Maryland Delegation Secures $8M in Federal Funding for Anne Arundel County

Funds will support 911 center, housing, gun violence reduction, and food bank

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Democratic members of Maryland's congressional delegation announced $8 million in federal funding for projects in Anne Arundel County, including a new joint 911 call center, housing development at the former Crownsville State Hospital campus, gun violence reduction efforts, and support for the local YMCA and food bank.

Why it matters

The funding will address key community needs in Anne Arundel County, from improving emergency response capabilities to providing affordable housing and supporting vulnerable populations through social services and food assistance programs.

The details

Nearly half of the $8 million will go toward building a joint 911 call center, which Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said will consolidate police and fire emergency calls. Three million dollars will support housing development at the Meyer Building on the campus of the former Crownsville State Hospital, a site with a history as a segregated psychiatric ward. Another $1 million will fund gun violence reduction efforts, and the remaining funds will support the local YMCA and county food bank.

  • The federal funding was announced on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Chris Van Hollen

Maryland Senator

Angela Alsobrooks

Maryland Senator

Sarah Elfreth

Maryland Representative for the 3rd district

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What they’re saying

“Anne Arundel County was the only county in the state that did not have a joint call center. It obviously makes sense when emergency calls are coming in for the police and fire that you have a consolidated effort.”

— Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Senator (wbal.com)

“To have had the vision to have turned that space, this campus, into a place that was known for so much pain and now represents promise is just extraordinary.”

— Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland Senator (wbal.com)

“A program that helps feed literally the most vulnerable in our communities. Seniors, single parents, children, folks with disabilities, a sledgehammer to snap, we are delivering for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and lifting up their good work with this earmark.”

— Sarah Elfreth, Maryland Representative for the 3rd district (wbal.com)

What’s next

The funding will now be allocated to the various projects in Anne Arundel County, with the joint 911 call center, housing development, gun violence reduction efforts, and support for the YMCA and food bank expected to move forward in the coming months.

The takeaway

This federal funding represents a significant investment in critical community infrastructure and services in Anne Arundel County, addressing pressing needs around emergency response, affordable housing, public safety, and support for vulnerable populations.