WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $1,002,620 in grant funding in the City of Cumberland, Allegany County to support construction, health information technology and business district development.
“ARC grants like those announced today for Cumberland provide targeted investments in our communities that will create jobs, encourage advanced training and revitalize our neighborhoods,”
Senator Cardin said. “Initiatives that leverage federal dollars for local projects that help Marylanders succeed will always be a priority for me.”
“These grants are about jobs, jobs, jobs in Western Maryland, where they mean economic security for more Maryland families and a faster recovery for Maryland businesses,”
Senator Mikulski said. “I am so proud that Cumberland won these competitive funds and I will continue to fight for federal grants that invest in Maryland communities.”
ARC awarded two grants to the City of Cumberland. The first grant, in the amount of $937,620, will be used to construct a new entrance road to the Allegany College of Maryland and the nearby Evitts Landing commercial/residential development. The grant will also make possible improvements to Old Willowbrook Road and will lead to the creation of 195 future jobs.
Another grant of $20,000 was awarded to the City of Cumberland to support the Virginia Avenue Corridor Revitalization Initiative project, which supports local businesses by working directly with business owners and community groups. The funds will help attract additional businesses to the area.
The Western Maryland Health System Corporation was awarded a $45,000 grant to help implement an electronic medical records system. The new system will allow for the timely exchange of medical records between physicians’ practices and the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, as well as local and national health information networks.
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.
