Congressman Andy Harris announced on Mar. 19 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $1 million to BSA Seafood LLC through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand invasive blue catfish processing in Maryland’s First District.
The funding aims to help address the growing issue of invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay while supporting local jobs and economic growth. The investment will allow BSA Seafood, based in Grasonville, Maryland, to purchase and install new equipment at its facility, increasing its capacity to process more than 500,000 pounds of invasive blue catfish annually. The project is expected to create 20 full-time jobs and retain 15 existing positions.
“I’m grateful to USDA and Secretary Rollins for this significant investment to combat invasive blue catfish in the Eastern Shore. This funding gives BSA Seafood the resources to expand blue catfish processing, open new market opportunities, and create good-paying jobs in my district. It directly supports our watermen and seafood processors and turns a growing challenge in the Chesapeake Bay into long-term economic growth for Maryland,” Congressman Harris said.
Amanda Williams of BSA Seafood also commented on the grant: “We’re incredibly grateful to receive this funding and excited about the opportunity to continue growing our operations and supporting Maryland’s seafood industry. This investment will allow us to expand our capabilities and create new opportunities in the region. We’re grateful to Congressman Harris for his support throughout this process.”
Harris is currently serving as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Maryland’s 1st district after replacing Frank Kratovil in 2011, according to Wikipedia. He has served in Congress since 2011 following previous service on the Maryland Senate from 1999 until his election to Congress, as reported by the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Born in New York City in 1957, Harris now lives in Cambridge, according to Congress.gov. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977 according to Johns Hopkins University.
The grant reflects ongoing efforts by federal agencies and local leaders like Harris to support both environmental management initiatives and job creation within Maryland’s seafood sector.
