Division of Regional Development Accomplishments

Worked to educate and inform Maryland businesses about the Maryland Rural Broadband Initiative, which is providing a broadband link from Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary’s to Wallops Island, VA. DBED provides a $2 million matching commitment to the project, which is being completed in 3 stages. This connection will provide businesses throughout the Eastern and Western Shores access to reasonably priced broadband service. Governor O'Malley attended the ribbon cutting in the Fall for the laying of fiber across the Bay Bridge.
Worked with the Allegany County Economic Development Office and a group of local investors to assist with the development of the Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University This group is currently in the process of constructing a 50,000+ square foot facility in the business park that will house the current tenants of Tawes Hall, Spherix and have spec space available for future tenants that can benefit from a synergistic relationship with FSU.
Provided technical assistance to help Charles County move the Kelson Ridge Power Plant project forward. DBED staff worked closely with Tenaska, the initial land purchaser and manufacturer of the plant. DBED provided $1million in matching MEDAAF funds for infrastructure improvements. The developer who owned the land then signed a deal with Maryland-based company CPV in Silver Spring for $12.5MM. Through DBED assistance, CPV is planning to submit the first stage of paperwork for the environmental permitting process. In addition, current research is being conducted to assist in running effluent pipelines to use as cooling for the power plant. Using effluent has great potential in environmental stewardship and reduction of pollutants into the Bay.