WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $737,620 grant to the city of Cumberland to build a new access road to Allegany College of Maryland. The new access road will ease congestion, spur future commercial and residential development, and create new jobs.

“Allegany College is a top educational facility in Cumberland and this grant is a federal investment in critical infrastructure that will lead to job creation and economic growth,” said
Senator Cardin.  “I am a strong advocate for federal funding that will help stimulate economic development in Western Maryland.”

“These federal funds will help keep Marylanders on the move, while spurring future development and bringing new jobs to Cumberland,”
Senator Mikulski said. “I will continue to fight for federal grants like these that invest in Maryland communities and future economic opportunities.”

ARC funds will be used for construction of a new access road entering the Allegany College of Maryland, as well as new intersection and road improvements to Old Willowbrook Road.  The proposed new access road will provide traffic and safety improvements to the SR 639 corridor, and directly serve a 64-unit senior building, 48 future townhouses, 17 single family homes and a 10,000 square foot medical/office building. Construction of the new road will spur future commercial and residential development in the area, and create approximately 195 jobs.

The project will be administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA). In addition to ARC funds, MSHA and the local developer will contribute $1.36 million to the project.

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.