WASHINGTON – 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 Issues, (both D-Md.) recently announced the inclusion of $34,681,000 in key Senate Committee legislation for community-led projects throughout Maryland, a statement from their offices said.

These funds, included at the senators’ request, support a wide array of projects to improve public transit, trail networks, roads, bridges, affordable housing, and community and economic development.

These projects are part of the Senate Appropriations THUD Subcommittee’s proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2024, which was released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and passed on a bipartisan basis by the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill 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 into law by the president.

“One of our top priorities is securing federal investments to support vital initiatives in our communities. That’s why, working together, Federal Team Maryland fought for these funds that will help reconnect communities, modernize our infrastructure and link more Marylanders to public transit, affordable housing, job opportunities, and more. This federal funding makes a real impact, and we’re committed to working to get these investments over the finish line,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

“Creating and maintaining livable and functional communities are at the heart of THUD appropriations. It’s critical that we provide federal support for locally driven Maryland projects, both through Congressionally Directed Spending and through competitive grant programs that support our roads, bridges, trails, ports, and transit systems, as well as affordable housing,” said Sen. Cardin.

Among the projects are: 

Project name: 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.

Applicant: Mace's Lane Community Center, Inc.

Project name: Mace's Lane Community Center

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.

Project name: Benedictine Residential Facility

Applicant: Benedictine School for Exceptional Children

Project location: Caroline County

Amount included: $1,800,000

Description: The Benedictine School is a multi-functional, year-round education and residential center serving more than 150 children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities. Funds will renovate the outdated living areas and health facilities to better suit the needs of students and their families.