WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen along with Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $105,775 in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for two projects in Allegany County.
Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, MD, received more than $61,000 in federal funding in order to expand rural learning programs that provide educational instruction and job training for adult students. Allegany College will use the funding for technology upgrades in three classrooms at the Center for Continuing Education, which focuses on small business development and training.
Allegany County received $44,000 in federal funding for Western Maryland Works, a startup incubator and educational center for business development in LaVale, MD. The funding will provide equipment, machinery, and tools to help business owners develop innovative products.
“A strong rural workforce and small business sector are critical to the future of our state’s economy,” said Senator Cardin, lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “These federal funds help meet the demonstrated needs of Allegany County residents who seek to improve their own livelihoods, support their families, and contribute to their communities.”
“Investing in local small businesses and our education and training programs are great ways to spur regional economic growth. These funds will ultimately help expand our skilled workforce and job opportunities throughout the area. In the Senate, I will continue to fight for federal funding that boosts our local economies and fosters innovation,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees.
“Allegany County’s workers, startups, and small businesses help drive Western Maryland’s economy,” said Congressman Trone. “I’m thrilled to see this significant federal investment in Allegany County, which will create jobs and opportunity for our workers and help our businesses grow and expand.”
“Allegany College of Maryland has accepted the mission to make tangible contributions through higher education to the economic growth of the area by offering quality education and workforce development programs that address the needs of our community. This funding will allow the College the opportunity to incorporate technology to greatly enhance our capacity to address the needs of our students and to positively impact their success. The College is extremely pleased, as this funding will directly advance our mission of serving our community and placing students first,” said Cynthia Bambara, Allegany College of Maryland President.
“Western Maryland Works is a place for businesses to grow, people to learn a new skill, and entrepreneurs to dream. We are looking to harness the grit and determination that has sustained this community in the past in order to propel business growth in the future. This infusion of federal funds combined with the substantial investments made at the local and state levels is making this important project a reality,” said Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler.
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