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Mikulski Secures ARC Funding

December 14th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 includes $70 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) base program, which will help bring vital services that strengthen communication, transportation, and technological infrastructure in Maryland’s Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties.

The legislation has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now heads to the White House to be signed into law by the President.

“I’m on the side of rural communities, especially those that have lost manufacturing jobs in Western Maryland, and so is ARC,” Senator Mikulski said. “I’m proud to fight for federal investment in Maryland communities that attract new business, increased economic development and create jobs. ARC makes investments in jobs today and tomorrow to keep Maryland, and America, moving.”

ARC is a federal-state partnership that promotes economic development in 13 states throughout the Appalachian region.

In 2014, Maryland received $4.7 million in ARC funding, including $1.8 million for 18 local projects and $2.9 million for access road construction. Recent ARC awards include:

  • $500,000 to fund a telehealth program at Meritus Medical Center for doctors to remotely monitor chronically ill patients;
  • $250,000 for the HART Center Workforce Training Program which created 10 full time jobs and will provide a clinical setting for Garrett Community College’s veterinary assistance training program;  
  • $170,000 to upgrade internet capabilities at Frost, Northeast, and Bel Air Elementary Schools to provide a 500 Megabit connection for students, teachers, and staff;
  • $1,000,0000 to construct access roads to the Mt. Aetna Technology Park in Allegany County;
  • $1,275,000 for improvements to Braddock Road in Frostburg which will provide access to a future 25+ acre site of commercial and industrial development and will connect to the Allegany Business Park and a proposed senior housing development.

 

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