Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore and the Board of Public Works today approved a $7.5 million capital grant to support the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center project. The project will generate more than 200 new full-time jobs, deliver $1.5 billion in economic impact over the next two decades, and serve as a vital economic catalyst for the City of Frederick’s growth.
“The Moore-Miller Administration is proud to partner with our government and private sector partners to invest in Frederick–the fastest-growing city and county in our state,” said Gov. Moore. “The Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center will be a major economic driver and will support economic growth for years to come. Together, we are continuing to build new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all.”
The Frederick Hotel and Conference Center project is a public-private partnership between the City of Frederick, Frederick County, the State of Maryland, and developer Plamondon Hospitality Partners to establish the first hotel and conference center in downtown Frederick. The project—located in the fastest growing city and county in the state—will create more than 200 new hotel rooms, more than 25,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space, and a parking garage to accommodate more than 250 vehicles.
“Frederick County’s growing economy is one of the strongest, most diversified in the state,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “Our partnership with state and city leaders and the private sector to develop the downtown Frederick hotel and conference center will create jobs and attract new investments in our community. I want to thank Governor Moore, Comptroller Lierman, and Treasurer Davis for their support and Mayor O’Connor for his continued partnership.”
Today marks the first time state dollars have been disbursed for the project, which received allocations from previous administrations but had not advanced through the board until now.
“This project has always been about believing in Frederick’s potential,” said Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor. “After years of advocacy, negotiation, and persistence, today’s action by the Board of Public Works is a historic moment for our city. It reaffirms the importance of this project—not just to Frederick, but to the entire state’s economy, and I’m enormously grateful for the support from the Board of Public Works.”
“This funding is an exciting step forward for our team and for the Frederick community,” said Plamondon Hospitality Partners Co-President Pete Plamondon Jr. “We’re honored to be part of a project that has the potential to deliver long-term value to the city, the county, and the region for generations to come.”
“The release of these funds validates years of hard work and a vision that will reshape Frederick’s economic future,” said Frederick Economic Development Director Richard Griffin. “It sends a clear message that Frederick is a destination ready to welcome the world for business, travel, and celebration.”
“After 16 years of advocating for this tremendous economic development opportunity, I am extremely pleased to see genuine progress on this project,” said Senator Karen Lewis Young. “I am grateful to the governor and the General Assembly for recognizing this by including it in the state budget.”
During today’s meeting, the Board of Public Works also approved investments for flood mitigation, affordable housing, and Maryland’s community colleges:
- $5.2 million in grants through the Maryland Department of the Environment to support flood mitigation projects in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City. The $5 million award to Prince George’s County supports storm drain improvement to alleviate systemic flooding problems in the Calvert Hills area of College Park and the $221,000 award supports flood mitigation efforts along the Frederick Avenue corridor.
- $2.5 million capital grant for renovations to Project PLASE Inc.’s facility in Baltimore City, which includes creating 56 new, permanent, and supportive housing units for formerly homeless veterans, creating 34 transitional housing units for low-income and homeless individuals, and providing necessary services for those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders.
- $20.3 million in state investments to support capital projects at the Community College of Baltimore County, the Anne Arundel Community College, and Montgomery College. The $8 million investment in Anne Arundel Community College will support Florestano Building renovations to establish a one-stop student services center at the college’s Arnold campus and the $5.7 million investment in Montgomery College supports renovations for the campus library.
For more information about today’s Board of Public Works meeting, visit: bpw.maryland.gov.
