Governor Wes Moore announced on Thursday that he has signed an executive order creating the Maryland Maritime Task Force, a body charged with identifying and pursuing national and international maritime-related federal and commercial growth opportunities for the state, according to a release from the governor's office.
Source: Governor Wes Moore's office via EIN Presswire
U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth and Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. will co-chair the task force, the Dundalk Eagle reported. Its membership is expected to include representatives from state departments, the Port of Baltimore, maritime research and training organisations, labour unions and trade associations, and it may work with federal agencies including the Navy, the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers.
What the task force is asked to do
The executive order directs the group to complete the steps needed to secure a Maritime Prosperity Zone designation for Maryland once Congress acts to create the programme, to work with stakeholders on a plan to advance and diversify the state's maritime economy, and to identify barriers that public or private entities face in pursuing national maritime opportunities, recommending legislative and regulatory fixes.
It is also asked to strengthen state and federal advocacy, including international engagement, workforce training and grant programmes, and to recommend state incentives and economic development tools for the industry.
The Baltimore Focal reported the sector contributes more than $10.2 billion annually to Maryland's economy and supports about 115,000 jobs. Moore said the state's infrastructure could support shipbuilding and jobs for welders, mechanics and engineers.
“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,” Moore said in the release. “This task force will help us capitalize on future opportunities to make our state's economy more competitive through maritime projects that build more pathways to work, wages and wealth for Marylanders.”