About the Maryland Technical Assistance Program
In June 2021, the Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched a Technical Assistance Program to support Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) of Local Government with their management and administration of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) awards issued through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The MTAP Program provides Grants Management resources highlighting key requirements outlined by Treasury, as well as other materials in support of municipalities managing federal funds. The resources developed by the MTAP team relate to federal grants management broadly including, but not limited to, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and ARPA SLFRF. Where applicable, Grants Management resources will also highlight ARPA-specific guidance.
Updates
Direct Pay Options for Municipalities
Direct Pay is a tax credit implemented under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that allows entities exempt from federal income tax to claim certain amounts of tax credits in the form of direct payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for eligible energy projects and investments. These direct pay alternatives offer municipalities the opportunity to create and invest in clean energy projects and maximize benefits within their communities through expanded funding options.
The MTAP team offers an easy point-of-contact platform for municipal questions. The Question Portal is a live portal that connects beneficiaries to the MTAP team to answer any questions about the ARPA SLFRF funding process. Questions submitted through the portal typically receive responses within 3 business days, and contain detailed information and resources that offer additional guidance, where necessary.
Newsletter
The MTAP team offers relevant information and updates that address beneficiary questions and points of interest through our newsletter. The
MTAP Newsletter is circulated bi-monthly, providing subscribers with relevant information about MTAP, funding opportunities, reporting reminders, resources and more.
Grant Summary Reports
Grant summary reports provide comprehensive and concise analysis of open IIJA and IRA Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) with previous funding award cycles to provide key takeaways from awarded project types and funding amounts both nationally and within Maryland. Information includes relevant dates, award ranges, award types, and award trends based on project types and priority populations.
Fund Mapping
The MTAP team provides a
fund mapping service that matches potential funding sources available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for your municipality’s priority project(s) or project concept(s).
Meet the Team
Benjamin Shay
(917) 690-5356
Email Ben
Benjamin Shay joined the MTAP team in 2021, serving as the MTAP lead. Prior to joining Hagerty Consulting, Ben served as an independent consultant for various agencies, developing a strong background in global health, partnership development and research strategies. In his current role on the MTAP team, Ben performs duties as the MTAP lead, providing core technical assistance strategies, serves as point of contact between state and local stakeholders and supports ongoing project development.
Bryson Shook
(828) 337-6805
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Bryson joined the MTAP team in August of 2023 and has since worked across all service areas that MTAP offers. Prior to joining Hagerty Consulting, he gained experience within the energy, international non-profit, and local government sectors. In his current role on the MTAP team, Bryson serves as the Project Manager, working to both create the resources and manage the timelines of the services and resources offered to Maryland Municipalities.
Samantha Gould
(612) 756-5896
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Samantha joined the MTAP team in September of 2024. Prior to joining Hagerty, Samantha worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Commercial Service for the Rural Export Center, connecting rural communities with global market opportunities. Samantha is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Policy with a focus on rural and environmental policy. In her current role on the MTAP team, Samantha serves as the lead website and newsletter developer, supports policy research and leads grant award tracking.
Theo Lin
(669) 350-6234
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Theo joined MTAP in March 2025 after a role in supporting the State of Wyoming set up a Grants Management Office. Prior to joining Hagerty, Theo worked for FEMA, cultivating a background in Grants Management and natural disaster recovery efforts, assisting in the grant application process from project scoping to award closeout. In his current role on the MTAP team, Theo develops grant award summaries, supports ARPA SLFRF outreach and questions, and provides research and project development support.
MTAP Partners
The Maryland Municipal Technical Assistance Program is proud to partner with the following organizations when there are opportunities for collaboration: Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the University of Maryland's Environmental Finance Center.
Disclaimer: The Maryland Technical Assistance Program was developed through the Maryland Department of Budget and Management as a way to support Non-Entitlement Units of Government navigate the federal funding landscape. All information is based on current U.S. Department of the Treasury guidance and is subject to change.
