February 17th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Local lawmakers are seeking $100 million in funding from the state as a way to incentivize economic growth in Western Maryland- and the proposed legislation received a hearing this week before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in Annapolis. The idea of creating a fund of $100 million to attract businesses and spur new home construction was developed by the 11-member Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland. The task force met for nearly two years to work on ideas to jumpstart the economy in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties. The delegation bill requests $20 million a year for five years. Among those testifying, UPMC Western Maryland President Michele Martz who talked about the devastating economic losses the region has had to deal with over the past 30 years…