Moore budget proposal has $14 million slated for county

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(Feb. 3, 2023) Gov. Wes Moore unveiled his budget proposal in Annapolis last week, a $63.1 billion package that includes more than $14 million for Worcester County projects.

In his budget letter, Moore noted the $5 billion surplus he inherited and said that the state is in a “fortunate financial position to craft this budget with significant positive general fund cash balances.”

Some budget highlights include $3.8 million for a new forensic lab and garage at the Berlin police barracks, $2.2 million for a new Pocomoke City library, $2 million for the Ocean City beach replenishment program, $1.4 million for the Shad Landing marina and boat ramp replacement project and $325,000 for the Rackliffe parking lot at the Assateague State Park.

Additionally, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved $250,000 for the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station facility on

Jan. 25.

In a press release, State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza made mention of Moore’s promise to deploy the surplus “intentionally and strategically” and to “leave no one behind.”

“We in the Eastern Shore Delegation will work even harder to ensure that the new governor and his administration do not leave behind our key shore constituencies like our farmers, watermen, and small business job creators and entrepreneurs,” she stated.

Meanwhile, both Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman spent the week determining how to address a problem with the 529 Prepaid College Trust Plan in which account holders attempting to withdraw the accrued interest they were promised were unable to because of an interest calculation issue.

The Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee held a hearing on the issue on Jan. 21. Before that, the Maryland Association of Community Colleges — which in-

See BUDGET Page 18