May 13th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a recommendation from the Interagency Committee for School Construction to increase the total State allocation for the Allegany High School Replacement Project by the remaining necessary $3.5 million. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Cox; Board President, Dr. Edward Root; Board Vice-President, Laurie Marchini; and President of the Allegany County Commissioners, Jake Shade, traveled to Annapolis to attend the meeting.

"This is truly a great day for Allegany County – for the generations of students who will attend and graduate from this new facility, for the many who will be employed building this facility, and for the long term positive economic impact that will be generated by this project,” stated Dr. Cox. “This project is now a reality due to the hard work and tenacity of many individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to its success.  We appreciate the support of our Allegany legislative delegation who lobbied and supported the efforts to secure funding from the Board of Public Works."

According to Senator George Edwards, “I want to thank Governor Larry Hogan, Secretary David Brinkley, the Board of Public Works, and Dr. David Lever for their strong support and efforts to make the new Allegany High School construction project a reality.  This building is critical to replace what is probably the oldest school in the state in current operation.  Modern facilities are an important part of educating our youth.”

Prior to Wednesday’s BPW meeting, the school system had available a total of $47.2 million dollars for the project. The construction contract, which was awarded last month to low bidder, Leonard S. Fiore of Altoona, PA, is $50.7 million. The County Commissioners have committed $13.2 million to the project, and the school board has committed $3.2 million.

Commissioner Shade stated, "It really was a group effort between our Delegation, Board of Education, and Commissioners to make the new Allegany High School a reality. I'm proud to have been part of it.” He went on to say, “In the past six months we have recorded over $13 million in new state funding and $4 million in new county funding, which will ensure the new school is built."

A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2016, at 10 a.m. at the site of the new school. The project remains on schedule for an opening in the fall of 2018.