Skip to content
  1. News
  2. Press Releases

Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $652,500 for Infrastructure Improvements in Garrett County

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $652,500 in federal funding to support infrastructure improvement projects in Garrett County. The funding, awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), includes:

  • $455,000 to the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County to help construct a new water treatment plant at the Keyser’s Ridge Business Park in Oakland, Md. The new treatment plant will include a modular bioreactor that will be able to process 500,000 gallons of wastewater a day, a 700 square foot equipment control building, and other necessary infrastructure. The new treatment plant will provide sewer services for 14 local businesses and 22 nearby households.
  • $197,500 to the Town of Grantsville to install new water and sewer mains along Springs Road. These improvements will support the Town’s economic development strategy and create opportunities for new businesses and housing.

“Maryland’s continued economic growth relies on modernizing our infrastructure, from our roads and bridges to our sewage and water systems,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees. “This funding will help Garrett County and the Town of Grantsville expand service capacity which will support future development and economic opportunity in the area. I will keep working in Congress to secure investments in infrastructure projects across our state.”

“Clean, safe water is essential for every community. ARC’s ongoing federal investment in water and sewage infrastructure modernization projects is critical to safeguarding drinking water, protecting our public waters, and promoting the growth of Western Maryland,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which in July reported out bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize ARC at $180 million for each of five years. “These federal funds will have a positive impact on Garrett County residents for years to come.”

“Clean water and economic development are key to bolstering our Western Maryland communities,” said Congressman David Trone. “With this funding, Garrett County and the Town of Grantsville will continue to grow their economies and strengthen their infrastructure. I am proud to be a supporter of the Appalachian Regional Commission and will continue to fight for funding like this to improve infrastructure for all Marylanders.”

Established in 1965, ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across Appalachia, according to ARC. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Trone advocated and secured significant funding for the program in the FY 2019 spending bill, including a $10 million increase from the FY 2018 level. The President had previously attempted to zero out funding for the program.

 

###