May 14th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

When all of the data from the latest Census report is released-  the numbers are  expected to show population declines in  both Allegany and Garrett counties. Delegate Jason Buckel told local business leaders Thursday that those statistics are a concern-  and need to be the single biggest priority moving forward for the “Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland”. The task force, which was appointed in 2020, began as  a response to the slow rate of economic growth in Maryland’s western panhandle, especially when compared to the rest of the state.  Addressing the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce during the organization’s annual legislative wrap up meeting- Buckel said without a boost in population there is little hope for  any substative economic growth…