Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.3 Million to Spur Manufacturing Growth in Easton, Maryland

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.3 million grant to the Town of Easton, Maryland, to help establish a new industrial park that will allow businesses in the region to expand. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 55 new jobs, retain 137 jobs, and spur $4.5 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration continues to take sweeping action to create a resurgence of American manufacturing in communities across the nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will provide Easton with the infrastructure local manufacturers need to grow and create new jobs.”

“Growing our economy and putting Marylanders back to work has been a focus of our administration from day one, and we were pleased to support this grant proposal to expand manufacturing jobs and economic development opportunities in Easton,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I commend the partnership between the Town of Easton, Talbot County, the Mid-Shore Regional Council, and the U.S. Department of Commerce on this vital project. This is another great example of how Maryland is open for business.”

“Federal investment in the Eastern Shore’s economy means well-paying, local jobs for residents and added stability to countless families and regional businesses,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I’m committed to seeing that Talbot County – and every corner of Maryland – continues to receive the federal resources it needs to grow and flourish.”

“Investing in Maryland’s local businesses and infrastructure is crucial to the success of our state,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “This funding will expand business opportunities in Easton and help spur local economic growth. I was pleased to work with the Mid-Shore Regional Council to support this grant application, and I will continue fighting to secure the resources our communities need to thrive.”

“We are excited to see the expansion of business and creation of jobs in the Eastern Shore with the EDA grant,” said Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01). “This grant will kick start entrepreneurial efforts for the Eastern Shore, and will provide the funds for manufacturers and workers to grow in the Town of Easton.”

This investment funds the construction of infrastructure needed to establish the Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park. The new business park will support the expansion of a major HVAC manufacturing company and provide a location for other businesses in the region to expand. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mid-Shore Regional Council Economic Development District. EDA funds the Mid-Shore Regional Council Economic Development District to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.