WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Garrett County a $873,068 grant to make intersection improvements and realign a section of Glendale Road at U.S. Rt. 219 in the Deep Creek Lake area.
“Federal investments like this ARC grant are vital because they provide important funding to stimulate economic development and create jobs in our communities,” said Senator Cardin. “The Glendale Road/ Rt. 219 intersection is a heavily traveled corridor in the Deep Creek area. The additional funds announced today will help to complete this essential project and allow for much-needed safety upgrades and improvements for commercial access.”
“Easing congestion in Garrett County’s tourism and economic centers will create jobs in Western Maryland,” said Senator Mikulski. “As the Deep Creek Lake area continues to grow and attract new businesses, I will keep fighting for a transportation system that gets Marylanders to their jobs, delivers goods to the marketplace and reduces traffic on our roads and highways.”
The project was originally awarded ARC funds in November 2008 to make improvements to Glendale Road, but after a review of the project application, the Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) recommended additional studies and improvement measures. These additional ARC funds will be used to complete the project to provide improved and expanded access to the Deep Creek Lake area. This area is the cornerstone of Garrett County’s tourism and economic center, and it is expected that the improvements will result in up to 200 new jobs and about $7.7 million in private investment.
Local sources will provide an additional $326,932, bringing total funding to $1.2 million. The MSHA will administer the project and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will serve as the basic federal agency for the project.
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.
