Governor Moore Launches “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in St. Mary’s County, Highlighting Three Years of Progress and Regional Investment

Governor Wes Moore has initiated a statewide “Delivering for Maryland” tour, beginning in St. Mary’s County, to showcase the progress and state investments made during the first three years of the Moore-Miller Administration. The tour aims to highlight the administration’s dedication to fostering economic opportunity and ensuring all residents benefit from state initiatives. The initial stop in Maryland’s first county focused on tangible results from strategic state investments, with the Governor engaging with veterans, college students, and small business owners.

The tour commenced at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Maryland’s sole state-operated veterans facility. This visit celebrated a significant improvement in the facility’s standing, marked by an increase in its overall rating from one star to four stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This turnaround follows decisive action taken in March 2023 to address concerns regarding the previous operator, leading to an emergency contract with PruittHealth and enhanced state oversight. These measures have reportedly improved clinical care and resident outcomes, with the facility also achieving a five-star rating for workforce stability.

Following the visit to the veterans home, Governor Moore proceeded to St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the state’s public honors college. The administration has prioritized higher education, and during this visit, the Governor highlighted significant financial support for the institution. This includes a $2 million increase in operational funding for fiscal year 2027, bringing the college’s total operating budget to $92.9 million. Additionally, over $3.2 million in capital funding is being provided to address infrastructure needs and support renovations at Montgomery Hall, which will expand space for the arts and English departments.

The tour concluded in Leonardtown, where Governor Moore met with local leaders to tour the revitalized historic downtown. Leonardtown was designated a Main Street Maryland community in 2023 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Since then, over $911,000 has been invested in the corridor through 13 grants aimed at supporting local revitalization efforts. The Governor visited several businesses that have benefited from these grants, including Rucci’s Italian Kitchen & Grille and the historic Rex Theatre, which utilized facade improvement grants. He also stopped at the Duke Building, a renovated structure that now houses local businesses like The Social Coffeehouse and received support from Project Restore 2.0 and multiple facade grants.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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