WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $700,000 in federal funding to Allegany County for access road improvements for three sections of access roads serving the North Branch Industrial Park in Cumberland in Allegany County. The grant will be used to make improvements for approximately 1.6 miles of roadways including Mexico Farms Road, SE, Burbridge Road, SE and Pittsburgh Plate Glass Road, SE.

“Investing in upgrading and expanding our infrastructure is at the heart of job creation in this country,” said Senator Cardin, who recently introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize funding for ARC. “Western Maryland is quickly becoming a new hub for high-tech business. ARC grants go a long way in creating jobs and opportunity in the region, and I will continue to support initiatives to ensure growth in Allegany County.”

“This grant is about jobs in Western Maryland,” Senator Mikulski said. “Investments in improving our transportation infrastructure are investments in Allegany County jobs. By making these roads safer, we will help attract new high-tech businesses, jobs and economic development to the region.”

“Smart investment in infrastructure creates jobs and boosts economic development, “said Congressman Delaney. “I am hopeful that this ARC grant for road improvements will make a difference at the North Branch Industrial Park and for my constituents in Allegany County. Top-notch infrastructure is essential to creating a strong economy in Western Maryland.”

The project will provide improved access to the industrial park and additional 23 acres of vacant land. The road will be improved according to MSHA standards and specifications. It is estimated that the project will support the creation of approximately 100 new jobs and the retention of 1,675 existing jobs in the park.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) will administer the project and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will serve as the basic federal agency for the project.

###