Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced the results of two grant programs designed to help crop farmers and small nonprofit organizations to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic pressures. Both programs were funded through Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation from the Federal Government.

"Our goal is to make life better for people in Frederick County," said Executive Gardner. "These grants will ensure veterans, seniors and families in our community can receive much-needed services; small arts organizations can thrive once again; and our farmers can continue to grow crops."

Farmer Relief Grants

At least 115 qualified farmers applied for Farmer Relief Grants, representing more than 72,500 acres of crops. The program will reduce the impact of rapidly rising fertilizer costs, which have tripled as the result of supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine. Farmers will receive $25 per acre of crops planted.

Frederick County is the only jurisdiction in Maryland, and possibly the nation, that is supporting the agricultural industry in this way.

ANCHR Grants

The ARPA Nonprofit Community Health and Recovery, or ANCHR, grants were designed for small organizations that often are unable to qualify for major aid programs. Thirty-four local nonprofits will receive ANCHR grants. They include groups that serve veterans, provide job and life skills training, support recovery from addiction, offer daycare to families with limited income, introduce people to arts, and promote economic development. The amount of each grant ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, capped at 15% of the organization’s annual budget.

Information about how Frederick County is investing its $50.4 million ARPA allocation can be found online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ARPA.

Road Resurfacing On MD.77 To Begin

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin a project next week to improve the driving surface and enhance safety on MD 77 (Foxville Road) between the Frederick County/Washington County line (west of Brown Road) and Catoctin Hollow Road in Frederick County.

Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, August 22, single-lane closures with a flagging operation will be in effect weekdays on MD 77. Work will be performed Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to continue through October. MDOT SHA will maintain access to trails and a parking lot located along MD 77 for visitors to Cunningham Falls State Park.

Daytime single-lane closure will be required along four miles of the roadway while the repairs are underway. Work includes: 1) removing the roadway’s top layer, 2) repairing depressions to smooth out the road surface, and 3) adding a new layer of asphalt.

The MDOT SHA contractor will use signs, cones, electronic arrow boards and flaggers to alert and guide motorists through the work zone.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving, and look for reduced speed limits as well as other driving pattern changes. Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal or visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Mass Transit Magazine Honors Frederick County

Frederick County Transit Services Director Roman Steichen ranks among the nation’s top "40 Under 40" mass transit professionals in the United States, according to Mass Transit Magazine. The program recognizes the industry’s best and brightest for their contributions, capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to making an impact in transit.

"We can all be proud of Roman and his team for the outstanding service they provide to our community," Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said. "Their innovative and award-winning programs are why Frederick County Transit leads the way in the state and nationally."

"It is an honor and a privilege to lead this agency," Steichen said. "I feel very proud that my team is able to deliver this essential service to the residents of Frederick County. While I am the Director, I know that the actual service delivery happens as a result of the rest of the work that happens here. This is not a one-person show. I am surrounded by a capable, motivated, and proud team who understands the mission and are as passionate about it as I am."

More than 180 nominations were submitted to Mass Transit Magazine for the 2022 awards, which Executive Editor Mischa Wanek-Libman said was a new record. Nominees were selected based on several factors, including job commitment, industry involvement and contribution, and achievement in his or her position and innovation in his or her field. Mr. Steichen’s profile in the magazine highlights his collaborative approach to challenges that emerged when the COVID-19 outbreak began. He took over the leadership of Transit Services in February of 2020, first as Acting Director and a few months later as Director of the division. The 14th Annual 40 Under Forty edition of Mass Transit Magazine can be viewed online at https://www.nxtbook.com/endeavor/masstransit/july-august-2022/.

Transit services remain fare-free to riders. To learn more about routes, schedules, and paratransit options, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/transit.