Press Release

July 24, 2008
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $250,000 FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTER IN CUMBERLAND


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) to construct a community center in Cumberland for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
  The new 20,000 square-foot facility will consolidate a host of support services currently scattered throughout the county, and serve an estimated 7,000 county residents living below the poverty line.
 



 


“This ARC grant will provide assistance to the residents of Cumberland who are in the greatest need,” said
Senator Cardin. “The new community center will provide seniors and low-income individuals with additional resources and help revitalize a downtown neighborhood that has been struggling.”



 



 “We need to support programs like these that help those who help themselves.
  This ARC funding will help create opportunities for Cumberland residents, while building and protect its communities,” said
Senator Mikulski.
  “I will continue to fight in the U.S. Senate to make Cumberland a priority in the federal checkbook.”
 



 


In addition to providing comprehensive support services, the construction of the new community center will spark economic revitalization in a distressed neighborhood in downtown Cumberland.
  HRDC will bring 45 new employees and its client base to the Virginia Avenue corridor which, in turn, will increase demand for new retail and business services in the area.



 


This is the second grant ARC has awarded for the project.
  Last year, ARC provided $300,000 in funding.
  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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