FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Frederick city officials are taking the next step toward construction of a downtown hotel and conference center.

Mayor Randy McClement and the Board of Aldermen are meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss criteria for choosing a site for the proposed project.

An advisory team says it expects to issue a request in May for expressions of interest from property owners.

The team says it also may issue a simultaneous request for information from developers.

The Maryland General Assembly is considering a quarter-million-dollar bond bill to help pay for planning and
design.

The city says the project would have a direct economic impact of $30 million a year, and an indirect impact of $60 million a year.

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