The Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $2 million bridge loan to Washington County to support the county’s NorthPoint development project, which broke ground in Hagerstown last week. The state’s loan, which the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved in a resolution today, will be used to help fund the reconstruction of Wesel Boulevard, which serves the entire development. A total of $6 million is being spent on the reconstruction, with NorthPoint contributing $1.8 million, the county contributing up to $2.7 million and the city contributing up to $1.5 million.
“This is another great example of how Maryland continues to be ‘Open For Business,’” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The NorthPoint project will bring much needed jobs to the area and will serve as a catalyst for economic development throughout the entire region.”
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford joined Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz and other state and local officials at a groundbreaking for the project, which is slated to include four buildings totaling 2.2 million square-feet of warehousing and distribution space and will account for roughly 1,500 jobs when complete. The first building could be completed as early as December.
“We are excited to see this massive project moving forward. The Hagerstown Logistics Center will be a game changer for economic growth in this area of the state. It couldn't have happened without our partners in Washington County and the City of Hagerstown to ensure its continued progress,” said Secretary Schulz. “This project really came together through a team effort on all fronts and we are looking forward to its completion.”
“Washington County is proud to welcome many new jobs and infrastructure to the county from the NorthPoint project,” said Washington County Commissioners President Jeffrey A. Cline. “To get to where we are today, there has been great collaboration between the city, county, state, and NorthPoint. We are looking forward to this area being a strong economic driver in our community.”
“Working with North Point has been a real pleasure,” said Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey, II. “This is what our government should be doing – creating opportunities for economic development and job creation through infrastructure improvements, fast tracked permitting, and collaborating with other governmental entities to create a project to benefit all of our citizens.”