SWED Shovel Ready Sites

The purpose of the SWED Shovel Ready Site program is to better compete for large scale economic development projects by encouraging shovel-ready sites through upfront and creative financing.

SWED Shovel Ready Sites

General terms and conditions include: 

  • Minimum of ten acres or ability to support a minimum of 100,000 sf facility (ideally expandable to 200,000 sf)
  • All utilities exist and are at site (electric, natural gas, municipal water/sewer, fiber/internet)
  • All utilities have capacity to accommodate a significant new development
  • Transportation network exists with capacity to accommodate significant new development
  • Zoning is light industrial, heavy industrial, industrial park or planned development district
  • Applicant must evidence legal site control for a minimum of three years
  • Proposed site improvements must be offered for lease or sale
  • Targeted economic sectors include manufacturing, logistics or other industrial
  • Targeted minimum number of jobs = 100
  • Targeted number of users = 1

Download Program Information Sheet

Contact SWED at 410-749-1251 or info@swed.org to further discuss specific projects and opportunities. 

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September 8, 2025
YEAR IN REVIEW Aviation Maintenance Technician School at SBY Our collective FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician school at SBY officially opened its doors. Operated by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the school will offer students the opportunity to attain Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) certification, a highly valued credential in the aviation industry. Teaming with the State Maryland, Wicomico County and Piedmont Airlines, the 12-month program will create a pipeline of mechanics for the aviation industry, offer great jobs and enhance the aviation and aeronautics sector for our region for years to come. Site Readiness SWED began the process of developing five ‘Shovel-Ready’ sites this past year. Two of the sites are located in Westwood Commerce Park with planned industrial buildings of 200,000 sf each. Three sites are located on the grounds of the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport. The process of addressing permitting requirements upfront can mitigate the time to construction by eliminating the twelve to eighteen months of the site approval process. Ultimately, this allows us to better compete for large-scale economic development projects.
June 26, 2025
SWED hosted Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks recently as he and his team visited Wicomico County. Dani Winters, principal of Winters Farm Florals began the day with a tour of her fresh cut flower business in Hebron. A Roundtable discussion followed at Green Hill and we finished the day with pie and ice cream (plus meaningful conversation) at Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs. The event provided the opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among Wicomico’s Ag Community and the State Department of Agriculture.
June 17, 2025
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development (SWED) has engaged BEACON at Salisbury University to conduct an economic impact study of the Port of Salisbury on our region's economy. Among other data sets, the analysis will include the value of shipments, jobs related to the port and the estimated efficiencies water commerce provides versus alternative transportation methods. The study will include the direct, indirect and induced economic impact of the port. SWED's Executive Director David Ryan said 'I think most people understand the importance and value of waterborne commerce to our economy as a whole and our supply chain specifically. This study will quantify that value and highlight the critical role the port plays in our economy'. The report is expected to be complete in early fall, 2025.