Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $20 Million for Cecil County I-95/Belvidere Road Interchange Project
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $20 million in federal funding for the I-95/Belvidere Road Interchange project in Cecil County. This funding, awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, will boost economic development by attracting major new businesses to the area and addressing increased traffic volume along I-95. As a result of this project, new and existing businesses are expected to create 7,500 jobs.
Cecil County’s Principio Enterprise Zone is strategically positioned between metropolitan markets including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and New York City. This project will attract new warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing businesses to the area, and will provide crucial access to East Coast ports, airports, and freight hubs to new and existing businesses. The investment will facilitate the full build-out of the Principio Enterprise Zone and spur continued development nearby. Lastly, this project will cut down on current traffic congestion, easing commute times for local residents.
“Cecil County holds tremendous potential for increased economic growth and development in our state. This funding will allow the County to capitalize on its unique location and bring new jobs and businesses to our area,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I was pleased to support this project, and I appreciate Secretary Chao working with us on this important issue. I will continue working to invest in infrastructure across our state.”
"This funding will enable Cecil County to strengthen its transportation infrastructure, expanding its industrial base and local job opportunities, while also reducing truck traffic on rural roads, for both safety and allowing the community to retain the character that makes it so special," said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. "Grants like these are essential for Maryland, and I will continue working with my colleagues in our congressional delegation to ensure continued investments that move us forward."
In July, the Maryland delegation wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of the program funding and highlighting the positive economic influence this project will have. In addition to their support for this project, Senators Van Hollen and Cardin have consistently supported the BUILD Program (formerly known as the TIGER program) despite Administration efforts to eliminate it.
The U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD program invests in local infrastructure projects that can achieve national objectives. Previously known as Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants, Congress has dedicated nearly $5.6 billion for nine rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact.
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