Annapolis, MD (February 18, 2026) – Today, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman was joined by Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, State Delegate Heather Bagnall, Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien, Councilwoman Allison Pickard, local leaders, and nonprofit partners in Anne Arundel County to highlight over $8 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending they fought to deliver for infrastructure, public safety, and community resource projects.
“We are fortunate to have strong federal advocates who understand that investing in local projects directly improves the lives of residents,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Pittman. “Thank you to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Elfreth for their work to secure this funding for our communities.”
“It was great to join local leaders in Anne Arundel today to deliver these federal investments in our communities. We fought for these funds with a key goal in mind: building stronger communities in Anne Arundel County. These federal dollars will support the County’s emergency response capabilities and strengthen other critical community services, especially for families in need, and I’m glad to see these investments go to where they can make the most difference,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.
“It was such a joy to be in Anne Arundel today to share the work we do that truly matters. Every day that I walk into the Senate chamber, I remember the real responsibility that we have to the people who sent us to Washington – to fight for all Marylanders. That means bringing home critical investments so Maryland can continue to thrive, advocating for those without a voice, and making Maryland safe and welcoming for all who live here,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“I’m proud to join County Executive Pittman and Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks in delivering over $8 million in federal funding for Anne Arundel families. This funding will strengthen public safety, deliver critical services for veterans, support survivors of domestic violence, combat food insecurity, and protect our most vulnerable. With these projects, we’re walking and chewing gum at the same time: combating the harmful policies of this Administration while delivering for our communities,” said Congresswoman Elfreth.
The federal lawmakers first visited the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, alongside County Executive Steuart Pittman, to highlight $697,000 in federal funding secured to support victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. With this funding, the YWCA will bolster its domestic violence prevention initiatives, as well as its education and rehousing resources.
“The YWCA is incredibly grateful for the support afforded by this appropriation. A critical component in ensuring the safety of survivors is consistent and secure housing for the individual and their children. Through this funding, the YWCA is excited to house individuals through a step down program, support the individuals’ regaining their independence, and help break the cycle of intergenerational violence. We are especially honored that our elected officials, Sen. Van Hollen, Sen. Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth are equally focused on seeing people advance. For both the YWCA and our clients, we look forward to affecting meaningful and sustained change,” said Molly Knipe, CEO of the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
Later, they visited Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park to highlight $7,650,000 in direct federal funding they secured to purchase equipment and technology for the County’s Joint 911 Public Safety Center, rehabilitate the Meyer Building at the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park with transitional housing and support and amenity spaces, and support gun violence prevention efforts in the County’s neighborhoods. They also highlighted $133,000 in federal dollars secured for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank to purchase a new refrigerated vehicle, which will support the Food Bank’s weekly donation pickups and ensure the safe delivery of items to the warehouse for distribution to low-income residents.
“The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is grateful to Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Elfreth for securing this critical funding to support our mission to alleviate food insecurity in Anne Arundel County. The purchase of a new, refrigerated vehicle will strengthen our fleet and help build our capacity to procure food donations from across the county. It will ensure the stability of fresh items during transportation and enable optimal safe food handling prior to distribution to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,” said Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.
