A new industrial park is being planned on the Eastern Shore with help from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).
The Somerset County Economic Development Commission is using a $10,000 Site Characterization Grant from MEDCO to explore a nearly 150 acre site near Princess Anne. The funding is part of the new Maryland Business Ready Sites Program, which aims to accelerate investment across the state by increasing the amount of shovel-ready sites available to accommodate business growth.
“Smart site development is a cornerstone of economic growth,” said Tom Sadowski, executive director of MEDCO, in an earlier announcement. “By investing in shovel-ready sites, we’re supporting Maryland’s leading industries and laying the groundwork for the businesses and jobs of tomorrow.”
The matching grant will help the county assess the site’s readiness for industrial development; utilize experts in the fields of site engineering and site selection; and provide in-depth analysis on the site’s current development status and potential for future use.
The county previously used funds from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund to acquire the former agricultural site. Converting it into an industrial park will allow the region to compete for companies looking to expand in the Mid Atlantic, specifically those that need a “ready to build” site with water and sewer, fiber, natural gas, and highway access.
The site is located just over five minutes from the existing Princess Anne Industrial Park, where local robotics integrator Process Integration expanded just last year.
“A large inventory of readily available land is essential to anyone working with site selectors. Projects like these help make Maryland more attractive to those looking for a U.S. destination to do business,” said Jayson Knott, senior director of business recruitment and location services at Maryland Commerce. “By continuing to develop these types of sites, we will grow Maryland’s competitiveness and market the state as a prime destination—for domestic and international businesses alike.”
Once developed, the future industrial park is expected to provide up to 24 lots for businesses in manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, and other industries, Somerset County Economic Development Director Danny Thompson told WBOC.
The county hopes to break ground on the project in the next year.
