Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $550,000 Investment in Cumberland Infrastructure

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $550,000 in federal funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for roadway improvements to Baltimore Street in the City of Cumberland.

“Revitalizing our communities is crucial to our success as a state. Projects like these create good-paying jobs and help stimulate economic growth in Western Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I will continue working in Congress to provide our state with the resources it needs to fix our roads and bridges and move our economy forward.” 

 

“This latest federal investment in Cumberland’s infrastructure will improve some of the area’s most heavily used roads, allowing local commerce to grow and motorists to reach their destinations safely and efficiently. That’s a win for residents on all fronts,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “This is a great example of how federal resources can be used to help local communities flourish. I’m proud of the work ARC is doing and proud to continue advocating for their full and complete funding.”

This funding, which was initially granted at $250,000 in January and then increased $300,000 in May to a total of $550,000, will be used to increase visibility, build additional traffic and bike lanes, and improve traffic flow access to businesses along Baltimore Street and the surrounding area. The project is estimated to create approximately 50 jobs and aims to attract new businesses and spur economic growth upon completion.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. Established by Congress in 1965, ARC is comprised of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen advocated and secured significant funding for the program in the FY 2018 Omnibus, despite ARC being eliminated in the President’s FY18 budget.

 

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