One firm, Revpar International of Vienna, Va., responded to a request for proposals to look at developing a hotel along the Route 13 corridor in Princess Anne, said Danny Thompson, director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission.

Revpar has done similar studies in the Salisbury area, including one for a Hampton Inn in Fruitland, he said.

Thompson said the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has been involved because it operates a hotel and restaurant management program on campus, and a hotel nearby could provide employment opportunities.

"If we're going to train students in Somerset County, then we need to try to retain them," he said.

A hotel also could provide on-the-job training before students graduate.

The university and the county also have accommodations needs that aren't being met, he said.

A year ago, Economic Development Commission members and UMES officials traveled to the University of Delaware to see a Marriott hotel on that campus, Thompson said.

While the Somerset County study will not be site-specific, it will likely look at the Princess Anne Village commercial development at the intersection of Route 13 and UMES Boulevard.

The developer has recently completed the first phase, which includes spaces for retail shops and restaurants. A hotel and conference center is part of the tentative plan for the second phase.

Thompson said Rural Development has allocated about $25,000 for the study.

Ethics ordinance

County Commissioners held a public hearing this week on an ethics ordinance that updates one that has been in place since 1990.

The updated measure changes the dollar amount of gifts county officials may accept from $10 to $30.

It also requires county officials and employees drawing a salary of $45,000 or more to file an annual financial disclosure. The current limit is $25,000.

There was no public comment on the ordinance, which is expected to be adopted May 25.

somersetherald@ dmg.gannett.com

410-651-1600