WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $175,000 grant to the Allegany County Board of Commissioners to increase water volume, reliability, and fire protection for the Cresaptown business district located two miles from the Barton Business Park.  This project is expected to create 236 new jobs and retain 264 existing jobs.

“The safety and reliability of water supply systems is critically important,” said Senator Cardin, Chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Rural communities often lack the resources needed to undertake necessary infrastructure improvements. This federal funding will make it possible for Allegany County to ensure the safety of its water supply, creating good jobs for the people of Allegany County in the process.”

“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can’t do it on their own,” Senator Mikulski said. “This grant takes the burden off local taxpayers and helps with jobs in manufacturing and construction while protecting health and safety in Cresaptown.”

This project is the second phase of a comprehensive effort to improve the Cresaptown water system.  It entails replacing thousands of feet of transite water lines with new, highly durable PVC water lines.  The section of line to be replaced parallels Route 220 and provides water for the east side of the Cresaptown business district.  This phase follows the first phase, where a $350,000 ARC grant replaced the Cresaptown water system’s 125,000 gallon storage tank with a 500,000 gallon storage tank.  

In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $175,000, bringing the total project funding to $350,000.  The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

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