Press Release

September 28, 2011
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $150,000 IN FUNDING TO HELP RENOVATE ALLEGANY MUSEUM; CREATING JOBS, INCREASING TOURISM

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $150,000 grant to the Allegany Museum to carry out extensive renovations.  The project is expected to attract an extra 1,000  tourists annually, create six new tourism jobs, and increase tourism revenue by $162,272. 

“I have been a strong supporter of the Allegany Museum because it is important to the economic revitalization of Cumberland and Allegany Counties, and to preserving the area’s unique history and heritage,” said Senator Cardin, who toured the museum in May as part of the National Road bicentennial.  “The museum’s dedicated staff will make the most of this federal investment by creating new jobs, boosting tourism and fostering economic growth in Western Maryland.”       

“This federal funding for the Allegany Museum will help grow Western Maryland’s tourism economy,” Senator Mikulski said. “These federal dollars are an investment that will draw in new visitors, provide new jobs and help preserve Cumberland’s unique history.”

The museum will use the grant to convert 3,237 square feet of office space into museum space and install a sprinkler system in order to comply with fire safety regulations.  This project is part of a multi-year effort to create a heritage tourism center in downtown Cumberland.  The museum is located in the Canal Place Heritage Area, which was established in 1993 as the first Certified Heritage Area in the State of Maryland.

In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $150,000, bringing the total project funding to $300,000.  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. 

 

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