The Pocomoke Public Eye: 12/25/22

Senator Carozza Highlights State Funding and Support for Priority Projects in Tri-County Region

With the end of the year fast approaching, Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) has highlighted priority projects in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties that recently have received State funding, noting Governor Larry Hogan’s long-time and strong support of Shore priorities.

“For the past eight years, we on the Shore have benefitted from Governor Hogan’s steadfast and consistent support of our rural communities and small business job creators,” said Carozza who is a member of the Lower Shore Tri-County Executive Board and has fought tirelessly to help improve and transform the rural communities in her district. “I join with so many of my constituents in thanking Governor Hogan for his commitment to supporting our Shore priorities.”

The Board of Public Works recently approved new grant and loan funding up to $12.4 million ($1.6 million loan and $10.8 million grant) for the Smith Island Clean Water project and $781,145 for local parks and playgrounds infrastructure funding including $75,000 to the Worcester County Recreation Center for an indoor batting cage and $456,145 for eight electric retractable bleachers; $200,000 for a new playground at Newark Park; $50,000 for two sand volleyball courts at Newtown Park; $225,000 for a new playground at Bishopville Park.

Carozza noted that Governor Hogan’s recent Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund announcement included $10 million to fund economic development projects in the Lower Shore Tri-County region including $3.3 million for the Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport to increase airline service and create an aviation maintenance technician program with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; $3.3 million for the Somerset County Industrial Park countywide; and $3.3 million for 7 projects in Worcester County.

The Worcester County projects include $275,000 for dredging in the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor; $800,000 for fiber optic service to the main street areas of Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke and surrounding areas; $1.7 million for the Riddle Farm Wastewater and Water Plan; over $530,000 for the Worcester County Recreation Center; $250,000 for improvements to Newark Park; $225,000 for the Bishopville Park; $205,000 for Northern Regional Water and Wastewater Engineering and Design; $100,000 for Pathways to Economic Development in Pocomoke; $100,000 for the Snow Hill Bikeways Project; and $100,000 for the Lower Shore Trails and Greenways Connections.

Carozza also thanked Governor Hogan for the announcement of additional funds to revitalize small businesses in Downtowns and Main Streets through Project Restore. The Governor announced the original program in Berlin in July, 2021.

This month, the following businesses received Project Restore funds:

Somerset County: $164,000 to be used for retail space for Living Fabulously Fluffy; office space for The Lower Shore Shelter; and events for Socialite Garden LLC.

Wicomico County: $1.14 million to be used for manufactured/industrial space for Greener Good LLC; multi-purpose space for Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County; office space for Justice Dog Training; manufactured industrial space for Kitty’s Flowers; office space for LifeMark; office space for Marathon Service Company; manufacturing/industrial space for Otherside Beverage; retail space for SBY Distillery Corp; office space for The Ugly Pie; and office space for Worthington Realty Group.

Worcester County: $616,786 to be used for restaurant space for Assateague Crab House; Cypress Roots Brewing Company; Kelley Dean (retail); Lady Leirum (retail); Simple Fiber (data center) and Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity) office space.

Senator Carozza has fought tirelessly to help improve and transform our rural communities.