Van Hollen, Olszewski Highlight $3.7 Million in Funding Secured for Local Projects Across Carroll County

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Johnny Olszewski (both D-Md.) highlighted $3,772,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending in Westminster that they fought to deliver for community projects and education programs at local colleges. This funding is part of the $5,122,000 in total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending they, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), secured for projects across Carroll County.

"From strengthening Westminster's water supply to growing our skilled workforce pipeline to expanding access to mental health care, we delivered these federal investments to ensure our partners in Carroll County have the resources they need to enhance services and spur opportunity. It is clear these projects will have a positive impact in Westminster and make a difference in the lives of Marylanders throughout the County," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"These projects represent exactly the kind of investments our constituents expect and deserve-targeted, responsible funding that delivers real benefits to our communities," said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. "By strengthening access to clean drinking water, expanding critical mental health services, and supporting workforce development, we are making Carroll County safer, healthier, and better prepared for the future. I'm proud to have helped secure these resources along with Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, and will continue working to ensure taxpayer dollars are used strategically to build stronger, more modern communities."

"Carroll County, Maryland is home to science, technology, education, business, and so much more. I am so proud to have worked to secure over $1 million for an innovative water reuse facility in the City of Westminster, $830,000 for a nursing education facility at Carroll Hospital, $1 million to expand mental health and substance use services in Carroll County, and $850,000 to ensure students at Carroll County Community College have access to the tools and training they need to succeed in high-demand trades fields. These critical investments will provide essential health care, ensure our drinking water is clean and reliable, support Maryland's students, and fuel our state's economy," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

The lawmakers first joined leaders from the City of Westminster to highlight $1,092,000 in federal funding they secured to support the first indirect water reuse facility in Maryland and ensure the city has a permanent, drought-resistant water source.

"I was incredibly honored to welcome Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Olszewski to Westminster today. Their support of PUREWater Westminster will guarantee future water security for the residents of Westminster," said Westminster Mayor Mona Becker.

The lawmakers then went to McDaniel College to highlight the $830,000 in federal funding they secured to equip a new state-of-the-art nursing facility at Carroll Hospital. The new facility will allow nursing students to train alongside practicing medical professionals during their undergraduate studies.

"Thanks in part to this Congressionally Directed Spending award to purchase equipment for this new state-of-the-art facility, McDaniel College students will have the opportunity to learn and practice in a setting that mirrors real-world nursing care," said McDaniel College President Julia Jasken. "This investment is not simply about equipment and technology. It is about building the future of nursing education and creating a sustainable solution to address the nursing workforce shortage that will prepare the next generation of nurses for years to come who will care for our families and neighbors."

The lawmakers then joined Carroll County Commissioners at the County's Youth Service Bureau to highlight $1,000,000 in direct federal funding they secured to support the construction of new building space to expand mental health and substance use services.

"CCYSB is incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congressman Olszewski. As a nonprofit, this federal investment allows us to strengthen our infrastructure and clinical staff, ensuring we can provide intentionally crafted, dynamic spaces, increasing our outreach dramatically. By expanding our resources and addressing the behavioral health workforce shortage, CCYSB remains dedicated to providing a high-quality continuum of care for every resident of Carroll County," said Elizabeth Guroff, Executive Director of the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau.

They ended the series of events with a visit to Carroll Community College to highlight the $850,000 in federal funding they secured to establish a new Applied Technology and Trades Center. The center will train students in the fields of manufacturing, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and vehicle maintenance, helping address workforce shortages in these trades.

"I want to especially recognize and thank our federal partners who championed this project. Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congressman Olszewski, we are deeply grateful for your leadership and your commitment to strengthening Maryland's workforce through investments in community colleges. Your support for Carroll Community College demonstrates a belief in our mission and in the potential of our students," said Carroll Community College President, Dr. Rosalie Mince.

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

Project Name: City of Westminster for Water Purification System
Applicant: City of Westminster
Project Description: Funds will be used to support the first indirect water reuse facility in Maryland, providing the City of Westminster with a permanent drought-resistant new water source.
Amount: $1,092,000

Project Name: Carroll County Youth Service Bureau Building Addition Project
Applicant: Carroll County Youth Service Bureau
Project Description: Funds will support an addition to the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau Building to expand mental health and substance use services for individuals and families.
Amount: $1,000,000

Project Name: Carroll Community College Applied Technology and Trades Center
Applicant: Carroll Community College
Project Description: Funds will be used to establish a new Applied Technology and Trades Center to address critical workforce shortages among tradespeople in the fields of manufacturing, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and automotive/electric vehicle maintenance and repair.
Amount: $850,000

Project Name: Infrastructure Improvements and Upgrades at The Flat Iron Building, Phase 2
Applicant: Town of Mount Airy
Project Description: Funds will support Phase 2 of the building's restoration, which will provide structural stabilization and interior and exterior improvements-all critical to its long-term preservation.
Amount: $850,000

Project Name: Expanding Nursing Education and Workforce Development Technology
Applicant: McDaniel College
Project Description: Funds will equip a new state-of-the-art facility to educate nursing students and address Maryland's nursing shortage.
Amount: $830,000

Project Name: Town of New Windsor for Water and Sewer System Improvements
Applicant: Town of New Windsor
Project Description: Funds will be used to upgrade an aging water and sewer system, including well exploration and testing, and addressing lead and copper issues. This project will increase the quality and quantity of water for residents and decrease sewer treatment expenses.
Amount: $500,000