The Poolesville Economic Development Project calls for the development of surplus land owned by the Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA). The physical plant consists of a custom winery, education/events center, and a vineyard.

Cost increase due to updated construction cost estimate.

This project will support the County's long-range plan for economic and agricultural development, education, and workforce development. MCRA will collaborate with educational institutions to support opportunities in viticulture and enology, hospitality, marketing, and culinary arts programs. The project will dedicate several acres for the development of a demonstration vineyard where students can learn vineyard management skills while providing quality grapes to support the industry. The University of Maryland Extension will coordinate the research and development of this demonstration vineyard. In addition to supporting specific degrees in viticulture and enology, the Revenue Authority will also collaborate with Universities at Shady Grove to support degree programs in agri-tourism, marketing, communication, business entrepreneurship, and culinary arts. Students in these degree programs will use the facility to obtain hands-on experience in their fields of study. The project is projected to bring $45 million in economic activity to the State and over $22 million in activity to the County.

There will be two agreements between the Revenue Authority and the County related to this project. Under the first agreement, the County will lease land from the Revenue Authority for an amount sufficient to cover the Revenue Authority's annual debt service costs. The second agreement will be an operating agreement whereby the Revenue Authority will agree to develop and operate the facilities on behalf of the County, with net operating cash being paid to the County to offset lease payments. During the early years of operation, there will be net costs to the County, but within eight years the expectation is that there will be no net costs to the County. (Under current estimates, net County costs will range from approximately $860,000 to $40,000 from FY23 to FY28.) The County's net costs will be reassessed each year. And, the County will be reimbursed in total from net operating revenue for the funds it expends.

A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress.

Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services, Maryland Department of the Environment, Montgomery County's Department of General Services, University of Maryland, Universities at Shady Grove, Montgomery College, Office of Management and Budget, and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.