(10/2024) With cooling temperatures and changing leaves, October is a season of transformation. It’s a time to appreciate how far we’ve come and to plan for the future. In Frederick County, we have been focusing on initiatives that will impact us all. I’m excited to share updates on opportunities for civic engagement and ways you can help contribute to the continued growth and vitality of our community. Let’s make the most of this season of change by staying informed, getting involved, and continuing to support one other.

Critical Digital Infrastructure

Earlier this year, the Frederick County Data Centers Workgroup released recommendations intended to guide public policy so that any data center development occurs responsibly and in the best interests of Frederick County residents

As a direct result of the recommendations provided by this workgroup, I recently unveiled two pieces of draft legislation that would put restrictions on where data centers can be built.

The first piece of legislation updates Frederick County’s existing Critical Digital Infrastructure zoning law to consider visual impacts, noise, and sustainability practices. The second bill creates a floating zone for Critical Digital Infrastructure that could only be applied to land zoned as general industrial or limited industrial and is within a community growth area, among other restrictions.

In the end, our goal is the same: to ensure data center development occurs responsibly.

While I have concerns about the floating zone, I respect the public process and the workgroup’s final report. It is important that the discussion about data centers continues in a public forum.

As such, I have asked the County Council to hold a workshop on the legislation during its October 8 work session. Stay tuned for more information about this legislation and public sessions.

I appreciate the work of the Data Center Workgroup. They invested a substantial amount of time and effort to develop recommendations and worked diligently to find common ground, despite diverse and sometimes competing viewpoints.

Transmission Line Meeting

Many residents have rightfully expressed concerns about the proposed Piedmont Reliability Project, a transmission line that will cross Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties. I appreciate the community’s input and share many of the same concerns.

It is incredibility important for us to understand this project and its potential impact on our neighborhoods, agricultural land, and historic landmarks. Right now, we have more questions than answers.

That’s why the County Council and I called on the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), the company managing this project, to conduct a more inclusive and transparent process that is responsive to input from residents.

I am glad to report that PSEG heard our requests, and I am convening a public meeting with PSEG officials on Wednesday, October 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Oakdale High School. I encourage everyone to attend to learn more and share feedback. Together, we will continue working to ensure our communities are protected and our concerns are heard.

Consolidated Transportation Program Meeting – October 16

It has long been a priority for Frederick County to improve safety on U.S. 15. The stretch from Interstate 70 to Md. Route 26 needs critical safety upgrades to eliminate dangerous conditions and provide sound and safety barriers. I am committed to advocating for the funding needed for this project and to address other safety and traffic concerns in our community.

Unfortunately, the recently released Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-20230 effectively halts the U.S. 15 safety project by not including $14.3 million for its construction.

This project is vital to the safety and well-being of our community. I encourage residents to join me in sharing feedback with MDOT officials regarding the draft CTP during a public meeting on Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in Winchester Hall 12 E. Church Street in Frederick.

Our voice is strongest when we advocate together, and the U.S. 15 project already has broad-bipartisan support in our community. I remain committed to ensuring we receive adequate funding to continue improving transit services so that all residents and businesses can thrive.

Rural Broadband Meetings

As part of Frederick County’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, we will be hosting meetings throughout the county to share information with residents about various grant opportunities for expanding broadband access in rural areas. The first meeting was held in Emmitsburg on September 18.

The schedule for the remaining meetings is as follows. Each meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

• October 3: Libertytown – Liberty Volunteer Fire, 12027 South St., Libertytown
• October 10: Adamstown – Carroll Manor, 2795 Adams St., Adamstown
• October 16: Myersville – Myersville Volunteer Fire, 301 Main St., Myersville

I encourage interested residents to attend to learn how the grants can help bring high-speed internet to rural areas of the county. For those who cannot attend in person, a recording will be made available for viewing on FCG TV, channels 1072 and 19, and online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV.

These grant opportunities are part of a broader County-wide initiative aimed at enhancing telecommunications infrastructure to ensure rural residents are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. Improving broadband access can help ensure equal opportunities for Frederick County residents, regardless of where they live.