FISCAL YEAR 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS

Our office’s Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for Fiscal Year 2024 will be posted on a rolling basis by Subcommittee between April 10, 2023 and April 17, 2023, per the House Appropriations Committee’s requirements.

CPF requests are categorized below by the relevant Appropriations Committee Subcommittee; within each Subcommittee, projects are listed in alphabetical order by project title.

For Fiscal Year 2024, Rep. Raskin submitted the following CPF requests:

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES

Crime Laboratory Information Management System

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies/DOJ/ Community Oriented Policing Services

Amount requested: $1,300,000

Recipient: Montgomery County Police Department

Recipient Address: 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used by the Montgomery County Police Department to acquire and implement a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). A LIMS is a comprehensive database management system that collects, creates and stores all data related to the examinations conducted within the crime laboratory. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because by adopting a LIMS, the Montgomery County Police Department can transform its laboratory operations and significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of forensic investigations, streamline the tracking and management of forensic evidence, and reduce the time and effort required for forensic investigations – resulting in cases being resolved more quickly. This will promote a more efficient and effective justice system and, ultimately, a safer community for our residents and businesses. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized in section 1701(b)(8) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10381(b)(8)).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

Crisis Co-Response Teams

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies/DOJ/ Byrne Justice Grants

Amount requested: $700,000

Recipient: Montgomery County Police Department

Recipient Address: 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 20878

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used to increase the size of the Montgomery County Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team Unit. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it would expand an effective approach to meeting the growing demand for mental health services and reducing unnecessary arrests, which can result in significant cost-savings. Crisis intervention teams prevent tragic outcomes, improve community safety, and offer an effective response to mental health crises. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized in Section 501 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10152).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

Cryogenic Electron Microscope

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies/NIST/Scientific and Technical Research

Amount requested: $2,000,000

Recipient: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Recipient Address: 220 North Arch Street, Baltimore, MD 21212

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for purchasing a 300kV Cryogenic Electron Microscope (Cryo-EM). The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because this world-class research instrumentation would be used to develop industry standards for vaccines and biologics, and to develop quality control metrics for vaccines. The instrument would immediately benefit therapeutic and vaccine development and manufacturing. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes described in section 272 of title 15, United States Code.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

Interoperable Police Radio Communications Equipment

Subcommittee /Agency/Account: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies/DOJ/ Community Oriented Policing Services

Amount requested: $1,471,220

Recipient: City of Rockville

Recipient Address: 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used by to purchase essential police radio communications equipment for the Rockville City Police Department that is fundamental to emergency preparedness and response operations. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the current units are becoming obsolete, are failing more often, and will no longer be supported within a five-year window. Failure to replace this equipment may lead to increased response time to critical life-threatening emergencies.  This equipment will enable the Rockville City Police Department to remain compatible and interoperable with the radio system maintained by Montgomery County. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized in Section 1701(b)(8) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. §10381(b)(8)).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES

Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies/Army Corps of Engineers (Civil)/Investigations

Amount requested: $650,000

Recipient: Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin

Recipient Address: 30 West Gude Drive, Suite 450, Rockville, MD 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used to further the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin’s (ICPRB’s) efforts to protect, preserve and restore the water quality of the Potomac River and its tributaries. The ICPRB is a federal interstate watershed agency established under the Interstate Compact and approved by Congress in 1940. Since then, the Potomac River has evolved from an “open sewer” to a river that provides reliable, safe drinking water, accepts the region’s treated wastewater, and provides recreational opportunities that make the region a desirable place to live, work, and play. The Potomac River supplies 78% of the broader Washington, metropolitan area’s water. With this project, the ICPRB will implement the Potomac River Basin Comprehensive Water Resources Plan, including (among other activities) constructing a real-time 2D flow and contaminant transport model of the Potomac for use during spill events; implementing an outreach strategy for ICPRB's impervious cover tool to assist decision-makers in understanding the effects of proposed impervious cover sites on local hydrology; and engaging in critical data collection. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because ensuring safe and abundant drinking water is crucial for the health of our people and the economic development of our region. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Section 5019 of P.L. 110-114, as amended by Section 4001 of P.L. 113-121.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

HOMELAND SECURITY

City of Rockville Emergency Operations Center

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Homeland Security/FEMA/Emergency Operations Centers

Amount requested: $592,500

Recipient: Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Recipient Address: 5401 Rue Saint Lo Drive, Reisterstown, MD, 21136

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for necessary technology for the City of Rockville’s Emergency Operations Center, including computers and display monitors. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will ensure that the capacity exists for leadership to direct and control operations from a centralized facility in the event of an emergency or disaster in the City of Rockville. Furthermore, facilitating and deconflicting operational action during a crisis across the government sector reduces the cost of unnecessarily duplicative efforts. The City of Rockville purchased a building that will house the first dedicated EOC in the city. The EOC will ensure city leadership can direct and control operations across city departments in the event of critical incidents and disasters. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has provided a letter of support. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by section 614 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196c), as amended by section 202 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

City of Rockville Potomac Woods Storm Drain Improvements

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Homeland Security/FEMA/ Pre-Disaster Mitigation

Amount requested: $900,000

Recipient: Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Recipient Address: 5401 Rue Saint Lo Drive, Reisterstown, Maryland, 21136

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used by the City of Rockville (subrecipient) to replace undersized storm drain pipes and inlets with larger storm drain pipes and inlets and to upgrade the storm drain system outfall at Stratton Drive. Updating the system with larger, more appropriately sized pipes and inlets will allow stormwater to drain faster and will reduce flood risks. Upgrading the outfall will also improve the capacity of the upstream system by allowing water to exit the system freely and easily and will reduce the risk of damaging erosion within Bogley Branch during severe storms. These improvements will expand mitigation capacity. This project will reduce the risk of property damage and dangerous conditions that are currently occurring in this area due to roadway flooding. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the City of Rockville experienced massive flooding in the summer of 2021 due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, which resulted in loss of life and significant property damage. During this time, substantial flooding due to storm drain overflow occurred within the Potomac Woods neighborhood. The increase in size and intensity of recent storms has also caused failure at the storm drain system outfall. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by section 203 of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5133), as amended by Section 1234, National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation, of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

 

INTERIOR, ENVIROMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES

City of Rockville Sewer Line Rehabilitation

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies/EPA/State and Tribal Assistance Grants - Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Amount requested: $500,000

Recipient: City of Rockville

Recipient Address: 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for two miles of sewer pipe rehabilitation, focused on pipes that are more than 50 years old within the Disadvantaged Community (DAC) of Southeast Rockville. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because failing to rehabilitate the sewer lines will increase the risk of wastewater overflows into storm drains and streams and back-ups into private structures – threatening public health and safety, damaging private property, and polluting our streams. The City of Rockville has approximately 148 miles of sewer line and has identified this portion of the system as among those in greatest need of repair. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

City of Rockville Water Main Rehabilitation

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies/EPA/State and Tribal Assistance Grants - Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Amount requested: $2,400,000

Recipient: City of Rockville

Recipient Address: 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for replacing 6,000 linear feet of pipe in the City of Rockville, focused on water mains within a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Opportunity Zone in Southeast Rockville. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it would result in safe drinking water compliant with federal and state regulations and improved system reliability and safety. The project would replace old pipes of unknown origin and would allow for an updated inventory of material in compliance with EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-12.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES

Randolph Road Community Childcare and Community Center for Low-Income Families, Montgomery County, Maryland, Eighth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/HUD/ Economic Development Initiatives

Amount requested: $1,175,000

Recipient: AHC Inc.

Recipient Address: 2230 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22201

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for the interior and exterior build out of a child care center and a community center at the Randolph Road Community, which is a deeply affordable, 195-unit housing complex currently under construction in Montgomery County, Maryland. The project will also construct a public playground and picnic area adjacent to these facilities. The project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the child care center will provide affordable child care that will enable Randolph Road Community residents and other low-income parents in the community to obtain outside employment, furthering their economic security and self-sufficiency. The completed community center will be used for purposes such as food distributions for low-income residents and adult programming on economic mobility. The space will support the economic mobility of low-income residents of the Randolph Road Community and the surrounding neighborhood and will meet the high demand for multipurpose community spaces in Montgomery County. The adjacent playground and picnic area will provide a safe place for local children and families and will further the community development of the neighborhood. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

  

Community Resource Center for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Montgomery County, Maryland, Sixth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/HUD/ Economic Development Initiatives

Amount requested: $3,279,250

Recipient: Community Support Services, Inc

Recipient Address: 9075 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for the renovation of one section of an existing office building in Gaithersburg, MD that is owned by Community Support Services, Inc., a Maryland nonprofit 501(c)(3). This renovation will enable Community Support Services, Inc. to provide supported employment, career planning services, and recreational and vocational experiences for children and adults with autism and other severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will increase the workforce participation, vocational skills, and community engagement of people with disabilities in Montgomery County, Maryland and also will enable parents and family members of children and adults with disabilities to obtain or continue their outside employment. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

  

Goshen Road Safety Improvements, Montgomery County, Maryland, Sixth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/DOT/Highway Infrastructure Projects

Amount requested: $4,750,000

Recipient: Montgomery County

Recipient Address: 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for the design of safety improvements along Goshen Road from approximately 500 feet south of MD Route 124 to approximately 500 feet north of Emory Grove Road. The project will correct a sight distance issue associated with the hillcrest at the intersection of Emory Grove Road, where there is a substantial crash history. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because sixty-six crashes have occurred on Goshen Road between the intersection of Emory Grove Road and MD-124 since 2016.  More than half of these resulted in an injury. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 USC 133.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

  

Northwest Branch SVU3 Trail Rehabilitation, Montgomery County, Maryland, Eighth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/HUD/ Economic Development Initiatives

Amount requested: $1,800,000

Recipient: Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission

Recipient Address:  2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used for improving a section of the Northwest Branch SVU3 Trail in Montgomery County, Maryland. The project will repave a section of the trail that is currently pitted, cracked and uneven, and prone to flooding in certain sections. Accordingly, today the trail is difficult to use and unsafe for commuters and youth, whether traveling by bike or on foot. The project will also pave a section of the trail that is currently gravel, replace bridges and culverts that are in “serious” condition and require replacement for continued safe usage of the trail, and will install wayfinding/safety signage to support the trail’s use by bicyclists and pedestrians. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the rehabilitated trail will improve the community’s access to the public bus and rail transit systems, improving commutes, facilitating access to economic opportunity, and providing a safe means of access for youth. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

  

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Montgomery County, Maryland, Eighth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/DOT/Highway Infrastructure Projects

Amount requested: $4,000,000

Recipient: Montgomery County

Recipient Address: 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850.

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used to install a mix of Level 2 charging (for long-term parking) and DC fast charging (for short-term parking) at two of the county’s public parking garages in downtown Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because no public DC fast chargers are currently located in this census tract. Both garages where the charging units would be installed are in neighborhoods with many large apartment buildings and multi-family housing units, and where access to EV charging is a challenge. The county has received a significant number of requests for EV charging stations from residents in this area. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 USC 133.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

Vision Zero Improvements for Bus Stops, Montgomery County, Maryland, Eighth Congressional District

Subcommittee/Agency/Account: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies/DOT/Transit Infrastructure Grants

Amount requested: $560,000

Recipient: Montgomery County

Recipient Address: 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, Maryland, 20850

Federal Nexus and Justification: The funding would be used to construct safety improvements for approximately 25 bus stops in Montgomery County, Maryland, with a focus on the specific corridors and locations that are highest priority because of the current safety risks for transit users. The project will entail the design and construction of bus stop improvements to include filling in missing sidewalks links and adding ADA ramps, concrete pads, and other safety features. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because transit riders have been struck and killed when walking to and from bus stops in the County. The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by chapter 53 of title 49 of the United States Code.

Signed Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Letter

 

You may review our Community Project Funding requests from FY 2022 and FY 2023 here – however, please note that eligible accounts and other requirements have changed significantly for FY 2024.