AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing: A manufacturer has broken ground on a Hagerstown-area plant, while Anduril’s planned $6.6 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic would bring submarine-component production to Sparrows Point, backed by $3.7 billion in company investment and up to $2.9 billion from the Navy. Energy and Development: Maryland officials say allowing utilities to set rates years ahead is not working as intended, as data-center construction faces growing local opposition and scrutiny over its grid costs. Hospitality: Guinness will close its $90 million Baltimore-area brewery on Nov. 1, putting 174 Aramark workers out of work. Agriculture: Gov. Wes Moore’s emergency diesel order eases fuel restrictions for farmers and forestry businesses during harvest season. Equine Industry: Maryland’s first statewide horse-industry plan targets workforce training, tourism and animal welfare for a sector valued at $2.9 billion.

Agriculture and Forestry: Gov. Wes Moore temporarily eased diesel restrictions for farmers and loggers, allowing tax-exempt fuel in qualifying on-road trucks and suspending some heavy-hauling permit fees amid high prices. Quantum and Cybersecurity: Maryland-based IonQ agreed to acquire zero-trust security firm Elisity in a deal valued at up to $1.3 billion, adding network protection to its quantum security business. Manufacturing: Jamison Door and parent company BMP Group broke ground on a 355,000-square-foot Hagerstown-area plant, the first phase of a planned manufacturing campus. Defense Industry: Anduril’s proposed Sparrows Point shipyard and partnership with Gecko Robotics could expand submarine production at Tradepoint Atlantic and bring thousands of jobs to Maryland. Utility Costs: Maryland regulators found the state’s pilot allowing utilities to set rates years ahead failed to make bills more predictable; the commission is ending the program and reviewing alternatives.

Farm and Forestry Relief: Gov. Wes Moore declared a 30-day emergency allowing qualifying agricultural and forestry vehicles to use dyed diesel on public roads and waiving fees for heavier-load permits, easing harvest-season fuel costs. Shipbuilding Investment: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic, backed by a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion, to make submarine components and create thousands of Maryland jobs. The company says large-scale autonomous systems could come later. Water Supply: Baltimore is pumping about 30 million gallons of Susquehanna River water a day to supplement drought-depleted reservoirs, serving roughly 350,000 households. Film and TV: Baltimore is pitching its inclusive culture to attract productions, alongside states competing with tax incentives; the city’s film council says artists’ safety and welcome can also influence location choices. Equine Industry: Maryland’s first statewide horse-industry plan charts a shared path for a sector valued at $2.9 billion.

Local Business: 7 Brew plans to open its second Harford County drive-through in Edgewood on Oct. 19, a potential lift for a shopping center seeking more customers. Small-Business Energy: Takoma Park’s fall grant cycle offers eligible businesses and community groups up to $30,000 for electrification and efficiency upgrades, with no matching funds required for businesses. Construction & Forestry: Maryland is promoting state-grown wood in public building projects, creating a possible boost for local forestry and wood-product suppliers. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril’s proposed submarine shipyard at Sparrows Point could bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs, while its partnership with Gecko Robotics targets faster shipyard testing and production. Agriculture: Gov. Wes Moore’s emergency order aims to ease diesel restrictions for farm and forestry work during harvest season; the state also extended the fall cover-crop planting deadline. Wine Industry: Maryland’s winery sector is expanding, with six wineries opening in the past year and another estate winery planned for 2027.

Roads & Recycling: Baltimore has used crushed glass in asphalt on at least 17 streets, turning waste into road aggregate and creating a sparkle effect under sunlight and streetlights. Agriculture: Gov. Wes Moore signed an emergency order aimed at easing diesel fuel restrictions for Maryland farmers and forestry businesses during harvest season. Health Care: State officials are examining whether nonprofit hospitals’ offshore captive-insurance arrangements may leave taxes unpaid. Critical Care: MedStar Health is adding an Airbus H145 D3 helicopter to expand medical transport capacity across Maryland and the Washington region. Shipbuilding: Anduril and the Navy plan a $6.6 billion submarine-production project at Sparrows Point, with the company projecting more than 3,100 direct jobs and operations expected to begin in 2030.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion shipyard at Sparrows Point to make submarine components, backed by a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion. The project is expected to create more than 3,100 direct jobs, with operations targeted for 2030. Farm Costs: Gov. Wes Moore’s emergency order lets eligible farm and forestry vehicles use tax-exempt dyed diesel and waives hauling fees for 30 days, easing fuel costs during harvest. Hospital Finance: Maryland officials are examining whether nonprofit hospitals’ offshore captive-insurance funds should face state taxes, after questions about billions of dollars potentially held in the Cayman Islands. Agritech: Maryland high schoolers earned third place in a NASA competition with a drone designed to spot pest damage beneath soybean canopies—a potential boost for a major state crop. Horse Industry: Maryland has completed its first statewide strategic plan for the horse industry, setting a shared direction for the sector.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion Sparrows Point shipyard, backed by a Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion, is expected to create 3,100 jobs and expand U.S. submarine production. Agriculture and Forestry: Gov. Wes Moore’s emergency order offers relief from record diesel costs, allowing qualifying haulers to use tax-exempt dyed diesel on public roads and waiving certain permit fees during harvest season. Horse Industry: Maryland’s new strategic plan targets workforce training, racehorse welfare and equestrian tourism for an industry estimated to generate $2.9 billion a year; putting its recommendations into action remains the challenge.

Agriculture: Maryland completed its first statewide horse-industry plan, aimed at supporting a sector worth $2.9 billion. The state also extended the fall cover-crop planting deadline. Beverages: Columbia’s Black Flag Brewing may close Nov. 30 if a proposed sale falls through, a setback for a local craft-beer industry facing rising costs and weaker demand. Water: Baltimore has begun blending Susquehanna River water into its supply as reservoir levels hit 20-year lows, with added testing to monitor water quality. Shipbuilding: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion submarine-parts shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic, promising 3,100 jobs; a Navy contract brings the announced investment to $6.6 billion. Transportation: Amtrak selected HNTB to design replacements for the Bush River and Gunpowder River bridges, key links on Maryland’s Northeast Corridor.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion Sparrows Point shipyard is part of a $6.6 billion Navy submarine-production push, with thousands of Maryland jobs expected. Energy Costs: Maryland residents are pushing back against data centers amid rising power bills, while Gov. Wes Moore joins a multistate effort to curb electricity costs. Agriculture and Tourism: The state completed its first horse-industry plan, aiming to grow an ecosystem valued at $2.9 billion and spanning farming, racing, tourism and veterinary services. Manufacturing Shift: Baltimore’s new McLaren vehicle-processing center opened as US Wind withdrew from turbine manufacturing at Sparrows Point and Guinness prepared to close its brewery. Logistics: Maryland diesel averaged $6.41 a gallon in the week ending Oct. 3, adding pressure on transport costs.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril plans a $3.7 billion shipyard at Sparrows Point to expand submarine production, with a Navy agreement worth up to $2.9 billion routed through General Dynamics Electric Boat. The federal government would take a 40% stake, but Anduril must first qualify components; thousands of Maryland jobs are expected. Data Centers: A new UMBC poll finds 78% of likely voters oppose new data centers anywhere in Maryland, and 80% worry they could raise household energy costs—adding pressure to projects seeking power and sites. Baltimore Development: A draft Harborplace lease would let MCB pay just 5% of property taxes through 2051, potentially saving at least $200 million as it redevelops the waterfront. Automotive Investment: McLaren opened its first U.S. vehicle processing center at Tradepoint Atlantic, bringing a new operation to Baltimore’s industrial waterfront. Energy and Jobs: Maryland advanced 440 megawatts of battery storage in its first major procurement, while US Wind withdrew from plans for turbine manufacturing at Sparrows Point.

Shipbuilding: Anduril and the U.S. Navy plan a $6.6 billion submarine shipyard at Sparrows Point, with more than 3,100 Maryland jobs expected. The project will make components for Virginia-class submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. Automotive Logistics: McLaren opened an $11 million vehicle processing center at Tradepoint Atlantic, creating roles in vehicle preparation, paint, logistics and management. Data Centers: Nearly 8 in 10 Maryland voters oppose data centers in the state, according to a new UMBC poll. Anne Arundel County has extended its development moratorium through 2028 as concerns mount over power costs and environmental impacts. Energy: Amazon and Constellation have agreed to a long-term power deal supporting expanded nuclear generation in Maryland, as demand from data centers grows. Manufacturing: US Wind has withdrawn plans for a turbine manufacturing facility at Sparrows Point, a setback for Maryland’s offshore wind supply chain. Workforce: A $2.38 million federal grant will connect rural Maryland students with college programs tied to careers.

Defense Manufacturing: Anduril and the Navy are investing $6.6 billion in a Sparrows Point shipyard to make submarine components, with more than 3,100 Maryland jobs expected. Energy: Constellation’s power deal with Google includes nuclear upgrades that could add 890 megawatts across 11 PJM reactors, supporting the tech giant’s rising electricity needs. Clean-Energy Manufacturing: US Wind has pulled out of plans to make turbine components at Sparrows Point, a setback for Maryland’s offshore-wind supply chain. Data Centers: Anne Arundel County extended its development moratorium through January 2028; projects already in progress can continue. Food Businesses: Maryland’s new pricing law bars food retailers and delivery services from using customer data to set individual prices and requires other merchants, potentially including restaurants, to disclose data-driven pricing.

Defense & Shipbuilding: President Trump announced Anduril’s $3.7B Arsenal-2 submarine-parts complex at Sparrows Point, with the U.S. Navy adding up to $2.9B—aimed at easing Virginia-class production delays and creating 3,100 jobs, while Maryland and Baltimore County weigh additional support. Energy & Grid: Maryland’s PSC picked Flatiron Energy’s 400 MW Chalk Point and REV Renewables’ 40 MW Jade Meadow III for energy storage capacity credits, the first awards under the Next Generation Energy Act. Nuclear Power for Data Centers: Google signed major power deals with Constellation—3,590 MW total (including 890 MW from upgraded nuclear units)—as PJM data-center demand pressures utilities. Clean Energy Finance: MCEC closed a $1.36M bridge loan for a 5.22 MW community solar portfolio serving up to 1,000 households, with at least 51% for low-to-moderate-income subscribers. Agriculture & Rural Grants: Southern Maryland farmers can attend an Oct. 27 grant-writing workshop to turn project ideas into competitive applications. Land Conservation: A land trust completed a permanent easement on a 208-acre Broyhill property, protecting stream corridors and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Workforce & Safety: Maryland Racing Commission proposed major increases to fines and longer suspensions, plus stricter rules requiring stewards to scratch horses after accidents or casualties.

Defense Manufacturing Boom: President Trump announced Anduril’s $3.7B “Arsenal-2” shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, with a U.S. Navy contract worth up to $2.9B to build Virginia-class submarine components—starting with torpedo tubes—aimed at easing delivery delays and creating thousands of jobs; Political Friction: Gov. Wes Moore says the White House blocked him from speaking at the event, while the White House says he was invited only as a guest, turning the announcement into a fight over credit; Local Business Pressure: Maryland is offering grants to help small businesses along the Purple Line corridor as the project nears “significant completion,” with construction still crushing foot traffic and parking; Energy & Power Grid: Anne Arundel County extended its data center moratorium through January 2028, while Maryland regulators shifted BGE rate hearing logistics to an in-person format; Public Health Alert: FSIS issued a warning about illegally imported canned chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica, urging consumers not to eat potentially affected products; Water Affordability: A new analysis says water bills rose 62% over the past decade, outpacing groceries and inflation—fueling a quiet affordability crisis.

Energy & Data Centers: Google contracted for 3,590 MW from Constellation Energy in the U.S.’s biggest grid deal, with new nuclear upgrades in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic—another sign Maryland’s power demand fight is only getting louder. Grid Governance: Maryland and other state leaders say PJM’s electric grid governance changes don’t give states real control, arguing the current structure still lets beneficiaries shape the rules. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Navy is retrofitting MQ-4C Triton drones under a $66M order for better fleet standardization and maritime surveillance readiness, with contracting activity at Patuxent River. Baltimore County Industry: Trump is set to speak at Tradepoint Atlantic as Anduril announces a defense manufacturing “next chapter,” pitching jobs tied to the region’s logistics and industrial base. Construction & Engineering Awards: Maryland projects won recognition, including LifeBridge Health’s Sinai Hospital emergency expansion and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge eastbound deck replacement. Food & Agriculture: A frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination expanded to additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s products. Environment & Community: Maryland Environmental Trust is accepting applications for Keep Maryland Beautiful grants (about $349K total) supporting stewardship, education, and forestry projects.

Medicaid & physician billing tech: MGMA leaders are raising alarms about CMS’s WISeR rollout—downcoding, electronic prior authorization, and AI-style claim review—saying vendors may be delayed, testing is limited, and savings incentives could mean more denials and less access to care. AI governance push: Gov. Wes Moore is teaming with other governors to press for a federal AI framework, arguing states can’t do it alone and questioning what regulators can realistically control. Energy storage for reliability: Maryland’s Public Service Commission advanced 440 MW of new battery energy storage capacity credit awards (Flatiron’s Chalk Point and REV Renewables’ Jade Meadow III) to stabilize the grid and reduce exposure to volatile capacity prices. Defense manufacturing watch: Anduril Industries is expected to announce plans tied to Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, with President Trump slated to attend—another sign of Maryland’s defense-tech manufacturing pull. Housing & affordability: Maryland’s housing affordability debate keeps heating up as local rules target algorithmic pricing in homebuying and rental markets. Food industry alert: Frozen berry recalls tied to E. coli expanded again, now involving Walmart and Trader Joe’s products sold in Maryland. Local business: Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore is set to close Nov. 1 after rising costs.