June 30, 2023
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced the inclusion of $4,240,000 in direct federal funding for projects they requested within the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Subcommittee’s proposed funding legislation for fiscal year 2024. The projects support development in rural communities, in areas ranging from education and conservation to public safety and infrastructure. This subcommittee legislation, released as part of the annual Congressional Appropriations process and approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday, will proceed to consideration before the full Senate. Funding is not finalized until the Appropriations bills are passed by the Senate, reconciled with the House of Representatives, and signed by the President.
Easton projects included in this request:
Project Name: BAAM Academic Center
Applicant: Building African American Minds, Inc.
Project Location: Talbot County
Amount Included: $525,000
Description: Building African American Minds provides youth mentoring and services to Black students in Talbot County. Funds will be used to complete an academic center that will house staff offices and programs, including student afterschool and summer programs and career/workforce development.
BAAM was founded by Derek and Dina Daly in 2205. BAAM assists school-aged children in achieving the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to become productive and responsible citizens. https://www.baaminc.org/
Project Name: HOPE Center
Applicant: Foundation of HOPE, Inc.
Project Location: Talbot County
Amount Included: $630,000
Description: Foundation of HOPE works to mentor and empower middle school girls in Talbot County. Funds will be used to construct a new facility to house its offices and entrepreneurship and empowerment afterschool program, allowing it to serve 50% more students.
Foundation of HOPE, Inc. was established in by current Talbot County Councilwoman by Keasha Haythe, CEcD, an economic development veteran and certified economic development professional, small business owner, and Past President of the Maryland Economic Development Association Board of Directors. She continues her passion for economic development by serving as the President & Founder of the foundation and launching the Economic Development and Empowerment Program for girls.
Complete announcement here: