(10/2024) Residents Encouraged to Attend Upcoming MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program Meeting

County residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming public meeting to share feedback with State officials regarding transportation and transit needs in Frederick County. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church Street in Frederick.

Representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be in attendance to share information and receive public feedback regarding the recently released draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030. The CTP is Maryland’s six-year capital budget for transportation projects and programs.

"My administration will continue to advocate for the transportation funding needed to address safety and traffic concerns in our community, particularly on the U.S. 15 corridor," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "This draft CTP effectively halts the U.S. 15 safety project. I encourage residents to attend the upcoming meeting to learn more and share comments. Our voice is strongest when we advocate together."

"The U.S. 15 project is vital to the safety and well-being of Marylanders and the economic development of surrounding areas," County Council President Brad Young said. "This project has broad, bipartisan support as Frederick County’s top transportation project."

The draft FY 25-30 CTP highlights significant shifts in transportation funding that will directly impact priority projects in Frederick County, including a $14.3 million decrease in funding for the U.S. 15 safety project. This project targets a section of U.S. 15 from Interstate 70 to Md. Route 26 for critical safety upgrades that would eliminate dangerous weave conditions and provide important sound and safety barriers.

Last year, the State put the U.S. 15 project construction funding on hold but retained funding for engineering and design, making it unclear when the project will break ground. The newly released version of the draft CTP reduced funding for planning the project in FY25 and no longer includes any additional funding in future years for design, engineering, or construction. The U.S. 15 project has long been a priority for Frederick County. Fitzwater noted that while the County understands the fiscal challenges of the current State transportation revenue model, the defunding of the U.S. 15 improvement project will have significant safety and quality of life impacts for Frederick County residents and visitors.

Other components of the draft CTP that impact Frederick County include funding for Highway User Revenue and Locally Operated Transit Systems. Although Highway User Revenue funding was maintained in the draft, it remains significantly below historic funding levels. Frederick County officials will urge MDOT to explore ways to enhance Highway User Revenue funding sources and for additional funds to be added to Locally Operated Transit Systems.

"Frederick County is proud to serve our residents with our public transit system, which is vital to our community’s growth and well-being," said Fitzwater. "My administration remains committed to ensuring that Frederick County receives adequate State funding to continue improving transit services so that residents and businesses can thrive."

For members of the public who plan to attend the October 16 meeting via public transportation, there are several Frederick County Transit options that serve Winchester Hall. The 51 and 61 Connectors serve Market Street and Church Street, less than two blocks from Winchester Hall. The 40, 50, 60, and 65 Connectors, and the Brunswick/Jefferson, North Frederick, and Emmitsburg/Thurmont Shuttles operate nearby. For additional information, visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/transit.

County Program Helps Homeowners Maintain Independence at Home

Residents who need to make their homes more accessible may be eligible for zero-interest loans through Frederick County’s Accessible Housing for Homeowners program. The Division of Housing offers loans of up to $40,000 to eligible homeowners. The loans are forgivable over time.

"The Accessible Housing for Homeowners program helps remove barriers to affordable, accessible housing by ensuring that Frederick County residents have the resources they need to safely remain in their own homes," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "This program is a great way for homeowners of any age to make accessibility improvements for themselves and their families."

Home improvements through the Accessible Housing for Homeowners program may include projects such as widening doorways, building exterior ramps, modifying kitchens and bathrooms, and installing stairlifts. To be eligible for the program, residents must own and occupy the home as their principal residence and earn less than 80% of the County’s median income as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Currently, income must be $97,800 or less for a household of four to qualify.

The program helps to fulfill a recommendation of the community-led Transition Team. Their report calls on the County to develop opportunities that enhance housing and quality of life, including ways for low-income seniors to age in place.

The Accessible Housing for Homeowners Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program of HUD. The goal is to help people maintain independence and enhance quality of life by financing modifications needed to make houses accessible.

"Home renovations to improve accessibility can seem overwhelming, but we want to help simplify the process," said Vincent Rogers, Director of the Division of Housing. "We encourage those interested to contact our office to see how this program can help make critical improvements for homeowners to maintain independence and enhance quality of life."

The Frederick County Division of Housing can help homeowners apply, choose a contractor, and ensure that improvements are completed safely and efficiently. For more information, please contact the Frederick County Division of Housing at 301-600-3531.

County Announces Public Meetings on Grant Opportunities to Improve Broadband Access in Rural Areas

Members of the community are invited to attend upcoming meetings to learn from Frederick County Government about various grant opportunities for expanding broadband access in rural areas. Four meetings will take place throughout the County in September and October. Representatives from Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) will be in attendance to provide additional information on service availability, costs, timelines, and construction.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, the grants can help Internet Service Providers deliver high-speed internet access to rural homes that are currently underserved due to their distance from existing service lines," said Jeff Chamberlain, Manager, IIT Broadband and Enterprise Project Management for Frederick County Government. "The County Executive’s goal for the upcoming meetings is to ensure every eligible resident has the resources and knowledge they need to benefit from improved broadband services provided by this grant funding."

The 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. In 2020, Frederick County commissioned a Rural Broadband Study with matching funding from the Maryland Rural Broadband Office to provide an assessment of broadband needs in the county and to identify strategies to address these needs.

Meetings will be held on the following dates to provide information about the grants. The meetings are open to the public and no registration is required. All meetings 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 18: Myersville – Myersville Volunteer Fire, 301 Main St.

On behalf of Frederick County, Jeff Chamberlain will present information regarding the County’s role in these opportunities and Mike Simons, Grants Manager, will provide address confirmation and details about specific locations covered by the multiple grants. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to Frederick County and Shentel representatives during each public meeting. For additional information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Broadband.

For more information Hope Morris, Communications Manager, Office of Communications & Public Engagement at 301-600-2950.

County Puts Forward Legislation Based on Data Center Workgroup Recommendations

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater unveiled draft legislation that would put restrictions on where data centers can be built. The two bills are the direct result of recommendations made in the Frederick County Data Centers Workgroup’s final report. The legislation would update design requirements and create an additional approval process for data centers.

"I want to thank the members of the Data Center Workgroup, who invested a substantial amount of time and effort as they developed their recommendations," County Executive Fitzwater said. "They worked diligently to find common ground, despite diverse and sometimes competing viewpoints. In the end, our goal is the same: to ensure data center development occurs responsibly."

The first piece of legislation updates Frederick County’s existing Critical Digital Infrastructure zoning law to consider visual impacts, noise, and sustainability practices. It would increase the size of a lot needed for a data center. Developers would be required to conduct a viewshed analysis to ensure preservation and heritage areas are not affected. Site plans would need to include sound and vibration studies. Generators would be required to meet Tier 4 emission standards, and the amount of fuel stored on site would be limited.

The second bill creates a floating zone for Critical Digital Infrastructure. The zone could only be applied to land zoned as general industrial or limited industrial and is within a community growth area. Data centers also would need to be within two miles of existing high voltage electrical transmission lines. Each floating zone would need to be approved by the Planning Commission and the County Council.

"I support the workgroup’s goals, but I have deep concerns about the floating zone because it could pit communities against each other," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Those who can afford attorneys would have an unfair advantage over those who do not have the same resources. That said, I respect the public process and the workgroup’s final report, and I believe this discussion about data centers should continue in a public forum."

The draft proposals address those workgroup recommendations that are under the legal authority of the County. Once the legislative process is complete and new regulations are in effect, the Executive Order suspending piecemeal rezonings will be lifted.

County Executive Fitzwater has asked the County Council to hold a workshop on the legislation during its October 8 work session.

County Receives Excellence in Economic Development Gold Level Award

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Level Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Print Brochure category that impacted between 200,000 and 500,000 residents. The FCOED team will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in September.

FCOED’s award-winner project, the Life Sciences Industry Profile shines a spotlight on the extensive and thriving biotech industry ecosystem within Frederick County, while highlighting major employers and recent projects. Frederick County’s strategic location, skilled workforce and top-tier educational programs are also highlighted. FCOED engaged Frederick-based firm Octavo Designs to develop the visual design of the publication.

"This publication beautifully showcases why Frederick County, Maryland is an ideal location for companies looking to start, locate or expand," said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "The FCOED team has created a publication that showcases our community as a major force in the world of life science and builds the business case for why companies should chooseFrederick County."

"Frederick County, Maryland is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Life Sciences Profile. This award highlights FCOED’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

"I am incredibly proud of our team's hard work and dedication in creating this Industry Profile," said Lara Fritts, Director of the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity. "This was truly a team effort, and I am thrilled that we produced an award-winning, impactful marketing piece that will be instrumental in both business attraction and retention. Showcasing Frederick County as a life sciences hub is vital to our work as economic developers, and this publication provides businesses with all the key information they need in one comprehensive resource."

You can find the digital version of the Life Sciences Industry Profile at discoverfrederickmd.com/LSIndustryProfile.

County Awards Grants to Support Agriculture Innovation

Frederick County’s agriculture community is leading the way in creativity and diversification, thanks to the County’s Agriculture Innovation Grant Program. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the distribution of $126,448.22 in grant awards as part of the Spring 2024 grant cycle. Eight agricultural businesses were selected to receive funding through this competitive grant program, designed to foster innovation and diversification in farm operations.

"Farms are a major driver of Frederick County’s economy and farmers are an important part of our community," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Our award-winning grants help to cultivate a prosperous future for our farms and farmers. The program also fulfills our community-based Transition Team’s recommendation to support a diversified agriculture economy."

Projects selected in this cycle are expected to generate seven full-time and 19 part-time positions.

The grant recipients within this papers distribution area are:

• Good Soil Farm, Emmitsburg – Expand electrical system and hook up to a newly constructed barn for poultry processing and a Community Supported Agriculture pickup area.
• Green Valley Harvesters, Union Bridge – Establish a sterile houseplant tissue culturing lab.
• The Kombucha Lady, Rocky Ridge – Purchase a mobile Kombucha unit and Kombucha equipment.
• Pleasant Hill Produce, LLC, Walkersville – Buy aeroponic growing towers for fruits and vegetables.
• Three Spartans Apiary, Walkersville – Expand honey production and processing, apiary and value-added products.

In this seventh cycle of the Agriculture Innovation Grants program, 25 applications were received, collectively requesting over $650,000 in grant funding. Over the past three years, the County has awarded more than $1.5 million through the Ag Innovation Grant program to encourage innovation and to support the retention and expansion of the county’s agricultural and craft beverage industry. For every $1 of County grant funding awarded, ag businesses have invested $5.64 toward grant projects.

Grants start at $5,000 and are awarded twice a year to help agricultural enterprises expand or diversify their operations. For more information about the program, contact Becca Tucker, Senior Business Development Manager of Agriculture, at 240-739-2013.

County Workforce Services Launches Cutting-Edge Labor Market Dashboard

Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) is excited to announce the launch of its new Labor Market Dashboard, a cutting-edge tool designed to provide real-time data and insights on the local job market. This user-friendly platform offers workforce professionals, job seekers, employers, and policymakers instant access to critical labor market information, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive economic growth in Frederick County.

"Access to data on Frederick County’s labor market is critical for decision makers," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "I am excited that Workforce Services’ dashboard will allow everyone, including job seekers, to leverage the information, which in turn provides a competitive edge for our business community."

"We are thrilled to offer this dynamic tool that enhances our ability to serve the community," said Director of FCWS, Michelle Day. "The Labor Market Dashboard will provide unparalleled insights that will help drive workforce development initiatives and connect job seekers with the right opportunities."

The Labor Market Dashboard is a valuable resource for analyzing skills in demand and emerging industries, allowing training and education programs to better align with local needs. It offers actionable information on high-demand occupations, unemployment rates, wage trends, and industry growth, making it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in workforce development.

"With this new dashboard, we are equipping our community with the insights needed to drive economic growth," said Patty McDonald, Manager for Business and Career Services at FCWS. "This innovative platform offers real-time data that will aid both our business community and our job seekers in making informed decisions. By understanding our labor market, we can ensure that our workforce is prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

Key Features of the Labor Market Dashboard

• Analyze skills in demand, and emerging industries to better align training and education programs with local needs.
• Access timely information on high-demand occupations, unemployment rates, wage trends, and industry growth.
• Identify workforce trends and skills gaps to better assist job seekers in gaining skills that local industry is seeking, and ensuring a skilled talent pool that attracts and retains businesses.
• Leverage labor market data to understand the economic impact of different sectors and illustrate the attractiveness of our local area to businesses who might seek to locate to Frederick County.
• Use data on industry growth, wage trends, and labor supply to help show the attractiveness of Frederick County to new businesses and support existing employers with their workforce challenges.

The Labor Market Dashboard is a significant step forward in FCWS’s commitment to supporting the community's workforce development needs. By offering this powerful tool, FCWS aims to strengthen the local economy, attract new businesses to the area, and ensure that Frederick County remains a competitive and desirable place to work and live.

The Labor Market Dashboard is now live and accessible to the public. Visit Frederick County Labor Market Dashboard to explore the data and learn how it can benefit your workforce needs.

Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS), a department within Frederick County Government’s Division of Economic Opportunity, provides high-quality and innovative workforce development services to Frederick County residents and employers. FCWS acts as a conduit between the workforce and the talent needs of local businesses and individuals seeking employment and career opportunities.

County Announces Outreach Meetings on Investing in Workers & Workplaces Plan

People are invited to attend outreach meetings this fall to help shape the future of Frederick County’s commercial centers. The Investing in Workers & Workplaces Plan is a joint initiative of the Livable Frederick Planning & Design Office and the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity. The goal of the plan is to identify commercial centers, redevelopment opportunities, and barriers to enhancing commercial tax revenue in Frederick County. Critical factors that influence economic success in a community, such as housing availability, transportation access, and educational/training opportunities, also will be considered. The goal is to ensure employment growth areas maintain a sense of place and are a positive investment for the entire county, while meeting the needs of workers and employers.

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater encourages all to attend, noting that "Our planning efforts shine the brightest when developed with engaged, committed, and knowledgeable members of the community who are willing to share their understanding of the complex issues, difficult challenges, and enticing opportunities that will shape the future of Frederick County."

Livable Frederick and Economic Opportunity staff will host initial outreach meetings for the Investing in Workers & Workplaces Plan beginning in September. In this early, information-gathering stage, the public can learn about the purpose of the plan, as well as provide comments to staff. As with previous Livable Frederick plans, people will be invited to participate as the plan is developed during Planning Commission workshops, during the Planning Commission's public hearing process for their draft document, and again as the Planning Commission’s Recommended Plan moves forward through the legislative process with the County Council.

The last outreach meetings will be held October 2, for 6 to 8 p.m. Members of the public do not need to attend more than one event to be informed and offer comments. Meetings will be held at the Prospect Center, 585 Himes Ave., in Frederick.