Odenton Train Station, Crownsville Hospital Get Cash For Development Projects

ODENTON, MD — Several Anne Arundel County projects recently collected millions of federal dollars to proceed with development.

The money funded projects to grow the Odenton Train Station and repurpose the former Crownsville Hospital Center.

"I can't think of a better investment than in projects that improve our residents' quality of life," County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) said in a press release. "I want to thank Attorney General Brown, Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Sarbanes for the work they did to secure this funding for our communities."

The train station project collected $4 million to help build a parking garage, extra housing and more shops at the Odenton Town Center on the west side of the tracks. The east side will feature the forthcoming Odenton Library Community Park.

Related: Odenton Library Community Park Seeks Feedback As Design Phase Wraps Up

"Team Maryland is unique among congressional delegations: we work together to get more done for the people of Maryland," said Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), the chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. "These projects for Anne Arundel County reflect our commitment to empowering local projects driven by local needs."

The Crownsville Hospital Center proposal accepted $3 million to start converting the property into an incubator and community space for nonprofits.

Last summer, the county acquired the 544-acre site that was a psychiatric facility until 2004. Pittman has also called for a reflective park and finding respectful ways to restore the property.

The other projects that collected funding were:

• Parole (Md.) Transportation Center ($3 million)
• Emergency Operations Center ($2,471,500)
• Inclusive Ventures Small Business Program ($1,650,000)
• Trail Spurs and Connectors ($1.5 million)
• Ralph Bunche Restoration ($750,000)
• Fresh START - Fresh Safe, Trauma-Informed, Accountable, Restorative, Transparent (START) ($400,000)

A full description of each initiative is posted here.

"Investing federal dollars directly in our state spurs local economic growth and strengthens our communities," said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "With these funds, Anne Arundel County will be able to modernize its infrastructure, improve public safety, boost entrepreneurship, and so much more."

The eight projects will split the $16,771,500 in federal funding.

"I was proud to work with the Maryland delegation and County Executive Pittman to secure funding for multiple important projects throughout Anne Arundel County in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus," said U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-District 5), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "From shortening commutes to building safer communities, this Community Project Funding is making a positive impact in Marylanders' lives."

The leaders announced the funding on April 17 at the Odenton MARC Train Station. Other politicians in attendance included:

• U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-District 3)
• Anne Arundel County Council Chair Pete Smith (D-District 1)
• County Council Member Julie Hummer (D-District 4)
• State Sen. Dawn Gile (D-District 33)
• State Del. Gary Simmons (D-District 12B)

"Together, the delegation representing Anne Arundel County has been able to secure funding for several important projects that will make our community a safer, more connected space and provide residents more opportunities to connect with each other, the environment and local businesses," Sarbanes said. "I will continue listening closely to the needs of the community and delivering resources to help County Executive Pittman and local leaders strengthen Anne Arundel County."