November 14th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

There is a growing belief that the state is close to essentially “walking away” from the long struggling Canal Place project- and is ready to turn the majority of responsibility over to local government. Although a state audit of Canal Place isn’t expected to be completed until the end of the year, speculation about possible changes in management structure continue- not the least of which would be to abolish the authority board.  The audit is examining a wide range of issues including revenue and fiscal management to the overall operation by the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority.  There are any number of signs pointing to the state moving to eliminate the authority, while minimizing the state’s role- handing over most of the responsibility to the city of Cumberland and Allegany County.  Allegany County Commissioner and House of Delegates 1C-elect Mike McKay said he is aware that the state has little interest in maintaining any meaningful role in the day to day operations of Canal Place. McKay, who sits on the authority board, said he supports the idea first proposed by Del. Kevin Kelly to abolish the Canal Place authority and put the organization into the hands of local elected officials…