information on USDOT SMART grants is available at transportation.gov/grants/SMART.