Governor Moore Announces Bainbridge as State Pilot Program Priority
Bainbridge announced as set of first six pil
ot projects under Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council. see full story
News about business attraction, job creation, and economic impact studies
BDC named in Maryland Planning Commission Pilot Program
Bainbridge Logistics Center Selected as State Pilot Project to Streamline Permitting and Boost Economic Growth
PORT DEPOSIT, MD — The Bainbridge Development Corporation is proud to announce that the Bainbridge Logistics Center has been selected as one of six pilot projects under the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, a new initiative launched by Governor Wes Moore to streamline and expedite the state’s permitting process.
Established through the Governor’s 2024 economic competitiveness executive order, the council aims to accelerate permitting reviews for major projects across Maryland—helping communities attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
“We refuse to let red tape stand between our state and a growing economy,” said Governor Moore. “By streamlining the permitting process, we will help get shovels in the ground faster and supercharge our agenda to create pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”
The Bainbridge Logistics Center, located on the historic site of the former U.S. Naval Training Center in Port Deposit, represents a key component of Cecil County’s economic revitalization. The mixed-use redevelopment will transform the 1,200-acre site into a modern logistics hub, creating new jobs and positioning the region as a destination for industrial innovation.
“The selection of Bainbridge Logistics Center as a pilot project sends a powerful message: the Moore administration is committed to accelerating economic growth, attracting private investment, and creating high-quality jobs in Maryland,” said Kate Nolan Bryden, Senior Vice President at MRP Industrial, the project’s private development partner. “Bainbridge is being reactivated as an economic engine, and after nearly 50 years, is once again poised to transform Port Deposit into a hub of opportunity and prosperity.”
The pilot projects—spanning industries from agritourism and residential development to data centers and historic revitalization—reflect the state’s commitment to coordinated, transparent, and efficient permitting. Interagency teams will work closely with project leaders to identify challenges, share data, and refine best practices for future projects across Maryland.
As part of this statewide effort, Bainbridge’s inclusion reinforces the project’s importance not only to Cecil County but also to Maryland’s broader strategy of fostering innovation, investment, and workforce development.
The Coordinated Permitting Review Council will meet monthly throughout the pilot stage, with updates available via the Maryland Department of Planning at planning.maryland.gov.
BDC Attends MEDA’S Inaugural Maryland Main Street Conference
FREDERICK, MD: The BDC headed west this past week to join the state’s leaders in Main Street. With presentations from Frederick’s mayor and county executive, Maryland Secretary of Housing, and other professionals and leaders the passion and enthusiasm at 2024 Main Street Maryland Conference: Creating a Local & Lovable Main Street Experience was contagious! This event delivered a day filled with captivating presentations, extraordinary experiences, and fresh perspectives that inspired and energized our BDC team! Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson enjoyed the historic Weinberg Center in Frederick, MD where the conference was held. They joined Maryland Main Street managers, board members, community teams, volunteers, advocates, and economic and community developers for an immersive experience and discovered the remarkable assets of Maryland’s local communities while participating in important and engaging conversations that will shape the future of our own Cecil County Main Streets in exciting ways!
Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce in Full Swing: Looking Back at a Summer of Awesome Events
This summer Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce was in full swing! We have worked hard to support the Town of Port Deposit, and represent every small business in our town and surrounding communities! From our first annual monthly Farmers Market to our Summer Concert Series along the Susquehanna River to bringing the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce downtown through Cecil Collective and supporting the Pirate Takeover. Our fun and engaging mixers and networking events aimed to connect and support our business owners in any way that we can to help them thrive and grow. It was a busy and fulfilling summer!
Executive Director Toni Sprenkle serves as the president of the Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce as well as a board member for Cecil County Chamber of Commerce
Executive Assistant Jen Peterson serves as secretary of Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce.
BDC Partners with Fellow Young Leaders of MEDA to Volunteer at The Maryland Food Bank.
The USDA defines “food insecurity” as the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. We define it as an unacceptable situation where individuals or households do not have the resources to provide enough food to allow for a healthy and active lifestyle.
One in 3 Marylanders faces food insecurity. Looking at Maryland Food Bank’s Hunger Map, Cecil County is one of the larger impacted counties when it comes to facing hunger. Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson want to do their part to ensure that no person in our wonderful state faces uncertainty when it comes to food or feeding their families. Our BDC team was honored to serve for an afternoon alongside of other MEDA Young Leaders to assist the Maryland Food Bank keep their shelves stocked for families that depend on them.
BDC Attends Maryland’s Smart Growth Summit
Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson were in Annapolis this past week to attend Maryland’s Smart Growth Summit held at Crowne Plaza. The ladies of BDC spent the day with legislators, community and municipal leaders, economic development professionals and national experts leading the charge for smart and sustainable growth in our communities. BDC participated in a breakout group and robust discussion to move Maryland in a direction of equity and opportunity for all members of our communities. The goal is to have equal access to homeownership, community resources and business opportunities attainable by everyone. Meeting with legislative members who were engaged and eager to hear from the group in attendance fostered an environment for real conversations to happen about the direction of growth for our state. Toni and Jen were able to contribute ideas and facilitate a collaborative discussion for important topics such as funding for minority business owners, homebuyer assistance that is accessible to all members of a community, planning partnerships that involve actual residents of the community and many more ideas that will hopefully drive the growth of Maryland in an equitable direction, with abundant opportunities for everyone.
BDC and Great Wolf Lodge Guest Speakers at Cecil County Chamber of Commerce Event
Executive Assistant Jen Peterson speaks to Chamber members on the positive economic impacts that Bainbridge will bring to the town of Port Deposit and surrounding communities. She was able to network with other businesses and leaders and answer questions relating to the project as well as give updates on progress.
BDC Releases Tome School Report
The BDC released the Tome School Strategic Plan during the Port Deposit Town Council meeting on September 20, 2016. This plan comes as the deliverable from a 2 year project in conjunction with the U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant, which took a close look at unique opportunities and constraints of the Tome School Campus, including historical easements, regional marketplace, market and economic data, environmental issues, land topography, etc.
In addition to the presentation of the Report, BDC Chair Mike Pugh also provided an update on Navy activities, a Federal Grant Project and Infrastructure progress.
The Tome School report can be access by clicking here, or also under the “Documents” tab on our website. Any questions can be directed to Toni Lozzi at TLOZZI@bainbridgedev.org.
Tome School RFQ deadline extended
The BDC will accept bids for the Tome School feasibility study up until March 7, 2016. This is an extension from the original deadline of February 29, 2016. Extended bids will still be required to meet the timeline outlined in the RFQ.
Contact Project Coordinator, Toni Lozzi, with questions.
410-378-9200
