ANNAPOLIS | Gov. Larry Hogan released a supplemental budget with money for a blight-elimination plan in Baltimore on Thursday, sending the plan to the General Assembly more than a month after he announced the project.
Mr. Hogan’s proposed supplemental budget for the upcoming fiscal year would call for $18 million to fund a project to tear down entire blocks of old, vacant homes in the poorest parts of Baltimore to encourage new development.
The first-term Republican governor joined Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to announce the project in early January. Democrats questioned why no funding for it was included in his initial 2017 budget, but Mr. Hogan said he needed to work out details with the city administration before he could commit money to it.
Mr. Hogan announced that the project would cost about $75 million over four years. Baltimore will contribute a 25 percent in-kind match.
“The state’s commitment to provide $75 million over four years for demolition is part of a bipartisan, common-sense effort that will help to make sure Baltimore’s future is better and brighter than its present or its past,” Mr. Hogan said in a statement.
The plan includes $600 million over four years through programs like the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to lure private developers to invest in the region and the issuance of revenue bonds.
• Anjali Shastry can be reached at ashastry@washingtontimes.com.
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