Ruppersberger Applauds Baltimore County for Being Named a Finalist for the 2005 Excellence in Economic Development Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 1, 2005
Ruppersberger Applauds Baltimore County for Being Named a Finalist for the 2005 Excellence in Economic Development Awards
Eastern Baltimore County Renaissance Initiative Wins Top Honors
Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) applauds Baltimore County for being named as a finalist for the 2005 Excellence in Economic Development Awards for its Eastern Baltimore County Renaissance Initiative. The nomination is in the category of "Excellence in Urban or Suburban Economic Development."
Baltimore County is one of three finalists nationwide. This initiative began ten years ago when County government together with the local Chamber of Commerce studied the impact of dramatic declines in well-paying manufacturing jobs, increases in crime, and loss of population. Working with other elected officials, the private sector, and the community, Baltimore County developed a comprehensive plan to turn around these negative trends and capitalize on the area's many assets.
"I am so pleased that the federal government has recognized what we in Baltimore County already know. Revitalization is thriving in the Eastern part of the County. The County, State and local community has invested hundred of millions of dollars in a broad based strategy to turn around neglected neighborhoods. It is working. 5,000 new housing units are on the way. Hundreds of jobs have been created. It is particularly rewarding for me to see this initiative take shape because it was started during my tenure as Baltimore County Executive and has taken off under the leadership of my successor, County Executive Jim Smith," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).
"The Economic Development Administration Excellence in Economic Development Awards honor innovation and vision. We are pleased that Baltimore County's comprehensive renaissance efforts to bring new jobs, new housing and a renewed vitality to Eastern Baltimore County have been recognized nationally," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith.
The County's efforts to acquire and revitalize deteriorated World War II-era rental housing is moving ahead and 5,000 new housing units are under construction or planned for the area. In early 2006, the $60 million State and County funded extension of MD Route 43 will open for traffic providing direct access from I-95 to 1,000 acres of undeveloped land zoned for office, research, and industrial use. When completed, the extension of MD 43 is expected to make possible over $500 million of private investment and is expected to generate 10,000 quality jobs in two new business parks: Baltimore Crossroads at I-95 and Windlass Run Business Park.
Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger supported Baltimore County's nomination for the 2005 EDA Award for Excellence in Economic Development through the Department of Commerce for the Eastern Baltimore County Revitalization Initiative. Excellence Award winners will be announced at the Economic Development Administration (EDA)'s "Symposium for 21st Century Economic Development" to be held on September 22, 2005 in Arlington, Virginia.
http://dutch.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=11050