Amid a global supply chain crisis that has resulted in a mass shortage of goods, Maryland is taking steps to strengthen the state’s manufacturers and their supply chains.
Gov. Larry Hogan today announced the Maryland Supply Chain Resiliency Program, an initiative to assist manufacturers in the state that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Manufacturers based in Maryland can apply for the program and receive a business assessment to analyze problems and potential solutions.
Those who have lost sales, revenue, or access to supplies due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a grant.
“Maryland continues to be a national leader in helping to address the supply chain crisis that is affecting families, businesses, and industries,” Hogan said in a statement.
“This new program is an innovative way to help manufacturers deal with these challenges and boost the resiliency of our supply base,” he said.
The initiative, launched by the Maryland Department of Commerce in coordination with the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership – a nonprofit funded by industry and the state – will also connect manufacturers to local supplies, companies, and partners.
Hogan also today announced that the Port of Baltimore will be stepping up its cargo volumes.
For many ports throughout the U.S. that have struggled with supply chain issues, the Port of Baltimore has served as a blueprint.
Last month, President Biden visited the port to tout his infrastructure bill, which was signed into law Nov. 15.
As of today, the port will add two new container services, totaling 21 new ships on weekly schedules.
The port will also add “ad hoc” vessels – those diverted to Baltimore that were not on a regularly scheduled service.
The reconstruction of the Howard Street Tunnel, which began at the end of last month, is also expected to spur growth and enhance productivity at the Port of Baltimore in the coming years.
