Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Secure $10.9 Million in Federal Funding for Local Projects in Frederick County

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) highlighted $4,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Directed Spending in Frederick that he, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (both D-Md.), fought to deliver for local community centers and a senior housing project. This funding is part of the $10,906,000 in total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending that the three lawmakers secured for projects across Frederick County.

"Federal investments in community projects go a long way toward expanding opportunity and improving local services in Maryland. That's why we fought to secure this funding to build out quality spaces in Frederick for both our young and our seniors, as well as many other important initiatives. With these federal dollars, our partners across Frederick County will have the resources they need to improve the quality of life for all the residents of these communities," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"I am fighting so all Marylanders can build full lives where they truly thrive. I was so proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman McClain Delaney to secure millions of dollars in federal investments for projects across Frederick County. Frederick is one of the fastest-growing areas in our state and we need to ensure its residents have access to the care and community they need. For example, the Taney Avenue Senior Center will give our seniors a safe place to gather and the Frederick Youth Center will give our young people a fun and secure place to learn, play, and grow," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

"I'm proud to have championed this effort from start to finish, working alongside Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks to deliver $4 million in federal funding for our community. This is what Team Maryland looks like-leaders who show up, work together, and bring resources back home to strengthen opportunities for families and support the people we serve," said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

The Senator was first joined by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and members of the County Council at the Frederick Senior Center on Taney Avenue to highlight the $1,000,000 in direct federal funding secured to support the redevelopment of the over 50-year-old community center, allowing for more services for older residents and the addition of affordable housing for seniors on the property.

"Our seniors are the heart of Frederick County, and as our fastest-growing population, we know they need more support to age safely and comfortably in the community they love. Our Housing Needs Assessment underscored just how urgently we need more affordable options to make that possible," Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "Addressing the housing affordability crisis will take partnership at every level of government, which makes this federal investment all the more meaningful. I'm grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congresswoman McClain-Delaney for championing the Taney Avenue initiative. Together, we can expand affordable housing and create a modern, welcoming center that truly meets the needs of our older residents."

The Senator was then joined by Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor, County Executive Fitzwater, members of the County and City Council, and Board of Education President Dean Rose at the future Frederick Youth Center to highlight the $3,000,000 in direct federal funding secured to support a variety of purchases, including security systems, gym equipment, technology, furniture, maker-space tools, and other site amenities to support a safe and engaging environment. The funding is in addition to $4,616,279 in FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending that Federal Team Maryland previously secured for the youth center.

"This is what it looks like when government works the way it's supposed to. Federal, state, county, and city leaders aligned with private partners around a shared purpose: creating real opportunity for our young people. This investment allows our community to create safe spaces, modern tools, and pathways that help young people see a future for themselves right here in Frederick. We're grateful to Senator Van Hollen, Congresswoman McClain Delaney, and our entire federal delegation for fighting to deliver these resources, and for always delivering for Frederick," said Mayor Michael O'Connor, City of Frederick.

The total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending secured for Frederick County is as follows:

Project Name: Frederick Youth Center
Applicant: City of Frederick
Project Description: Funds will be used for construction-related furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. This includes interior and exterior elements such as security systems, gym equipment, technology infrastructure, furniture, maker-space tools, and other site amenities essential to supporting a safe and engaging environment for youth.
Amount Included: $3,000,000

Project Name: Biomedical Research and Training Center
Applicant: Hood College
Project Description: Funds will be used to build out the Biomedical Research and Training Center, including labs, classrooms, and meeting spaces, as part of Maryland Tech Council's BioHub initiative to train students and workers in biotechnology.
Amount Included: $2,500,000

Project Name: Sidewalks for All: The Downtown Frederick Streetscape Project
Applicant: City of Frederick
Project Description: Funds will be used to complete utility upgrades and design for the Downtown Frederick Streetscape project, which will increase safety, improve pedestrian access, and support visitors and local businesses in Downtown Frederick.
Amount Included: $2,478,000

Project Name: Quality Drinking Water for Campus, Frederick Health Urgent Care, and Rural Emmitsburg Community
Applicant: Mount St. Mary's University
Project Description: Funding will construct a water treatment plant to revitalize drinking water infrastructure and reduce elevated levels of PFAS. This project will improve the water system's reliability, efficiency, capacity, and resiliency. It will serve the campus community, patients at Frederick Health Urgent Care, and the rural Town of Emmitsburg.
Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Taney Avenue Senior Center and Senior Affordable Housing
Applicant: Frederick County
Project Description: Funds will support the redevelopment of an over 50-year-old Community Center in Frederick, allowing for the continuation and expansion of services for older residents and the addition of affordable housing for seniors on the property.
Amount Included: $1,000,000

Project Name: Community Center Renovation
Applicant: Maryland Deaf Community Center
Project Description: Funds will be used to support the renovation of the Maryland Deaf Community Center in Frederick, MD. The Center will provide deaf and hard-of-hearing people throughout the state with a space to access resources, educational, cultural, and social programs.
Amount Included: $500,000

Project Name: The Foxie G Foundation Horses Helping People Center
Applicant: The Foxie G Foundation, Inc
Project Description: Funds will be used to support the construction and development of an equine-assisted therapy center to provide mental health services to veterans, first-responders, dementia patients and their caregivers, and at-risk youth.
Amount Included: $428,000