LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Economic Development Department would like to announce that on Friday, Oct. 5, it submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a proposed new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters location for both the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS).
“Charles County is well-positioned for an opportunity like this,” said County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-CM. “We have the advantage of a strategic location in the Washington, D.C. metro area, with a lower cost of doing business and a high quality of life.”
According to the USDA’s Notice of Request, they desire to locate the NIFA and ERS headquarters in a community where their employees will enjoy living, recreational opportunities, educational opportunities, and an overall high quality of life. Charles County is known for its scenic outdoors, waterfront views, excellent public schools, and lower cost of living relative to the region. The community has become an attractive place for young, professional families who move to Charles County for the quality of life, and this continuing influx of talented professionals to Charles County provides businesses and companies access to a robust pool of highly skilled and educated workforce.
“By coming to Charles County, the USDA will continue to benefit from being in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in addition to achieving the cost savings they’re looking for,” said Economic Development Director Darréll Brown, Esq.
The need for a proposed NIFA facility is approximately 90,000 square feet to house approximately 360 employees; the need for the proposed ERS facility is up to 70,000 square feet to house up to 260 employees.
For more information about business locations in Charles County, contact Chief of Business Development Lucretia Freeman-Buster at BusterL@MeetCharlesCounty.com or 301-885-1344.