By Christine Dolan
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) are working hard to bring $1.4 million to the eastern shore for three local non-profit organizations.
The three non-profits include:
The final decision depends upon the full Senate vote, which will be reconciled with the House of Representatives, and then, for final approval by President Joe Biden.
Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Cardin announced their request for inclusion of $4,240,000 in direct federal funding for projects they requested within the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee’s proposed funding legislation for fiscal 2024.
“I’m proud to support funding for projects that will improve the economy and quality of life in rural Maryland,” Cardin said. “Once finalized, they will make a difference in the day-to-day lives of Marylanders across our state.”
These projects were included in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture’s fiscal year 2024 funding legislation.
Foundation of HOPE is directed by Keasha Haythe (D), who was recently elected for the first time to the iTalbot County Council.
Her program operates out of Easton Middle School and the plan is to expand it to a HOPE Center to mentor middle school girls in Talbot County. HOPE is an acronym for “Helping Others Prosper and Excel.”
Funds, if appropriated, will be used to construct a new facility at 52 S. Washington St. and the eastern terminus of Port Street for offices and its entrepreneurship and empowerment after-school program. The funds will be used to expand Haythe’s program to reach 100 local girls.
“The program is certainly making a difference in the lives of many girls here in Talbot County, and we’re just excited that Senator Cardin and Senator Chris Van Hollen, and the committee as well, found the project to be valuable to not only Talbot County, but the state of Maryland. So, we’re excited about that,” Haythe said.
“We know that it has to go through final approval, but we are certainly excited that it is moving forward,” she said. “We hope to start construction of our Hope Center in 2024.”
Adkins Arboretum is expected to use the funds to “update amenities to better serve visitors” to promote environmental stewardship on its 400 acres preserved gardens and trails.
