WASHINGTON — U.S Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the City of Cumberland an additional grant for $200,000 to complete construction of an access road to the Central Business District of the city. The grant will be used to widen approximately .62 miles of Baltimore Avenue and will include repaving the roadway and new curbs and sidewalks to enhance pedestrian usage. The grant will also be used to install new traffic signs and control devices in an effort to increase efficiency and improve safety.

“This ARC grant is a prime example of how investing in infrastructure leads directly to positive economic growth for communities,” said Senator Cardin.  “By improving Cumberland’s Central Business District, we are able to provide important access to the city’s commercial area and also help reduce traffic and improve pedestrian safety.”

“This grant is about jobs in Western Maryland,” Senator Mikulski said. “These federal funds will improve infrastructure, pedestrian safety and help spur economic development in Cumberland’s Central Business District.”

The Baltimore Avenue improvements will improve access to a regional medical center, the Allegany College of Maryland, Interstate 68 and new businesses slated to open along Willowbrook Road (MD Route 639).  Cumberland is providing $236,144 in funding to the project, for a total cost of $1,173,764 once completed. The Maryland State Highway Administration will administer the project and the Federal Highway Administration will act as the primary federal agency.

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