The City of Frederick is excited to support Gov. Wes Moore’s budget, released Wednesday, which includes significant investments in initiatives critical to the City’s growth and prosperity.
The governor’s proposed budget allocates $7.4 million to advance the design and construction of Route 15, a crucial infrastructure project that will enhance Frederick’s connectivity and support economic development in the region. This will be a major step forward in improving the transportation network, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring safer travel for both our residents and visitors alike. The budget also proposes $7.5 million for the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center project, which will drive tourism to the City and grow the local economy and includes the RAISE Act, aimed at expanding access to apprenticeships and workforce development across the state. In addition to Route 15 funding and the hotel and conference center, the governor’s budget includes the RAISE Act, which aims to expand apprenticeships and workforce development across the state.
“This is a bold budget that truly works for the residents of Frederick and invests in our shared priorities,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. “Improvements to Route 15 has been the City’s top transportation priority for more than 20 years, and this investment is critical to improving infrastructure and enhancing public safety. By investing in Route 15’s development and the downtown hotel and conference center, the Governor and his administration are demonstrating their commitment to infrastructure, economic development and the long-term vitality of Frederick and the State of Maryland. These investments reflect our collective vision of making Frederick a better place to live, work, and visit.”
The Downtown Hotel and Conference Center project has been a cornerstone of the City’s economic development strategy, promising to drive tourism, create jobs, and support local businesses. Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development, expressed his enthusiasm for the inclusion of funding in the governor’s budget: “This funding is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to transforming Downtown Frederick into an even more vibrant economic hub. The Downtown Hotel and Conference Center is a game-changer for our community, and we’re thrilled to see the project moving forward with this support.”
The Governor’s budget also prioritizes improvements for Route 15, addressing a critical infrastructure need that will improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
In addition to infrastructure and economic development, the Governor’s focus on workforce development through the RAISE Act aligns closely with Frederick’s vision of opportunity for all. Through our work in the Good Jobs, Great Cities academy with National League of Cities, The City of Frederick has implemented apprenticeships throughout the City government and looks forward to creating more opportunities for our young people to develop and be ready to enter a 21st century workforce. Ericka Rohrbaugh, Manager of Opportunity and Transformation, emphasized the importance of this commitment: “The Governor’s investment in workforce development affirms our shared dedication, and is a critical step in supporting our ongoing initiatives to build pathways to good jobs. By increasing access to apprenticeships, we’re building a more skilled, resilient workforce that will drive long-term economic growth and opportunity for our entire community.”