Funding to Diversify SoMd Economy

HUGHESVILLE, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD05) announced late last month a $1,953,630 grant from the US Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment to the State of Maryland to support economic diversification planning.

The funding will be used in part to support a pilot program that will look to identify and leverage the research being done at Southern Maryland military installations for development in the private sector. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, and the Energetics Technology Center.

“I was pleased to join with the Tri-County Council, the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and the Energetics Technology Center in announcing this $1.9 million grant and continuing the work we’ve already begun of promoting greater diversification that will lead to economic growth and greater opportunities for Southern Maryland families,” said Congressman Hoyer. “This grant will support economic diversification planning through a pilot program to identify and leverage research being done on base for private sector growth.”

“We’re proud of the strong relationship between Pax River and our local businesses and communities – and I’m going to keep fighting to protect the critical national security mission and enhance the workload of our Maryland installations,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “Diversifying our economy means investing in innovation and new partnerships between the Navy and local businesses that lead to the commercialization of military technologies. This grant is one step in the long term goal of diversifying our Southern Maryland economy and I will continue to advocate for federal funds that help us achieve that goal.”