WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Trone and Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.) announced $112,900 in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding for community development projects across Western Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant program, will be used to support a number of projects in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties that will enhance quality of life for residents of communities in the region. 

“From supporting our local firefighters to improving public services, it’s critical that we’re investing in our local communities. These federal dollars will strengthen essential local government services and help improve quality of life for residents across Western Maryland,” said the lawmakers.

The federal funding awards are as follows:

• $23,200 to the Orleans Volunteer Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase new equipment to replace outdated systems and keep up with upgrade for today’s safety standards. Specifically, the new equipment includes an automatic chest compression system, a positive-pressure ventilation fan used to push smoke from a structure, and three new hose nozzles.
• $31,100 to the Town of Emmitsburg in Frederick County to replace existing parking meters with new dual-payment meters that accept both coin and credit card payments for Main Street which would modernize the town’s street parking and fee collection capabilities.
• $50,000 to the Town of Grantsville in Garrett County to purchase a dump truck and plow equipment for hauling and snow removal efforts.
• $8,600 to the Interfaith Service Coalition of Hancock, Md. Inc. in Washington County to purchase equipment for Martha’s Emergency Shelter that will enhance the shelter’s ability to respond to emergencies in their service area.

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