Congressman Johnny Ochevsky visits Carroll delegation, highlights federal grants and criticizes MPRP process
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Summary
Rep. Johnny Ochevsky told the Carroll County legislative delegation his office secured federal funding for local projects and said he shares the delegation's concerns about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, including communication gaps and potential eminent domain use.
Congressman Johnny Ochevsky told the Carroll County legislative delegation during a virtual meeting that his office has secured federal funding for several local projects and pledged to continue engaging on county issues.
Ochevsky listed specific appropriations he said were in the 2026 federal bills: $829,000 for McDaniel College's nursing education facility, $52,000 for the Deeds of Faith food pantry in Westminster, $1,000,000 for a veterans center in Westminster and $1,000,000 for a new Carroll County Youth Service Bureau. He also described additional federal support for Westminster'area water-purification work and sewer improvements in New Windsor; the meeting transcript described those allocations in less precise terms and the office said final amounts and distribution will be confirmed by staff.
"We have taken Carroll seriously as a new part of our district," Ochevsky said, adding he would be in Carroll County for events and expected to help present grant checks locally.
Ochevsky also addressed the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), telling members he has pressed PSEG, PJM Interconnection and the Maryland Public Service Commission for clearer justification. "I have yet to receive any compelling justification from PJM or PSEG," he said, and added, "I will join you in the fight, especially against eminent domain with everything I've got." He said witnesses at a recent subcommittee hearing acknowledged local concerns about how energy from large projects would flow through rural Maryland with limited local benefits.
Delegation members thanked Ochevsky for the grants and asked about other local issues, including the Taneytown post office. Ochevsky said his office is working with local leaders and staff to avoid a move that could result in consolidation of services.
The delegation noted upcoming redistricting activity on the floor and expressed a hope to keep Ochevsky connected to Carroll County residents.
Next steps: Ochevsky said his staff would follow up with local officials about project rollouts and that county leaders should expect further outreach from the congressman's office.