WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $150,000 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $150,000 provided by local governments for the Allegany College of Maryland Workforce Training Enhancement Project.

Funding will be used to upgrade Allegany College of Maryland’s community theater, which is primarily used to host workforce development programming throughout Western Maryland. More than 7,000 students are enrolled in education and workforce development programs at the college annually. The theater upgrades will benefit the entire community by providing enhanced and more frequent workforce training opportunities, as well as offering new cultural events.

“Investing in workforce training programs like the one offered at the Allegany College of Maryland helps students ready themselves for a career after graduation and will boost our local economies,” the lawmakers said. “We are committed to providing the necessary federal funding and resources to support our students’ success and their path to become the next generation of leaders across Maryland. We will continue to work with ARC and local partners to expand workforce training programs and empower our students.”

The ARC is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local governments. Established by Congress in 1965, ARC is comprised of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts.