Cecil County has received approval for a significant expansion of its Enterprise Zone, adding 80 acres in and around Elkton. This initiative aims to enhance the county’s competitive position and stimulate job creation across the region. The expansion was sanctioned by the Maryland Department of Commerce in December and will encompass nine parcels located within the county’s growth corridor.
Among the newly designated land are 11 acres off Maloney Road, 10 acres adjacent to the Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center, and 69 acres off Belle Hill Road. County Executive Adam Streight expressed optimism about the approval, stating, “This approval strengthens Cecil County’s competitive advantage and reinforces our commitment to growing a diverse, resilient economy.” He emphasized that the expanded Enterprise Zone will attract new businesses, support the growth of existing enterprises, and create local jobs for residents.
Cecil County’s strategic positioning between Baltimore and Philadelphia offers access to markets that represent over 90 million consumers, approximately one-third of the nation’s purchasing power. County officials highlighted that this expansion builds on that geographical benefit by providing targeted incentives to attract private investment and facilitate long-term economic growth.
The county has previously utilized Enterprise Zone incentives to secure significant projects. Past expansions contributed to the establishment of Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, now the company’s largest resort, as well as various developments at Northrop Grumman’s Elkton campus. Notably, the Hypersonics Capability Center was completed in 2023, and the Propulsion Innovation Center is currently under construction. County officials project that nearly $1 billion in private development could commence within the Enterprise Zone in the next five to seven years.
Manufacturing continues to be a cornerstone of Cecil County’s economy, employing nearly 12 percent of the local workforce, the highest share among all industry sectors. Major employers in the region include W.L. Gore & Associates, Northrop Grumman, and Terumo Medical Corporation, along with significant logistics and distribution centers like Amazon, IKEA, Smithfield, and Restoration Hardware.
The expansion of the Enterprise Zone is also designed to improve residents’ quality of life by bringing job opportunities closer to home. Many county residents currently face commutes of 25 minutes or more, often traveling outside Cecil County for work. By creating new employment opportunities near population centers, officials aim to reduce commute times, lower fuel consumption, and provide both economic and environmental advantages.
The Cecil County Office of Economic Development oversees the Enterprise Zone, managing business certifications and monitoring job creation and capital investments. Economic Development Director Sandra Edwards highlighted that the expansion signifies more than just geographical changes. “The expansion of our Enterprise Zone is about more than lines on a map,” said Edwards. “It’s about creating opportunity, supporting our existing businesses, attracting new employers, and ensuring Cecil County residents can build careers right here at home.”
This strategic initiative marks a pivotal step in Cecil County’s efforts to bolster its economic landscape, making it a more attractive destination for businesses and job seekers alike.
