Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce Over $800,000 for Infrastructure, Workforce Development in Washington, Allegany Counties

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $802,731 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for infrastructure and workforce development in Washington and Allegany Counties. These investments will support water infrastructure upgrades, improve the Evergreen Heritage Center, and expand job training opportunities for local students.

"From upgrading water infrastructure and expanding access to our natural resources to creating more workforce training opportunities for good-paying jobs, these investments will directly support Western Maryland communities and contribute to Mountain Maryland's economy and growth," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Western Maryland has so much to offer our state and our entire nation, that's why it is so critical that we improve our infrastructure, make sure young people have access to apprenticeship and trade programs, and maintain all the recreation opportunities Mountain Maryland has to offer - fueling our tourism economy," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"When we invest in our communities, we invest in our people. I'm committed to bringing federal resources home to Western Maryland to help lower costs and expand opportunity. These investments will modernize critical infrastructure, strengthen workforce development, and support local organizations that make our communities stronger. I'm proud to work alongside Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to ensure Western Maryland receives the federal support it deserves," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

• $577,000 to the Town of Keedysville to replace approximately 2,600 linear feet of aging ductile iron water lines in the Bedrock and Coffman Farms neighborhoods with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lines. The water infrastructure upgrades will provide improved service to 129 businesses and 1,826 households connected to the system.
• $197,331 to Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to expand apprenticeship and trade programs to accommodate 274 students. HCC will provide students with hands-on training and connect participants to local employers, establishing a pipeline to help meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and more in Appalachian Maryland.
• $28,400 to the Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation to install 5 experiential enhancements on its Forest Evolution Trail in partnership with Allegany County Public Schools and Frostburg State University, and will create Activity User Guides for residents and tourists who visit the trail. These upgrades will benefit an estimated 200 visitors in the first year alone, while supporting the education of 500 public school students and 15 Frostburg State University students.

These investments are provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Senator Van Hollen secured $200 million in federal funding for the ARC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, and the lawmakers have since worked to prevent cuts to the program from the Trump Administration.