Anduril Wins $210 Million Tax Break for Sparrows Point Shipyard

The Baltimore County Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a $210 million personal property tax exemption for Anduril Industries. The measure clears the path for the defense contractor to build a shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point. The county will waive taxes on maritime manufacturing property, including cranes, rail cars, forklifts, and drydocks, over a 30 year period.

Anduril stated that more than 3,100 people will work at the facility. The site will manufacture components for the Virginia class attack submarine. The company also indicated it will be positioned to build large scale autonomous systems in the future. Additional indirect jobs in sectors such as construction are expected to follow the initial hires.

Councilman David Marks, a Republican, framed the decision as a necessary step for regional growth. He told the chamber that the county’s responsibility is to lay the foundation for expansion. County officials argued that without the tax break, the land would remain vacant, leaving the local government with no taxable base to support the project.

The site holds deep historical significance for the area. It is the same property where Bethlehem Steel employed tens of thousands of workers for decades. Councilman Julian Jones, a Democrat, noted that his father worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years. Jones recalled that one job supported his family of five, allowing them to put food on the table every night. He described his father’s employment as proof of the power a single position holds for a household.

County Executive Kathy Klausmeier was present in the chambers for the vote. In a statement, she said the project will create opportunities for local businesses, workers, and families across the region. Anduril’s chief strategy officer Chris Brose announced the project last month, describing the facility as two million square feet in size, comparable to 40 football fields.

Governor Wes Moore cited a $3.7 billion private capital investment for the project. He called it the largest private investment and the biggest job creator in Maryland in over a decade. Anduril expects construction to begin later this year, with initial operations starting in 2030.

The approval by the county council is one step in a multi level funding process. A package of state incentives is expected to be introduced in the 2027 Maryland General Assembly session.