The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has secured priority funding for its 1890 Land-Grant initiatives as part of the proposed Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee’s fiscal year 2025 budget.
The funding, requested by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both representing Maryland, includes $89 million for research, $72 million for extension
services, $30 million for education grants, $21.5 million for facility improvements, $10 million for scholarships, and $10 million for Centers of Excellence for the nineteen 1890 Land-Grant institutions nationwide.
“People are at the heart of every decision our Delegation makes, and it’s crucial that we recognize the unique needs of our state’s rural areas,” Senator Cardin said. “By building up local programs that improve access to healthcare and education, support agriculture and center rural communities, we are working to ensure that people can thrive from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, and everywhere in between.”
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen for this funding,” said Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, UMES President. “As an 1890 Land Grant institution, this is core to our mission and this investment will yield significant dividends for this region and the State. We serve the rural areas Senator Cardin refers to and know how much this funding will help us help the people living in the rural communities throughout the Eastern Shore.”
The budget now proceeds to consideration before the full Senate for a vote. If successful, it will proceed to reconciliation by the House of Representatives. The reconciled legislation will then go to President Joe Biden for signing.
“When we invest federal dollars in our communities, we’re able to directly support local priorities,” Senator Van Hollen said. “These funds will empower our community partners across Maryland to support our children, seniors, students, veterans, job-seekers and more. We’ll keep working to deliver these investments to build an even stronger Maryland for all.”
