BALTIMORE, MD (August 12, 2015) – The Town of Easton has received a $1 million conditional grant through the state to upgrade the Talbot Commerce Park (TCP). The project will extend public sewer and water service and complete access road improvements to TCP’s 111 acres of land intended for light industrial uses such as warehousing, distribution, automotive services and offices. The town annexed TCP in October 2014 so city services could be extended into the park.
Existing businesses in the park employ approximately 180 people, and the project is estimated to create an additional 100 positions over the next five years. At least 51 percent of the new positions will go to low- and moderate-income workers.
Funding is provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and administered locally by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Additionally, to assist with project costs, the Town of Easton contributed $250,000 and Talbot County provided just over $144,000.
“This is yet another example of the state, county and town working together to keep businesses within the town limits,” said Easton Mayor Robert Willey. “By providing town utilities, we ensure both business expansion and the creation of many new jobs. The CDBG grant makes the project feasible and we look forward to continued support from DBED and DHCD on future endeavors.”
“The Talbot County Council is looking forward to building economic capacity for the town and the county by assisting the business community with this expansion,” said Corey Pack, County Council President. “We are very pleased to support the community in attracting new businesses to the Talbot Commerce Park.”
“Though the CDBG program, the state has been able to help companies expand, support community improvements, assist counties and towns in planning for their future, and add jobs,” said DBED Secretary Mike Gill. “We are pleased to work with our partners in Talbot County to ensure the Talbot Commerce Park has the infrastructure critical to its continued growth.”
“The Community Development Block Grant program helps us strengthen Maryland’s communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life,” said DHCD Secretary Kenneth Holt. “It also is one of our more flexible community development tools, providing local municipalities such as the Town of Easton the resources they need to complete essential projects such as business retention and attraction, and commercial revitalization.”
About DBED
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit
www.choosemaryland.org.
