February 2nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Today, U.S. Congressman David Trone and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (All D-Md.) announced $300,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the City of Cumberland for the Decatur Street 24th Crosstown Water Main Replacement project.
The project will replace 4,300 linear feet of water main in the Decatur Heights neighborhood and provide water service to the Baltimore Street and Cumberland Plaza areas of the city, improving water service to 29 businesses and 111 households. This project complements previous ARC funding for downtown road construction that will result in a new hotel business and 70 new jobs to the region.
“This federal ARC grant will provide critical investments for water services in the heart of Cumberland during one of the worst economic recessions in our country’s history, all while supporting businesses and jobs in the process,” said Congressman Trone, the newest member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between the federal delegation and Mayor Ray Morriss to invest in Cumberland’s infrastructure — whether it be fixing the bridges, supporting our water systems, or investing in broadband — and get our people back to work.”
“This new round of ARC funding will support the infrastructure upgrades needed to ensure that the residents and businesses in Cumberland have access to clean and safe water. While state and local governments exhaust their funds to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, we must continue to fight for federal resources to help them maintain the projects and services that keep our communities running strong,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland will continue to be a federal partner to support all of Western Maryland’s infrastructure needs during these challenging times.”
“Modernizing our infrastructure – from repairing crumbling roads and bridges to ensuring safe and efficient water delivery – is key to boosting our economy and spurring job growth. This federal funding for Cumberland will improve access to clean water for local businesses and families alike, while also creating new jobs in the region,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Environment and Public Works Committees. “I will continue fighting for federal investments like this to improve our infrastructure and bring more jobs to the region.”
Trone was recently named to the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, and is well positioned to steer federal funding towards various transportation and infrastructure projects in Maryland.
The ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local governments. 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.
