U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), and Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and its Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure (both D-Md.), recently announced the inclusion of $34,378,000 in key Senate Committee legislation providing direct federal funding for community-led projects throughout Maryland. These community projects, funded at the Senators’ request, are within the Senate Appropriations THUD Subcommittee’s proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2025. The projects seek to advance community and economic development as well as improve public transit and trail networks. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved Thursday in a bipartisan vote by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the full Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President.
“When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able to directly support local priorities. These funds will empower our non-profit partners across our state to better serve Marylanders – providing everything from job training to mental health services to meals. Within this bill, we also secured critical federal dollars to enable state and local governments to move key transportation projects forward to better connect our communities. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Maryland’s diversity reaches beyond its rich cultural heritage to its communities, economy and infrastructure. Every community, regardless of make-up or zip code, should have access to safe, reliable transportation, economic opportunity and affordable housing. This federal investment will help address the challenges that all Marylanders face while meeting the needs of each unique, individual community,” said Senator Cardin.
