Mattapani Farmers Market secures $362K for highway upgrades and new commercial kitchen

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The St. Mary's County Commissioners meeting on January 21, 2025, focused on the approval of an agreement with Homegrown Farmers Market LLC for the expansion of the Mattapani Farmers Market. The meeting highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements, including state highway work and the construction of a commercial kitchen and restrooms at the market.

Junior Trosback and Barry Roche, co-managing partners of Homegrown Farmers Market LLC, presented the request for funding to complete necessary roadwork mandated by the state. The county plans to allocate $362,250 for this project, which will be disbursed in two phases. The first phase will address the state highway requirements, including road repacking and the installation of an acceleration and deceleration lane, while the second phase will fund the kitchen and restroom facilities.

The market is currently open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, with plans to expand operations to three days a week starting in July. This schedule aims to accommodate local workers, particularly those on the nearby military base. The partners expressed optimism about the market's growth and the increasing number of vendors.

Commissioner President Russell and other commissioners voiced their support for the project, emphasizing its potential benefits for the community. The motion to approve the agreement was unanimously passed, allowing the project to move forward. The completion of the state highway work is expected to precede the opening of the kitchen, anticipated for the next season.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing local agricultural initiatives and improving community access to fresh produce and food options.

Converted from 5/1/2012 Commissioners of St. Mary's County meeting on January 21, 2025
Link to Full Meeting