WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin
and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $20,000 grant to Garrett County to conduct a study of tourism at Deep Creek Lake, allowing local residents, businesses and government to better plan for future development in the area.

“Deep Creek Lake is one of Maryland’s greatest treasures and it has become a great tourist destination, providing jobs and economic growth for the residents of Garrett County,” said
Senator Cardin, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “This funding will allow for an in-depth study of Deep Creek Lake’s future economic impact on the region so that the community can better plan future growth in ways that will preserve this important economic asset for the future.”

 “This federal funding will help Garrett County boost its tourism and its economy,”
Senator Mikulski said.
“This funding is a federal investment in jobs today and jobs tomorrow in Western Maryland. I'm so proud that Garrett County will be able to use these funds to continue to develop and grow.”

ARC funds will be used to study lake visitors by demographic and season, analyze second home/rental property revenues, and define spending by category and season at lake-area businesses. The information will provide a better understanding of the lake’s economic importance as well provide a framework for future allocations to protect and preserve this environmental asset.

In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $20,000.
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.