Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce More than $1.4 Million for Frostburg State University to Accelerate Regional Clean Energy Jobs
Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $1,480,979 in federal funding to advance clean energy, information technology and biotech training at Frostburg State University through the Western Maryland Advanced Technology Center (ATC).
“Investment in workforce training and development is critical to building our economy back better. Frostburg State’s work through the Western Maryland Advanced Technology Center will create new jobs for Marylanders and spur economic development and future opportunities in our region,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Projects like these are key to supporting innovation as a local economic engine, which is why we’ve fought for federal funds to support them. I will keep working to bring federal investments to Western Maryland to boost jobs and help our state’s clean energy economy continue to grow.”
“This new funding for Frostburg State University will be a driving force for new job opportunities, innovation, clean energy and Western Maryland’s economy,” said Senator Cardin. “Clean-energy and climate-friendly jobs are the future for Maryland and the region. FSU, the region's only 4-year university, is leading the way. ARC brings critical federal resources to the effort. We will continue to secure federal resources to bolster jobs for the region, particularly as part of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda.”
"Thanks to the leadership of President Ronald Nowacyk, Frostburg State University has received the first-ever Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant awarded in our state," said Congressman Trone. "The funding for the Western Maryland Advanced Technology Center will lead to job growth and innovation in our district. The center is a visionary hub for economic development and I look forward to their advancements in cyber-security, biosciences, clean energy, and more in Maryland."
“Frostburg State University is pleased to be the recipient of the only POWER grant ever awarded in the State of Maryland, a testament to the success that, working together, local, state and federal officials can deliver to our region.” said Al Delia, Vice President of FSU’s Regional Development and Engagement Division.
"This grant comes thanks to the efforts of many who care about Western Maryland and to the state legislature, especially our local delegation, and to Governor Hogan for the funding and confidence they placed in Frostburg State University to enhance our economic development initiatives," said Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, Frostburg State University President.
Funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) 2021 Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which is intended to bring economic development and diversification in the coal-impacted communities. This new award will create new clean-energy and manufacturing jobs, including 18 new businesses and 125 new jobs, such as green construction, biotech lab analysis, and environmental hazard removal in Western Maryland.
More information about the ARC POWER Initiative can be found here.