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Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Announce More Than $500,000 to Aid Eastern Shore’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (all Md.) announced $507,937 in federal funds to help the Eastern Shore’s local economy respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into local development plans throughout Maryland. This investment will help the Eastern Shore’s businesses and communities respond to the pandemic – because when our local economies thrive, Maryland thrives,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “We will keep fighting in Congress to ensure our state can make a full recovery and emerge stronger on the other side.”

“Along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and we must find safe and creative ways to bolster their strength. Congress must pass additional funding for our state and local governments during this crisis,” said Senator Cardin.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I applaud the award of these federal grants to the Eastern Shore regional councils to support redevelopment and revitalization on the Eastern Shore.  These funds will help our regional communities and businesses respond to and recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak and the shutdown of our local economy.  I will continue to support our local governments and main street businesses working to maintain jobs during this pandemic,” said Congressman Harris.

The Mid-Shore Regional Council and Tri-County Council will develop economic recovery and resilience plans in concert with local businesses, non-profits, and other key stakeholders. The funds, awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the CARES Act Recovery Assistance program, include:

  • $400,000 to the Mid-Shore Regional Council in Easton
  • $107,937 to the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in Salisbury

The EDA awards federal funds to spur job growth and economic advancement across the United States. Emphasizing regional collaboration and innovation, the EDA helps local economies adopt new approaches to job growth and adapt to changing economic conditions.