WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $120,000 grant to the City of Cumberland, MD.  The grant will be used to make a new Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) community and senior center more energy efficient.

“This ARC grant will offer assistance to the residents of Cumberland who are in the greatest need,” said
Senator Cardin. “These energy efficient components will provide seniors and low-income individuals with improved services and help the revitalization a downtown neighborhood that has been struggling.”

 “This federal funding is an investment in improving lives and keeping the environment healthy,” said
Senator Mikulski. “These funds will jump start Cumberland’s downtown, while caring for the senior citizens and community residents that need it the most. I will keep fighting for federal investment in Maryland’s communities.”

The Allegany HRDC community and senior center will serve 7,000 seniors and county residents living below the poverty level.   It will be the first LEED certified building in western Maryland. ARC funds will be used to construct a green roof system and install a ground source heat pump in the new building. Both components will address the long-term energy conservation and waste management practices that will be the facility’s hallmarks in design, construction and operation. The green roof will address storm water management and improve the building’s aesthetics while moderating the urban heat island effect. The heat pump system will improve indoor air quality and increase energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems.

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.