Lt. Governor Brown Announces $65,000 Grant to Install Fiber Optics at Princess Anne Industrial Park

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown today announced that the State has approved a $65,000 grant to Somerset County. The funding is provided by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s (DBED) Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) and will be used to install fiber optics throughout the Princess Anne Industrial Park, expanding broadband service in the county.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will assist with the broadband expansion by contributing $137,000. The Maryland Broadband Cooperative will supervise the installation while providing labor, equipment, materials and testing throughout the park.

“Investments in broadband expansion translate into additional opportunities for Marylanders and continued economic growth,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “We’re committed to making investments like this one a priority to ensure cyber infrastructure is in place and available to businesses and Maryland families in every part of our state.”

“With the installation of broadband, tenants of the Princess Anne Industrial Park will have greater opportunities to connect with customers and partners all over the world,” said DBED Secretary Dominick Murray.

In 2002, DBED provided $2 million to the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), allowing them to acquire nearly nine acres of land at the Princess Anne Industrial Park and construct a new building. The space is now occupied by global security company Northrop Grumman, who relocated from Virginia to the site in 2011 and continues to expand.

While the park was created in the 1980’s, Somerset County officials believe that by installing fiber optics, more businesses will occupy the office space. With the NASA Wallops Flight Facility growing and the rising aerospace interest in the area, a broadband connection will support growth and attraction to the park for years to come.

“One of the key components in economic development is to have the proper infrastructure which will allow projects to progress and move forward,” said Danny Thompson, Executive Director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission. “With the growing interest for additional broadband, especially in the telemedicine or aerospace industry, this type of investment will help satisfy potential clients in the region.”

About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visitwww.choosemaryland.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Glenn Hood
Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410-767-6318 | C 443-463-8129 | karen.glennhood@Maryland.gov