Rising Sun says state demolition grant won't move forward until state clears project

Mayor Marion announced that the State of Maryland, through the Department of Housing and Community Development, has awarded funds to the Town of Rising Sun for demolition of three town-owned properties, one of which the town plans to convert into a Main Street parking lot.

Town officials said the award does not mean work can begin immediately. The Town Administrator explained that state grant rules require the state to complete administrative clearances before the town may solicit bids or begin demolition. "We can't even put the demolition out to bid yet until the state officially clears it," the administrator said, warning that acting prematurely could cause the town to lose the grant funding.

Town officials estimated the state clearance could come in March and said they are preparing to move quickly once the state provides the necessary approvals. The mayor also said the state included an additional façade grant; town staff said they will release more information after the state sends official guidance.

No formal vote was taken on the demolition at the Jan. 13 meeting. Officials said the award is a sizable portion of the project's funding and that the town will proceed only after the state completes its required steps.