WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the Senate’s passage of $41,921,000 in direct federal investments for community-led projects throughout Maryland as part of a package of three fiscal year 2024 government funding bills.

These funds, included at the senator’s request, support a wide array of projects to improve public transit, trail networks, roads, affordable housing, and more; boost development in rural communities; and invest in Maryland military installations and veterans, among other critical priorities for the state.

The package, which the Senator voted to pass earlier this month, is comprised of the FY24 funding bills for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD); Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. While passing the Senate is an important step forward, these funds are not finalized until the appropriations bills are reconciled with the House of Representatives and signed by the president.

Among the projects included in the bill are:  

• Cambridge Neighborhood - Camper Street

Applicant: Habitat for Humanity Choptank

Project Location: Dorchester County

Amount Included: $450,000

Description: Funds will be used to prepare sites in Ward 3 of Cambridge for the construction of safe, affordable, and energy efficient homes to help low-income families achieve sustainable homeownership.

• Project Name: Mace's Lane Community Center

Applicant: Mace's Lane Community Center, Inc.

Project Location: Dorchester County

Amount Included: $1,000,000

Description: Funds will be used for the final phase of the renovation of the historic Mace's Lane School into a museum and community center that will house a Boys & Girls Club, youth sports, education and cultural programs, community meeting space, and senior services.