AGP Executive Report

Transportation Construction: Maryland’s State Board of Contract Appeals struck down the MDTA’s mandatory labor-agreement requirement for an I-95/I-695 interchange project, ruling the procurement decision arbitrary and capricious. The decision could shape requirements on future state contracts. Maritime Industry: Gov. Wes Moore created a task force to strengthen Maryland’s maritime sector, signaling a state push to support the industry’s future growth. Workforce Development: College of Southern Maryland is among nine institutions sharing a $2.38 million federal grant for rural career pathways, including apprenticeships and training in aerospace, cybersecurity and high-tech agriculture. Research and Innovation: St. Mary’s College received a $495,296 NIH award for a neuroscience program giving 24 students hands-on research experience with the Allen Institute. Industrial Real Estate: A Beltsville industrial park changed hands in a deal backed by $37 million in financing, underscoring investor activity in the region’s commercial property market.

Maritime Industry: Gov. Wes Moore signed an order creating a task force to support growth in Maryland’s maritime sector. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril and state and county officials announced a planned $3.7 billion investment in the Arsenal-2 project, a major boost for Maryland’s defense industry. Energy Costs: BGE’s proposed surcharge and a dispute over who should pay Baltimore’s underground-conduit costs keep utility bills in focus, as Frederick County weighs battery rules. Food Distribution: Fresh-produce company Exp Group is expanding into Maryland to bring its services closer to more customers. Clean Energy: Maryland’s convention center solar project and the state’s growing solar sector highlight continued investment in renewable power.

Biotech: Maryland-based Kaigene licensed autoimmune drug candidate KG013 to Celltrion in a deal worth up to $580.5 million, putting a local company’s research on the global development track. Data Centers: Gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox is promising a moratorium and permanent ban on new hyperscale campuses, adding uncertainty for a fast-growing industry already facing community resistance. Energy & Infrastructure: A Maryland convention center’s rooftop solar project spans acres, while BWI has reopened its longest runway after an $83.8 million rehabilitation. Advanced Manufacturing: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major potential boost for Maryland’s defense manufacturing base.

Workforce Pipeline: Wor-Wic Community College is among nine Maryland institutions sharing a $2.38 million federal grant to build career pathways in fields including health care, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. The four-year initiative aims to serve more than 1,000 rural students and create at least 500 paid work-based learning opportunities. Utility Costs: BGE wants Baltimore customers alone to cover the utility’s access fee for the city’s underground conduit system, a change that could affect how the cost is spread across ratepayers. Construction: Wicomico County has broken ground on the long-delayed Barren Creek Road reconstruction, with the state covering about 80% of the cost. BWI’s longest runway has also reopened after an $83.8 million rehabilitation. Advanced Manufacturing: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion investment in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major potential boost for Maryland’s defense industry. Agriculture and the Bay: A new advocacy report says Maryland’s $15 million Animal Waste Technology Fund has not demonstrated verifiable reductions in Bay pollution, raising questions about public investment in farm-waste technologies.

Biotechnology: Samsung Biologics said its Rockville facility helped lift third-quarter revenue 18.5%, despite a drop in net income. Food Manufacturing: Maryland-based McCormick plans to acquire control of Unilever Pakistan Foods as part of a broader deal for Unilever’s global food business. Baltimore Business: Pappas Seafood has been sold to New York’s Teamshares, which aims to transfer most ownership to employees over time; Steve Pappas will remain involved during the transition. Jobs: Maryland’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in September, even as the state recorded 13,900 fewer jobs than a year earlier. Advanced Manufacturing: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major planned boost for Maryland’s defense industry. Trade: A Maryland delegation led by Prince George’s County Councilwoman Wala Blegay heads to Liberia this month to pursue partnerships in agriculture, technology, healthcare and other sectors.

Clean Energy: Maryland’s first Bridge Finance Facility loan—$1.36 million to King Energy Services—will help build seven community-solar projects totaling 5.22 megawatts across five counties. The portfolio could serve 1,000 households, with bill credits expected to cut costs by 20%. Jobs & Growth: Prince George’s County officials expect major development projects to generate 13,000 jobs through 2030. Maryland’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in September. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril Industries plans a $3.7 billion investment in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major boost for the state’s industrial base. Transportation: BWI’s longest runway reopened after an $83.8 million rehabilitation. Wicomico County also secured another $200,000 for airport-area site development, bringing its grant total to $660,000. Grid Pressure: Federal regulators rejected PJM’s proposed data-center guardrails, as Maryland faces growing demand for power-hungry projects.

Airport Investment: Southwest named BWI among four airports set to get new Icon lounges in late 2027. The airport has also restored normal runway operations after an $83.8 million rehabilitation. Energy Infrastructure: A federal appeals court upheld PSEG’s right to survey properties for its proposed 67-mile Maryland transmission line while state review continues. Manufacturing: Allegany County secured a $1 million state grant for a rail spur serving Kingspan’s new factory, where the company has invested more than $43 million and expects 95 jobs within three years. Industrial Growth: Maryland and Baltimore County announced a planned $3.7 billion investment by Anduril Industries in Arsenal-2. Summit Chemical is moving its office and manufacturing operations to Hunt Valley, while Vetagro has opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Easton. Offshore Wind: The Justice Department is asking a court to send Maryland Offshore Wind’s approval back for federal review, renewing efforts to challenge the project.

Manufacturing: Summit Chemical is moving its office and manufacturing operations to Hunt Valley, while layoffs at Cheverly’s PepsiCo plant are affecting workers. Easton has gained a manufacturing foothold with Vetagro’s first U.S. facility. Food & Agriculture: Maryland awarded nearly $3.6 million to improve local food distribution. A nationwide recall of more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat includes products shipped to Maryland. Energy & Infrastructure: Data-center power demand and utility costs remain in focus: federal regulators rejected PJM’s proposed data-center rules, and Maryland’s watchdog urged rejection of BGE’s $156 million rate increase. BWI reopened its longest runway after an $83.8 million rehabilitation. Workforce & Development: Gov. Wes Moore announced $4.7 million in EARN Maryland grants to train more than 1,700 workers. Rural King is eyeing a Salisbury mall location, pending approvals. Maryland Racing: New Pimlico and Preakness identities set the stage for the race’s planned return to the track in 2027.

Biotech: Germantown-based Seraxis named former FDA medical officer Patricia Beaston chief medical officer as it prepares to start a cell-therapy trial, targeted for early 2027. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril Industries plans a $3.7 billion investment in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major boost for Maryland’s industrial base. Agriculture: A spring freeze badly damaged Maryland vineyards, with one producer reporting a 90% grape loss; separately, the state awarded nearly $3.6 million to strengthen local food distribution. Ports and Aviation: BWI reopened a runway after an $83.8 million rehabilitation, restoring normal airport operations. Energy Costs: Maryland’s utility watchdog urged regulators to reject BGE’s proposed $156 million rate increase as power demand and data center growth keep bills in focus. Chesapeake Fisheries: Maryland lawmakers are pressing for tighter menhaden catch limits, citing concerns about the fish’s role in the Bay’s ecosystem.

Food Supply: Maryland awarded nearly $3.6 million to 37 organizations for cold storage, refrigerated vehicles and other upgrades to strengthen local food distribution. Energy and Data Centers: BGE CEO Tamla Olivier addressed rising power bills and data-center demand as a state watchdog urged regulators to reject the utility’s proposed $156 million rate hike. Federal regulators also rejected major data-center guardrails proposed by the regional grid operator. Major Investment: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in its Arsenal-2 complex in Baltimore County, a major boost for Maryland’s defense manufacturing sector. Workforce: The state awarded $4.7 million in EARN Maryland grants to train more than 1,700 workers for in-demand careers. Infrastructure: BWI’s longest runway reopened after an $83.8 million rehabilitation project.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril Industries plans to invest $3.7 billion in its Arsenal-2 project in Baltimore County, a major commitment to Maryland’s industrial base. Energy and Data Centers: BGE CEO Tamla Olivier says Maryland relies on electricity from neighboring states as data-center demand grows; meanwhile, the state watchdog urges regulators to reject BGE’s proposed $156 million rate increase. Transportation Infrastructure: BWI’s longest runway has reopened after an $83.8 million rehabilitation, restoring a key airport asset. Workforce Development: Maryland awarded $4.7 million in EARN grants to train more than 1,700 workers for in-demand careers. Sparrows Point: Gantrex won a crane-rail fastening contract, adding another industrial project at the Baltimore-area site.

Airport Infrastructure: BWI reopened its longest runway after an $83.8 million rehabilitation, including new LED lighting, strengthening a key aviation and cargo hub. Utility Rates: Maryland’s consumer watchdog urged regulators to reject BGE’s proposed $156.1 million electric-rate increase and instead cut rates by $43.9 million. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril plans to invest $3.7 billion in its Arsenal-2 project at Sparrows Point, a major boost for Maryland’s defense industry. Workforce Development: The Moore administration awarded $4.7 million in EARN Maryland grants to train more than 1,700 workers for in-demand careers. Data-Center Power: Federal regulators rejected proposed grid guardrails for Maryland data centers, keeping electricity supply and reliability in focus as the industry grows.

Business & Workforce: Women accounted for 58% of Maryland’s new businesses since 2019, though their workforce participation remains 8 percentage points below men’s. Gov. Wes Moore also announced $4.7 million in grants to train more than 1,700 workers for in-demand careers. Industrial Investment: Vetagro opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Easton, while Gantrex won a crane-rail contract at Sparrows Point; Anduril is pitching a shipyard at the site. Energy & Data Centers: A federal grid emergency covers Maryland as regulators reject proposed guardrails on data-center power demand, keeping reliability and electricity costs in focus. Food & Beverage: Maryland testing detected toxin-producing E. coli in raw cheddar now under recall; consumers should avoid lot 7/22/27. Guinness’ planned Baltimore closure also spotlights pressure on local brewers, despite more than 130 breweries statewide.

Workforce: Gov. Wes Moore announced $4.7 million in EARN Maryland grants to train more than 1,700 people for in-demand jobs. Power & Data Centers: Grid reliability remains a concern: federal regulators rejected PJM’s proposal to require data centers to disconnect during power emergencies, even as a federal emergency order seeks to bolster the Mid-Atlantic grid. Manufacturing: Vetagro opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Easton, adding production capacity on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Port Infrastructure: Gantrex won a crane-rail fastening deal for Sparrows Point, a sign of continued investment in the industrial site. Engineering Education: Morgan State secured ABET accreditation through 2032 for six programs, including first-time accreditation for construction management. Agriculture: Maryland awarded $3.6 million to expand rural food storage and distribution, while the state’s new horse-industry plan calls for workforce training and tourism initiatives. Offshore Wind: The Trump administration asked a judge to reconsider the Ocean City project’s federal permit, citing potential effects on wildlife, fisheries and views.

Energy Reliability: A federal emergency order put the Mid-Atlantic grid, including Maryland, on alert amid high demand and tight supply. BGE and other utilities renewed calls for more power generation as the region weighs backup capacity and long-term investment. Advanced Manufacturing: Anduril’s proposed $6.6 billion submarine shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic could make Maryland a major center for shipbuilding and autonomous systems. Transportation Infrastructure: BWI-Marshall reopened Runway 10-28 after an $83.8 million project, a major upgrade for the region’s air-travel network. Maryland Makers: Maryland Public Television’s “Made in Maryland” returns Oct. 28, featuring manufacturers and craftspeople from across the state, from pewter and chocolate makers to a lacrosse equipment company. Workforce Development: A new state search tool connects Marylanders to more than 900 job-training and education programs, helping employers and workers find pathways to in-demand skills.

Grid Reliability: PJM’s temporary federal emergency order let the Mid-Atlantic grid operator call on standby generators to help avert blackouts, spotlighting supply risks for Maryland businesses. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic, backed by a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion, could bring major investment to Baltimore County. Airport Infrastructure: BWI reopened its rehabilitated Runway 10-28 after an $83.8 million project, restoring its longest runway. Workforce Pipeline: Delmarva college leaders urged closer ties with local employers to prepare students for regional jobs and keep graduates on the Shore. Biotech: FDA officials will seek input Oct. 28 in Silver Spring on a new approach to reviewing rare-disease therapies.