Trone, Torres Small Visit Washington and Frederick Counties to Discuss Rural Development Projects

Statement

Yesterday, Congressman David Trone traveled through Washington and Frederick Counties to discuss infrastructure projects in the district, meet with local officials, and promote the growth of local, rural economies alongside U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.

During the tour, the duo discussed federal funding opportunities with community leaders during a roundtable on rural broadband deployment. They later met with a coalition of municipal leaders and local mayors to discuss infrastructure projects, business development, and other projects for Western Maryland. Some of the participants included representatives from Frederick, Brunswick, Keedysville, and Thurmont.

Trone and Under Secretary Torres Small also visited a townhouse purchased by a Maryland family through the Interfaith Housing Alliance's homeownership program. During the visit, the group discussed the federally funded homeownership program and how it benefits its recipients. The two wrapped up their tour with a visit to Royal Farms in Frederick to announce a $1.5 million USDA grant to its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program in Maryland and Delaware. This investment will be used to create a smoother transition to renewable fuels by encouraging higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. Biofuels contribute to energy security, reduce air pollution, and support rural economic development.

"I'm glad that I got the opportunity to show the Under Secretary around Maryland's Sixth District and I appreciate her partnership and investment in our rural communities. I'm pleased to be working with USDA towards improving life both at home and in the workforce for all Americans," said Congressman David Trone. "Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're creating better, higher-paying jobs and ensuring that rural Marylanders have access to essential technology like broadband. With the collaboration of all levels of government, we're building a better and brighter future for Marylanders."

"People across rural America are seizing economic opportunities through investments in clean energy for people across rural America, and USDA, under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, proudly supports that work," Torres Small said. "The biofuels and biobased products sectors have demonstrated that efforts to combat climate change go hand in hand with strong economic development, especially in rural communities. With support from Congressman Trone, fuel options like biofuels provide new market opportunities for producers and small businesses, reduce energy costs for consumers, and support good-paying jobs for people throughout rural Maryland."

Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Veterans' Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees in the 117th Congress. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.

Follow Congressman Trone at @RepDavidTrone for updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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