Lower Eastern Shore, Maryland Regional Economic Guide

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MARYLAND R EG I O N A L ECO N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T G U I D E

L E S M D. N E T

INSIDE

LOW E R E A S T E R N S H O R E ECO N O M I C ASSETS R EG I O N A L P ROJ EC T LISTING

PLUS Regional workforce assistance

Education opportunities on the shore

ECO N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T F RO M A R EG I O N A L P E R S P EC T I V E

Investments made in the airport create sustainable jobs and drive money back into the regional economy, creating a multiplier effect that spreads throughout the area

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SALISBURY R EGIONAL AIR P OR T FAC T S Home to Piedmont Airlines Commercial passenger ser vice to anywhere American Airlines flies 150 acre technolog y park, full y developed, with build-read y sites and access to runways/ta xiways

A regional economic driver suppor ting 1,620 jobs FA A Par t 147 Cer tified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT Program) at (SBY)

F LYS BYA I R P O R T. CO M

info@flySBYairport.com

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manager@flySBYairport.com

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410-548-4827

Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

IN THIS ISSUE A COMMUNITY VIBRANT

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A focus on the cultural, historical and environmental aspects of the LESMD Region

Welcome to the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland!

ECONOMIC ENGINES

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An overview of the large economic forces on the Lower Eastern Shore

ABOUT LESMD LESMD (Lower Eastern Shore, Maryland) is a regional economic development marketing effort

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EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION Explore the educational opportunities in the Region

administered by the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. The goal is to support the efforts of economic development professionals by serving as a resource for

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LOWER SHORE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE Regional workforce development

regional information.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Becker Morgan Group, Inc.,

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AEROSPACE ON THE SHORE A look at Wallops Flight Facility and its importance to the area

Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corporation, City of Salisbury, D3 Corp, Ethan Thompson Thompson Droneworx, Jennifer Slack Fractured Lens Photography, Ocean City,

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SHORE TRANSIT Regional public transit

MD - Tourism, Salisbury–Ocean City– Wicomico Regional Airport, Salisbury University, Rick Hunt - Images Of

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PROJECTS IN PERSPECTIVE Regional projects selected by the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland's CEDS Committee

Assateague, Wor-Wic Community College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, TidalHealth, Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism

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RESOURCES

REQUEST A GUIDE Please contact the Tri-County Council Regional Communications office or Monique Snyder at 410-341-8984, msnyder@tcclesmd.org.

Please note, we make every effort to ensure information accuracy. Errors and changes may occur. Please contact our office with questions.

LESMD.NET

LOWERSHORE.ORG

ON THE COVER Ocean City, MD ©Jennifer Slack Fractured Lens Photography fracturedlensphotography.com

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 5

A MIX OF RU R A L L A NDS CA PE S , PICTURESQUE D OW NTOW NS A ND GROW ING INDUSTRY

A COMMUNITY VIBRANT

ANNUAL TRADITION The annual Skipjack Races and Festival are held on Deal Island in Somerset County, MD

Photo by Joan Smedinghoff/Chesapeake Bay Program

REGIONAL ASSETS

A centrally located commercial/ manufacturing hub with a river port Two universities in the State system, three technical high schools, and an outstanding community college Two innovative and rapidly developing medical systems A thriving agri-business industry

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A world class ocean resort town on thirty miles of Atlantic coast An eager and innovative workforce Two major East/West and North/South transportation corridors More than one thousand miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline Historic riverside hamlets and towns with a rich cultural and architectural tradition Large swaths of open space comprised of farms and forest

SOMERSET COUNTY Officially established in 1666

HISTORY

Somerset County originally encompassed the entire area now composed of the three counties of the Lower Eastern Shore

WICOMICO COUNTY

WORCESTER COUNTY

Officially established in 1867

Officially established in 1742 through a

through a partition of Somerset

partition of the eastern half of Somer-

County

set County

In 1732 the area now encompassing

In 1875 the first major hotel was

Wicomico County grew in impor-

opened, with incorporation of the

tance with the establishment of

town of Ocean City occurring shortly

Salisbury as a strategically placed

thereafter

trading outpost on the Wicomico River

INDUSTRIAL PA R K S

N O TA B L E E M P L OY E R S

E D U C AT I O N

University of Maryland Eastern

Salisbury University

Worcester Technical High School

Shore Somerset County Technical High School

Wor-Wic Community College Parkside Career and Technical High School

Northrop Grumman-Peraton (with

Chesapeake Shipbuilding

Atlantic General Health System,

its connection to Wallops Island

Corporation, Perdue Farms

Bel-Art Products, The Harrison Group,

Flight Facility – NASA), Sysco

(third-largest poultry producer in

Bayshore Development, O.C.

Eastern Maryland, Handy

the nation), Piedmont Airlines,

Seacrets, Carousel Resort

International, Mountaire Farms,

Salisbury University, Wor-Wic

Hotel & Condominiums,

Sherwin-Williams, Eastern

Community College, and

Correctional Institute, University of

TidalHealth

Clarion Resort Fontainebleau

Maryland Eastern Shore

Somerset County features two

Wicomico County features two

Located in Pocomoke City, the 175-acre

industrial parks, located in or near

industrial parks in Salisbury and

Pocomoke Industrial Park is the largest

the County Seat of Princess Anne

one in nearby Fruitland

manufacturing hub in the county

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 7

CHESAPEAKE SHIPBUILDING - WICOMICO COUNTY

ECONOMIC

ENGINES More than a dozen economic sub-sectors fall within the LESMD Economic Engines of agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and tourism/conventions; their depth, range and integration into the LESMD regional economy has developed continuously over more than three and a half centuries.

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Photo by Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corporation

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 9

Photo by D3 Corp

Photo by Ethan Thompson, Thompson Droneworx

AGRICULTURE

MANUFACTURING

The Lower Eastern Shore is home to approximately 1,118 farms spanning 247,238 acres with an average farm size of 227 acres. Production of soybean, corn for grain, wheat, vegetables, barley and forage top the list in crops per acre.

A physical concentration of related sub- sectors such as Electronics, Precision Machining and Mechanical Assembly for Aerospace/Military has begun to create industry clusters with a growing lateral-based supply and support network. In addition, more recent entries such as Life Sciences gives further evidence of a shift toward economic resiliency and diversification. Against this backdrop is the LESMD education/training continuum with its increasing orientation toward private industry input in the development of a locally trained regional workforce.

Poultry and eggs hold a combined total of $684.1 million in market value products sold.

Agriculture on the Lower Eastern Shore contributed over $1 billion to the state economy (30.2% of state agricultural impact), supported 3,717 jobs (15.6% of state agricultural job impact) and added over $17 million in combined state and local tax revenue (16% of state agricultural tax impact).

LESMD SUB-SECTORS Electronics and Component Manufacturing

LESMD SUB-SECTORS

Food and Beverage

Aquaculture & Commercial Fishing Forestry

Life Science

Value-Added Agriculture

Boat & Shipbuilding

Agri-Business

Mechanical Assembly

Precision Machining

Sources: Delmarva Index Infographic – USDA Agricultural Census, 2017 The Impact of Resource-Based Industries on the Maryland Economy 2018 - BEACON Value-Added Agriculture - An Economic Analysis (Grow & Fortify) 10 | LESMD.NET

MARYLAND’S VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY SUPPORTS CLOSE

TIDALHEALTH M�CREADY PAVILION - SOMERSET COUNTY

HEALTHCARE

TOURISM & CONVENTIONS

More than a century of development has resulted in the two LESMD healthcare systems of TidalHealth (a 2020 merger of the Peninsula and McCready systems) and Atlantic General Health System (1993). An extensive network of primary and specialty care offices, health pavilions and main medical facilities employs thousands of individuals in the Region.

Tourism has roots dating to the development in the 19th Century of the seaside resort town of Ocean City. Recently, the addition of major annual sponsored events has further diversified entertainment options and established tourism as an Economic Engine.

Education institutions have placed an emphasis on healthcare related training and career development. In return, LESMD healthcare systems have partnered with LESMD colleges, universities and technical high schools to provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities.

LESMD HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS Atlantic General Health System TidalHealth

Simultaneously the rise of the tourism industry and the infrastructure to support it has fostered an environment in which trade shows and conventions are able to leverage existing assets and attractions throughout the LESMD Region.

LESMD SUB-SECTORS Hospitality Travel Sports Sport Fishing Events Conventions

TO 74,000 JOBS AND BRINGS A TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF OVER $20.6 BILLION ANNUALLY TO THE STATE’S ECONOMY. LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 11

SOMERSET COUNTY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Architect: Becker Morgan Group, Inc.

EDUCATION ON THE SHORE The LESMD Region boasts a strong education continuum that includes workforce development and training.

Three career & technical high schools are buttressed by a well-supported and growing community college, as well as two four-year institutions within the University System of Maryland.

Photographer: Matt Wargo 12 | LESMD.NET

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

CTE HIGH SCHOOLS The three career and technical high schools provide a dynamic platform in the regional educational continuum. An expanding range of partnerships and programs firmly link them with the area’s employers and higher education institutions to create an educational/training ecosystem.

TWO YEAR INSTITUTIONS A flexible response to the regional job market consists of an education/training path which includes a combination of vocational/technical training and four year institutional instruction. Two year institutions are in the unique position of leveraging their understanding of the regional economy to anticipate workforce requirements.

WOR-WIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FOUR YEAR INSTITUTIONS The LESMD Region is the home of two University System of Maryland four year colleges. The link between them, the region’s employers and the other educational/training institutions is solidified through a growing list of partnerships and programs calculated to provide options and flexibility for a current and future LESMD workforce.

REGIONAL EDUCATION ASSETS Somerset County Technical High School Parkside Career & Technical Education Worcester Technical High School

Wor-Wic Community College University of Maryland Eastern Shore Salisbury University

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 13

A WORKFORCE ASSET Located on the south side of the campus, the building features welding, HVACR, metal fabrication and plumbing labs; a CDL simulation lab; and other hands-on instruction areas for electro-mechanical, construction, electrical and alternative energy programs.

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T

echnology is always changing, and it is important for the Delmarva Peninsula to keep pace. Now, thanks to the new Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center at Wor-Wic Community College, it is possible for the region’s workforce to stay on the cutting edge. The building, which opened in the spring of 2023, has been adding new programs to keep pace with employer needs.

“We built withwith the the future in in mind,” Dr.Kristin Kristin L. Mallory, “Wethis builtfacility this facility future mind,”said said Dr. L. Mallory, vice vice president affairs.“What “What it offers —only not to only our but to presidentfor foracademic academic affairs. it offers — not ourto students the community as a whole — is access to emerging technologies and students but to the community as a whole — is access to emerging training for careersand in growing fields.” technologies training for careers in growing fields.”

Within the walls of the new 50,000-square-foot building, those training to learn electrical skills can learn traditional wiring and electro-mechanical technology, but also wind turbine and solar panel wiring. Participants in welding and metal fabrication programs can learn skills that will work at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury or Crystal Steel in Delmar. A Maryland Works for Wind grant has helped the college launch new options, including an advanced 6G pipe welding course.

Learning systems in the building also include robotics and geothermal electricity; an augmented reality welding simulation lab, in addition to safe, real-world welding booths; supply chain automation training and assessment device and mechanical lathes and mills. A makerspace open to the public offers 3D printers, laser engravers, poster and decal printer, a vacuum form molder and more.

A commercial driver’s license simulation lab trains future drivers on virtual 18-wheelers and construction vehicles so they can get a feel for being behind the wheel. The lab complements real-world training trucks.

“It’s an industry that’s never going away – you’ll always have a job,” said continuing education and workforce development CDL coordinator Mark Miciotto.

He invites local companies into his classes so they can explain to potential drivers what to expect from the work they offer.

Wor-Wic and local industries often work together to ensure graduates are successfully meeting the needs of the community’s workforce. That has been the case with Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury.

Architect: Becker Morgan Group, Inc.

“Over the years, we’ve donated equipment and materials to support the program.

Along the way, we also provided input to modify the curriculum to meet our growing needs,” said Steven McGee, president of Chesapeake Shipbuilding. “These graduates continue to be our most reliable new hires as they come to the position with essential skills, but more importantly, they come with the work ethic and aggressiveness that sets them apart from their peers. Some of our youngest foremen were early graduates of the program and we credit their attendance at the WorWic welding program as a significant contributor to their success.”

WITH 90% OF WOR-WIC STUDENTS STAYING AND WORKING IN THE AREA, THE NEW PROGRAMS AND TECHNOLOGY WILL FILL HIGH-TECH LEARNING REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS, SUPPORTING DEMANDS FOR SKILLED WORKERS.

WORWIC.EDU LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 15

A UMES pre-vet student holds a newborn goat on the campus farm.

A

proposed School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore hopes to be the first of its kind in Maryland and among the nation’s public historically Black colleges and universities. The school received approval early this year by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The accreditation process is ongoing.

“OUR NEW VETERINARY MEDICINE SCHOOL WOULD HELP UMES FILL AN UNMET NEED ON THE EASTERN SHORE AND THROUGHOUT THE STATE,” SAID UMES PRESIDENT DR. HEIDI M. ANDERSON. “DEEPLY ROOTED IN OUR 1890 LAND-GRANT MISSION, THIS PROGRAM WILL ENABLE US TO SERVE FARMERS, THE FOOD INDUSTRY AND THE 50% OF MARYLANDERS WHO OWN A PET. IT WILL ALSO INCREASE BOTH THE DIVERSITY OF THE PROFESSION AND ADDRESS THE WORKFORCE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY. WE’RE DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO BOTH MHEC AND THE MARYLAND BOARD OF REGENTS AND FOR THE WIDESPREAD SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM HAS GARNERED.” MHEC’s approval came Jan. 16, while the University System of Maryland Board of Regents was received mid-December 2023. The timing could not be more appropriate, according to UMES’ Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences Moses T. Kairo, who has helped lead the program from inception toward actualization.

“In terms of demand based on labor statistics, we are looking at 19% projected growth in the field over the next seven years,” Kairo said. “Black veterinarians make up only 3% of the population in this country, indicating a tremendous need to diversify the profession.”

Compared to traditional four-year programs, the proposed school calls for three-year completion. This “innovative approach” will allow UMES veterinary students to learn the same critical components found in existing programs but more expeditiously.

“Our goal is to use student time more effectively in order to graduate students a year earlier,” Kairo said. The proposed target is to graduate 100 students per year.

UMES Dr. Kimberly Braxton with UMES Ag students on campus Gail Stephens, Agricultural Communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu 16 | LESMD.NET

A consultative visit from the American Veterinary Medicine Association-Council on Education took place in early July.

UMES has named Dr. Stanley Robertson the first permanent dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine; Robertson began his duties July 1.

The university is proceeding with advocacy, fundraising and planning for infrastructural developments, Kairo said.

UMES.EDU

UMES VET SCHOOL COULD BE A FIRST FOR MARYLAND AND PUBLIC HBCUs Photos by Todd Dudek, Ag Communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 17

SOMERSET COUNTY, MD Members of the Chesapeake Bay Program Forestry Work group paddle through salt marsh in Smith Island, MD.

Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

LOWER SHORE WORKFORCE ALLIANCE SERVING THE WORKFORCE

As one of the thirteen Local Area Workforce Development

NEEDS OF

boards Lower Shore Workforce Alliance connects

SOMERSET,

area businesses and those seeking education, training

WORCESTER

and access to employment

& WICOMICO COUNTIES LSWA.ORG

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A division of the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland

HOW WE CAN HELP CAREER SEEKERS Connect individuals seeking employment to training, skill building, certification, and employment opportunities YOUTH Provide rising youth with workplace experience and exposure to regional career pathways

BUSINESS WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Provide screening and referral of qualified candidates, funding assistance for training new hires and existing employees, work-based learning funds available for retrain-to-retain, transition and outplacement services if layoffs cannot be avoided

MOBILE JOB SEARCH

AMERICAN JOB CENTER MOBILE UNIT On-site employment search and career services unit, outfitted with seven computers making it a mobile employment resource

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 21

THE NEW SPACE MARKET

Aerospace on the Shore

N

ASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER’S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY , located on Virginia’s

Eastern Shore and directly on the doorstep of the LESMD Region, is NASA’s only owned and operated launch range. Wallops Flight Facility is a regional and national asset, and one of only four major orbital launch ranges in the U.S. providing assured access

A REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ASSET

to space, supporting NASA, DOD, OGAs and

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility, is NASA’s

commercial space. Its wide range of activi-

only owned and operated launch range.

ties provide jobs in the trade professions as well as STEM related science and technology.

EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

37% OF WALLOPS COMPLEX

educational opportunities that connect high school

EMPLOYEES ARE FROM

and post-secondary students to the new space market on the Lower Eastern Shore - inspiring the next

MARYLAND

14%

22 | LESMD.NET

Wallops Flight Facility actively engages in providing

generation of scientists and engineers by partnering

35%

48%

RESIDE IN

RESIDE IN

RESIDE IN

SOMERSET

WICOMICO

WORCESTER

with area schools and universities through career and science fairs, presentations, internship opportunities, classroom visits and events.

Photographer Rick Hunt, "Kalpana's Light" via www.imagesofassateague.com

WHAT HAPPENS ON WALLOPS ISLAND?

AIRBORNE SCIENCE

SOUNDING ROCKETS

Earth Science research using piloted and unmanned aircraft

Suborbital science rockets from worldwide launch sites

SPECIAL PROJECTS

SCIENTIFIC BALLOONS

Small satellite development and operations

Upper atmosphere science missions from worldwide sites

RESEARCH RANGE AND ON-ORBIT OPERATIONS

Research airfield supporting aircraft/UAS operations and research Mobile range enabling remote campaign missions Satellite tracking of NASA spacecraft EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH

Launch range supporting rocket/missile missions

Precipitation, coastal processes and ice sheet research

STEM EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Hands-on flight projects for students and researcher training INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SUPPORT

Assets launched from Wallops help supply the International Space Station

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 23

REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSIT

LESMD REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSIT Shore Transit, a division of the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, is the public transit agency for the Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore Counties of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester.

Shore Transit offers public transportation via fixed route and origin-todestination services.

FARE

PAYMENT OPTIONS

SHORE TRANSIT BUS TICKETS Bus tickets are available in $3, $1 & .50¢ amounts Free for Veterans and Children 46” tall or less

FIXED ROUTE BUS PASS

SHORE TRANSIT FARES $3

One Way for General Public

$1.50

For Seniors & Disabled (with Shore Transit ID Card)

FREE

$25 for seven (7) consecutive days of unlimited fixed route bus rides

For Veterans and Children 46” tall or less

$2 one time initial Bus Pass Fee

SENIOR & DISABLED DISCOUNT

Maximum Bus Pass purchase is $100

SHORE TRANSIT SCHEDULES

Bus Pass Card is refillable

Route #

Area Served

Days of Service

108

Salisbury University

Monday - Friday

116

West Salisbury & Delmar

Monday - Friday

253

Salisbury, Princess Anne, & Pocomoke

Monday - Friday

432

Salisbury, Ocean City, Pocomoke

Monday - Sunday

452

Salisbury, Pocomoke, Ocean City

Monday - Sunday

706 N&S

Crisfield, Princess Anne

Monday - Friday

For a discount on Fixed Routes, Disabled and/or Senior Customers must apply to receive a Photo ID Card from the Shore Transit Customer Service Center.

31901 Tri-County Way, Suite 133 Salisbury, MD 21804 Phone - 443.260-2300, Option 1

* Seniors must be age 65 or older

TRANSFER LINKS

Ocean City Transit 410-723-1606

ABOUT SHORE TRANSIT

Maryland Upper Shore Transit (MUST) Serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties

Shore Transit is a division of the Tri-County

866-330-6878

Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of

Delaware First State (DART)

Maryland.

800-652-3278

SHORETRANSIT.ORG LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 25

CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROSS - WICOMICO COUNTY

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by Ethan Thompson, Thompson Droneworx

WHAT IS THE CEDS? The CEDS, or Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, is a road map to understanding the regional economy and serves as a useful guide to local planning and decision making.

It is a comprehensive planning document that acts as a blueprint to the economic development activities of a region and is a requirement for receiving federal infrastructure funds through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the US Department of Commerce.

Regional projects are selected by the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee (CEDS). Committee members are voting members of the Tri-County Council board, Lower Shore area chambers of commerce, economic development and planning-related county, state and municipal agencies and departments, lower shore institutions of higher education and technical high schools.

Scan to see the full CEDS website or visit LOWERSHORECEDS.ORG

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 27

REGIONAL

GOAL 2

PROJECTS LISTING GOAL 1

COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE Seasonal Workforce Housing Ocean City Building and provide housing for seasonal workforce in Ocean City. Initial estimates call for $20 million investment in residence halls at several locations housing up to several thousand J1 and other seasonal workers.

Wicomico County Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Training Program

HEALTHY ECONOMY Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Minor League Baseball Modifications Stadium events infuse an estimated $13.4M into local economic activity yielding more than $600,000 in State tax revenue annually and supporting hundreds of local jobs. Though many improvements have been made in recent years, the Stadium will require additional renovations in order to meet recently adopted Professional Development League (PDL) standards, as required by Major League Baseball in order to keep the franchise in the region. Other stadium improvements, including those specifically requested by the Baltimore Orioles, are also needed to make the stadium more modern and viable long-term, and to deliver a first-class product to players, coaches and fans.

Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport Growth & Development Project The project consists of three primary aspects, to include development of a strategic plan for SBY and creating shovel ready sites at SBY business/aviation park for future development. (See establishment of an FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Technician Program in Competitive Workforce).

Somerset County Industrial Park County to acquire approximately 175 acres of developable land in the County’s Priority Funding Area, complete a site evaluation to include wetland and forest delineation and survey of the developable portion for a single or multiple site, extend utilities to the site, and produce marketing materials to be used to educate site selection consultants.

As part of Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) Growth and Development Project, establish an FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT Program) at (SBY); Project will provide technically trained individuals to assist in retention of existing commercial carrier, as well as private and general aviation tenants at (SBY).

Somerset County Technical High School $42 million LEED Gold Status project to provide Somerset County with educational and facilities infrastructure to participate in region‐wide instructional program development.

Worcester Co. Economic Development STATT-AP Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Technology (STEM) and Tourism Apprenticeship Program Program is partnership between County Economic Development, Worcester Technical High School, Worcester Board of Education and private businesses. Provide work‐based learning experience for high school students and recent graduates of Worcester County to explore skilled trades, agriculture, tourism and hospitality related careers through paid internships, apprenticeships and permanent employment opportunities. The program provides Summer camps for middle and high school students.

GOAL 3

INFRASTRUCTURE Crisfield/Eastern Shore Regional Passenger Ferry Service Establish a ferry service to and from various ports along the Chesapeake Bay, both North, South, East, and West. Service would utilize existing ports/terminals and future sites.

Facilities in Crisfield would make use of existing Crisfield City Dock, docking port and parking area, with proposed administration terminal and tourism/recreational amenities supporting visitors and local businesses. Total area of facility would occupy approximately 3‐4 acres. Project would support small businesses, promote tourism/outdoor recreation and related travel, and facilitate increased access to coastal communities isolated or marginalized by a combination of geography and shifting economic trends.

ARTHUR W. PERDUE STADIUM 28 | LESMD.NET

The Arthur W. Perdue Stadium currently serves as the home field for the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Single A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and hosts over 100 events each year which attract an annual attendance of more than 225,000 from all over the region.

WICOMICO YOUTH & CIVIC CENTER EXTERIOR RENOVATION RENDERING

Salisbury – Wicomico Port Development Project is designed to ensure commercial navigation along the Wicomico River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designates navigational projects that support more than 1 million tons annually as ‘economically significant’ and provides more consistent dredging support for these projects.

A third of the Wicomico is dredged every year. Ensuring that tonnage remains over 1 million tons each year is important for the continuation of the area’s marine transportation system. Project envisions the acquisition of acreage to support current and new water transport users, investment in a shared, multi-user pier, creation of a water-commerce industrial park for a variety of water transport users, and the repurposing of existing facilities to support enhanced marine transport along the Wicomico River.

Smith Island Clean Water Project Construction of a new Biological Nutrient Removal/Enhanced Nutrient Removal (BNR/ENR) wastewater treatment plant in Ewell and an upgrade to the wastewater collection and conveyance system. Includes decommissioning the existing Tylerton Wastewater Treatment Plant, an overhaul of three pumping stations and the construction of a new main to convey wastewater from Tylerton to the new plant.

GOAL 4

Wicomico Civic Center Exterior Project Wicomico County will undertake an exterior renovation project of the Wicomico County Civic Center facility which is designed to increase public safety and to enhance aesthetics and the overall attractiveness of the venue. The project will include construction of an expanded box office and lobby area, installation of new site and accent lighting and creation of an expanded food court and entrance by the northwest corner of the venue; other site improvements will include creation/expansion of outdoor pre-function spaces, re-orientation of the main parking lot and installation of bollards/planters/physical barriers along the north and west sides of the venue for increased safety.

Westover to Crisfield Trail Mix Rail to Trail Project Funded with a combination of state and federal grants, the multi-phase project runs along MD‐413 on abandoned railway bed for a total distance of 13 miles of paved bike trail. Project will increase public health/recreation/safety concerns, promote beautification, improve storm water management, provide blacktop access of adjacent properties of MD‐413. Phase I is 5 miles in length, while Phase II(a) and Phase II(b) are is 4.7 miles and 3.3 miles respectively.

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES Ocean City Downtown Recreation Complex Redevelopment of 3rd Street Downtown Recreation Complex, the Town’s multi‐use park in the downtown area.

Master planning efforts have identified community needs and interests for the redevelopment of exercise stations, trails, open space, new playground, tennis courts, pickleball courts, skate park expansion.

Scan to see the full CEDS website or visit LOWERSHORECEDS.ORG

LOWER EASTERN SHORE, MD | 29

WORCESTER COUNTY, MD As Maryland’s only seaside community, over eight million visitors flock to Ocean City each year to enjoy a variety of beach, boardwalk and other oceanfront activities.

Photo by Ethan Thompson, Thompson Droneworx

RESOURCES

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD

SOMERSET COUNTY

Roaring Point is tucked quietly away along the Nanticoke River, Maryland, secluded by dense trees and wildlife. The park is located about 30 minutes from Salisbury via Nanticoke road.

Somerset County Economic Development Commission Danny Thompson Executive Director 410-651-0500 dthompson@somersetmd.us somersetcountyedc.org Somerset County Recreation, Parks & Tourism Clint Sterling Director 410-651-4980 csterling@somersetmd.us playsomersetmd.com Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce Hitesh Patel President 410-968-2500 office@crisfieldchamberof commerce.com crisfieldchamber.org Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce Lynnell Fletcher-Pugh President 443-944-7515 lynnelleverett@aol.com townofprincessanne.org WICOMICO COUNTY Salisbury – Wicomico Economic Development Dave Ryan Executive Director 410-749-1251 dryan@swed.org swed.org Arts, Business & Culture Department Derek Jarmon Jr. Economic Development Manager 410-677-1915 djarmon@salisbury.md salisbury.md

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Photo provided by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism Steve Miller Director 410-548-4900 smiller@wicomicocounty.org wicomicorecandparks.org Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Bill Chambers President & CEO 410-749-0144 bchambers@salisburyarea.com salisburyarea.com Greater Salisbury Committee Mike Dunn President/CEO 410-742-5161 mdunn@greatersalisbury.org greatersalisbury.org WORCESTER COUNTY Worcester County Office of Tourism & Economic Development Melanie Pursel Director 410-632-3112 mpursel@MarylandsCoast.org marylandscoast.org Nancy Schwendeman Workforce Development Specialist 410-632-3112 nschwendeman@co.worcester. md.us

Michele Burke Business Development and Retention Specialist 410-632-3112 mburke@co.worcester.md.us Worcester County Recreation & Parks Kelly O’Brien-Rados Director 410-632-2144 krados@MarylandsCoast.org worcesterrecandparks.org Berlin Chamber of Commerce Ryan Nellans Executive Director 410-641-4775 chamberinfo@berlinchamber.org berlinchamber.org Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Amy Thompson Executive Director 410-213-0144 amy@oceancity.org

pocomokechamber@gmail.com pocomoke.com Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce Mandy Gladden Executive Director 443-420-7441 info@snowhillchamber.com snowhillchamber.com TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE LOWER EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND Executive-Economic Development Gregory Padgham Executive Director 410-341-8989 gpadgham@tcclesmd.org lowershore.org lesmd.net Lower Shore Workforce Alliance A division of the Tri-County Council

Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines Kerrie Bunting President/CEO 410-641-5306 kerrie@worcestercounty chamber.org worcestercountychamber.org Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce Lisa Taylor Executive Director 410-957-1919

Leslie Porter-Cabell Workforce Director 410-341-3835 lporter-cabell@tcclesmd.org lswa.org Shore Transit A division of the Tri-County Council

Sharon Jones Transit Director 410-341-8980 sjones@tcclesmd.org shoretransit.org

ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DATA TO HELP YOU PL AN YOUR NEXT MOVE

D E L M A R VA IND E X . O RG

Delmarva Index A Regional Resource

The Delmarva Index is made possible by the Mid-Shore Regional Council & the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland in partnership with the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative, with support through the Rural Maryland Council’s Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF).

AGRICULTURE ON THE SHORE The Lower Eastern Shore is home to approximately 1,118 farms spanning 247,238 acres with an average farm size of 227 acres.

Photo by Ethan Thompson, Thompson Droneworx

TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL for the LOWER EASTERN SHORE of MARYLAND CREATED BY THE MARYLAND LEGISLATURE IN 2001 THE TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL (TCCLES) IS COMPOSED OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE THREE LOWER SHORE COUNTIES. THE TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL IS ONE OF THE FIVE REGIONAL COUNCILS REPRESENTING THE FIFTEEN TRADITIONALLY RURAL COUNTIES IN MARYLAND.

WHAT WE DO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOWERSHORE.ORG | LESMD.NET

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LSWA.ORG

REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSIT

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