Governor Wes Moore Signs Executive Order Creating Maryland Maritime Task Force
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced on October 22 in Annapolis that he has signed an executive order creating the Maryland Maritime Task Force, charged with identifying and pursuing federal and commercial maritime growth opportunities, fostering quick coordination among state agencies and local businesses, and advancing maritime economic development across the state. The task force will be co-chaired by U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth and Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr.
The task force's core duties include completing the actions needed to secure a Maritime Prosperity Zone designation for Maryland once Congress creates the program; developing a plan of action to advance and diversify the state's maritime economy; identifying barriers faced by public and private entities in pursuing national maritime opportunities and recommending legislative and regulatory actions; coordinating state and federal advocacy, international engagement, workforce training and grant programs; and recommending state business incentives and tax credits to expand the maritime industries.
Moore said Maryland's infrastructure is perfectly suited to lead the nation's maritime industry, from building in-demand ships to creating positions for welders, mechanics and engineers. According to the governor's office, Maryland's maritime industries contribute more than $10.2 billion annually to the state economy and support 115,000 jobs. Recent major investments include Anduril Industries' $3.7 billion Arsenal-2 software-defined shipyard in Baltimore County, expected to support upwards of 14,000 jobs, and the U.S. Coast Guard's planned $1.5 billion investment to improve its Curtis Bay Yard.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 马里兰州巴尔的摩内港，作者 Kimberlyshorter，CC BY-SA 4.0，来源 Wikimedia Commons
