WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Maryland Department of Planning $35,000 in ARC funds to support two Western Maryland projects – the Transition Age Youth Continuation Program and the Adventure Sports Center International Events Management Plan.
“This funding is a federal investment in Western Maryland communities today and tomorrow,” said Senator Mikulski. “I'm so proud that Garrett County will be able to use these funds to support programs to foster growth and development in the region. I will continue to fight to keep Western Maryland communities a priority in the federal checkbook.”
“The Appalachian Regional Commission is a national model in targeting economic opportunity and development to a large-scale region. This new funding will accomplish two goals: expand programming to at-risk high schools students and allow the Adventure Sports Center to develop and implement planning for numerous national-level events. I recently visited the Adventure Sports Center and it will be a premier sports facility when it opens in June,” said Senator Cardin.
The Transition Age Youth Continuation Program will use the funding to allow the Garrett County Health Department and the Adventure Sports Institute to expand their therapeutic recreational treatment program for at-risk middle school students to include a program for high school students. The grant will support the high school program temporarily while a more permanent source of funding is developed.
The Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI), which is home to the world's only mountain-top whitewater course, will use the funding to help attract and host multiple activities, which are bringing greater visibility to Garrett County and Western Maryland. Funding will support the hiring of a consultant to help develop a plan for the continued recruitment, planning and management for future events at the ASCI.
In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $35,000 for the projects, bringing the total funding to $70,000. 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.
