Press Release

June 25, 2008
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $40,000 GRANT TO AID FUTURE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THREE EASTERN SHORE COUNTIES


WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the Mid-Shore Regional Council has been awarded a $40,000 USDA Rural Development grant to retain an Agricultural Economic Development Specialist for Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties.



 


The Agricultural Economic Development Specialist’s primary responsibility is to plan, market and manage economic development strategies that will attract, retain and grow agricultural and resource-based businesses.
  The project will also aid in the creation of at least 10 new jobs in the agricultural industry for these counties.



 


“Our State’s largest industry is agriculture and it’s important that we invest in future growth that will allow our farmers to compete and prosper,”
said Senator Cardin.
  “This grant will provide needed funding for Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties to help them attract and develop new agricultural-based businesses with an eye to future opportunities.”



 


“This federal funding is an investment in jobs today and jobs tomorrow in Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties
,” said Senator Mikulski. “I'm so proud that these counties have received these grants to develop and grow by attracting new agricultural and resource-based businesses.  I will keep fighting to fund federal grant programs like this one, which make money available to Maryland communities.”



 


The Rural Development grant program was created to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
  In addition to supporting essential services and infrastructure improves, the program also promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools.

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