The EBA Committee of the Maryland Legislature convened on February 26, 2024, to discuss various funding requests and community initiatives. The meeting featured testimonies from several organizations seeking state support, highlighting their contributions to local communities and the challenges they face.

Sean O'Connor, representing the Signal 13 Foundation, opened the session by detailing the foundation's mission to assist Baltimore City police officers facing financial hardships. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the foundation provides grants and scholarships to officers and their families. O'Connor emphasized the increasing requests for assistance, citing specific cases of officers in distress, including those affected by violence and personal loss. He requested a $250,000 grant from the state to sustain their operations, underscoring the critical nature of their support for the police community.

Next, Wesley Hines, executive director of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corporation, expressed gratitude for previous funding and reported a significant increase in ridership, nearly doubling from 47,000 in 2021 to 75,000 in 2023. Hines highlighted the railroad's role in boosting local tourism and its contributions to community philanthropy, including $25,000 in scholarships for local students. He reiterated the importance of continued state support for the railroad's strategic goals.

Jana Davis, president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust, provided an overview of the trust's initiatives, which focus on community-led projects. She presented two funding requests: $10 million for the Urban Trees Grant Program and $1.5 million for the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. Davis emphasized the trust's efficiency in grant distribution and its positive impact across various districts.

Cumberland Mayor Ray Morris and Frostburg Mayor Bob Flanagan both spoke in support of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, highlighting its significance to local tourism and community engagement. They invited committee members to visit and experience the railroad's offerings, particularly the popular Polar Express event.

The meeting concluded with Kirby Fowler, president of the Maryland Zoo, thanking the committee for their ongoing support and expressing readiness to provide further information about the zoo's initiatives.

Overall, the session underscored the vital role of community organizations in Maryland and the importance of state funding to sustain their efforts in supporting local residents and enhancing tourism. The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to fostering partnerships that benefit both the community and the state.