Queen Anne's County officials briefed a community panel on recent site grants and town partnerships aimed at encouraging economic growth while addressing infrastructure limits.

Patrick McLaughlin said the county "has been awarded 2 site grants for, via Medco, which is the Maryland Economic Development Corporation." He named one site on Bloomingdale Road and a second roughly 80-acre parcel in Barclay that MEDCO will study for feasibility.

A county commissioner described a partnership between Queen Anne's County and Sudlersville to manage and extend water and sewer services, including an extension to Barclay. The county also committed $100,000 through the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund to help Sudlersville develop an economic strategy, prepare a sustainable communities application and engage consultants for implementation.

The commissioner highlighted residential projects in Sudlersville (including a La Crosse Homes project at Fox Farm) and warned that capacity limits — particularly on Kent Island — must be managed so local companies can expand without being forced to leave. He cited local employers and manufacturers as examples of the county’s economic diversity, saying the county "really punch[es] way above our weight."

Speakers also discussed transportation planning tied to a future bridge crossing and cited the county ramp-management program (credited to Commissioner Moran) as a tool to protect neighborhood side streets from through-traffic as state projects move forward.

County officials outlined next steps: MEDCO feasibility work for the Barclay site, continuing town partnerships to expand sewer and water access where appropriate, and deploying grants and consultant support to help small towns develop economic strategies that can translate to future projects and more affordable housing options.