March 14th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced $19,607,279 in direct federal funding for local projects across Western Maryland within the six-bill package of fiscal year 2024 funding bills passed by the Senate Friday. These funds, included at the Senators’ request, support projects encompassing a wide array of local and regional priorities in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties, ranging from public safety to infrastructure improvements to community development. Overall, the Senators included over $160 million in federal dollars directly for Maryland within the legislation. President Biden signed the measure into law this weekend, averting a partial government shutdown.

“Delivering these direct investments to our communities is a key way we’re working to expand opportunity and shared prosperity across our state. These resources will help strengthen Western Maryland by supporting public safety, enhancing water quality, improving our transportation and water infrastructure, and so much more. We’re excited to see our local partners put these funds to work to benefit our communities,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The bipartisan passage of these six spending bills provides continued investment in Maryland that will help fund locally driven priorities and opportunities throughout Western Maryland. This congressionally directed funding supports the completion of critical infrastructure, public safety, health care and other projects that strengthen Maryland’s communities and growing economy,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland is united in our ongoing effort to respond directly to needs of Marylanders and is committed to bringing new federal resources to our state.”

The funding announced by the Senators includes:

• $6.9 million for infrastructure, including for various water infrastructure improvement projects in the region; rewatering of the C&O Canal; Garrett County utilities infrastructure equipment; reconfiguring West Patrick Street’s connection to the US-15 Interchange in Frederick; and road improvements on Woodside Avenue and North Carroll Streets in Thurmont
• $2.7 million for public safety, including to expand and renovate the Bloomington and Deep Creek fire stations; replace the Good Will Fire Company’s fire engine; and upgrade Washington County’s Public Safety Training Center
• $9.9 million for community development, historical, and cultural initiatives, including to restore the historic Accident Drane House in Garrett County; restore the first African American school in Allegany county to serve as a community center; build new youth centers and a business incubator in Frederick County; expand the town of Oakland’s community center; and create a community newsroom in Washington County
• $150,000 for health care to restore Allegany County’s Tri-Towns Emergency Medical Services Building