A Message from Steve Kelley:
Reflecting on Progress: Key Economic Wins in 2024 and Our 2025 Future
As 2024 is behind us, it's clear—Garrett County is on the move. The past year has been a testament to the power of smart investment, community-driven growth, and the tenacity of our local businesses. We've made real progress, setting the stage for an even stronger 2025.
Our focus has always been on making Garrett County the best place for families to live, work, and thrive. This year, we’ve doubled down on infrastructure, housing, business expansion, and healthcare—laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our community development team and the support of local leaders, we’re not just keeping up—we’re winning.
Economic success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens because of the hardworking, determined people who call Garrett County home. The grit and perseverance of our homegrown businesses have fueled organic growth, proving that our strongest asset is our community itself. With their relentless drive, we are leading the way.
Major Investments That Are Shaping Our Future
Housing & Community Growth
· North Hill Community – $900,000 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund for infrastructure supporting 126 senior housing units (55+).
· Town of Accident – Flat Street – $435,000 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund for infrastructure, creating 10 new residential building lots.
· Springs Housing (Hemlock Grove) – $1,200,000 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund for infrastructure in Grantsville, adding approximately 60 single-family homes priced at $200,000–$250,000.
· Cherry Hill – $1,000,000 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund to develop a 24-bed assisted living facility in Oakland/Mountain Lake Park.
Healthcare & Community Services Expansion
· Mountain Laurel Medical Center – $1,000,000 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund for expansion and remodeling in Grantsville, adding a pharmacy, imaging center, and exam rooms.
· Quest for Hope – $167,455 from the Senator George Edwards Economic Development Fund to remodel a new counseling facility in Grantsville, providing critical mental health support for the community.
Business & Industrial Park Development
Keyser’s Ridge Business Park
· New Facility – 15 acres under contract (NDA in place) with an estimated creation of 25+ jobs.
· Shell Building – Daystar Construction will build a 50,000 sq. ft. facility to market for sale or lease.
· Centralized Propane Facility – Providing metered propane service to tenants, a necessity since natural gas is not an option at this location.
· Access Road – Set for completion in 2025, opening several new lots for development.
Southern Garrett Business & Technology Park
· Sunrise Sanitation – Purchasing Lot 9 to relocate from West Virginia, creating 26 new full-time jobs and expanding waste collection and recycling services.
McHenry Business Park
· CannaBarons – Purchasing the Medco building, with an estimated addition of 40–60 full-time jobs.
· Hannick Homes – Under contract for a new office building, expanding local business presence.
Francis Sanders Drive
· CHIPS Properties – Purchasing two acres for a new office and warehouse, expanding operations due to new contracts in West Virginia.
Renewable Energy & Solar Development
Garrett County is solidifying its role as a leader in renewable energy with two massive solar projects:
· Backbone Solar – 900 acres currently under construction.
· Jade Meadow – 1,000 acres scheduled to begin development in 2026.
Once completed, Garrett County will host the two largest solar projects in Maryland. Meanwhile, we continue to receive a flood of community solar project requests each week, further emphasizing our region’s attractiveness for clean energy investment.
Parks & Trails Expansion
Through numerous grants and partnerships, Siera Wigfield continues to expand and enhance our parks and trails, moving closer to a long-term vision of connecting our communities through an integrated trail system. These efforts will provide increased recreational opportunities, boost tourism, and improve overall quality of life.
Airport Development & Expansion
The Garrett County Airport continues to grow as a key economic asset, supporting both tourism and business operations. The airport provides small freight and ground support services for commercial and general aviation, enhancing its role in regional economic development.
Adison Wyer is the new Airport Manager.
· Tourism Expansion – Contract in place to allow a local pilot to offer bi-plane tours.
· New Hangars – Leasing more ground for additional hangars on the west apron, with the potential for eight box hangars for businesses or individuals.
· McHenry Business Park Access – Working with the FAA and MAA to construct a new access road to open additional development opportunities.
· Monthly Rentals: Several “T” hangars are available for pilots
· Opportunities: Option to construct up to 8 box hangars for interested businesses or individuals.
Holding Our Own & Leading the Way
In a state struggling to keep up with the economic trends shaping our region and the nation, Garrett County is holding its own—and then some. From housing to business expansion, renewable energy to aviation, our county continues to make the right moves, proving that smart investments and a strong community can drive lasting success.
Lastly, note a key driver of our business development success is our dedicated team. Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development, brings invaluable expertise, while Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist, takes a hands-on approach to business engagement. Together, they ensure our local businesses have the support, resources, and connections needed to grow and thrive.
With momentum on our side, we’re ready for an even bigger 2025.
