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 a $30,000 grant to expand the trail system in Garrett County. The grant will help the county plan for the expansion of the nature trail system and attract tourists, create jobs and build outdoor recreation businesses in the County.
“Garrett County is one of Maryland’s top tourist destinations and strengthening its trail system will make it even more attractive to visitors,”
Senator Cardin said. “Garrett County has more publicly owned land than any other in the state and this funding will strengthen Mountain Maryland by connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the growing network of trails in Garrett County.”
“These federal funds will help keep a Maryland geographical landmark on the map and encourage tourism while also providing jobs for people in the community,”
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 to conduct a feasibility study of a looped trail system in the county. The route will connect the county’s existing trails to other public parks and regional trails, including the Great Allegheny Passage. The study will also explore options for developing 75 miles of new trail that will maximize use of the county’s large amounts of publicly owned land.
The project will be administered by Garrett County Trails. In addition to ARC funds, Garrett Trails will provide $20,000 and the Maryland Program Open Space will provide $10,000, bringing the total project funding to $60,000.
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.
