WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $70,000 in federal funding for the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland’s Economic Development District Planning program. The funding, awarded through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), will be used to develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.

“This new investment and development plan will help our local communities thrive and bounce back from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Cardin. “Small businesses are the pulse of the regional economy and I am committed to securing additional funding and resources for the economic prosperity of Western Maryland.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the pocketbooks of Maryland families and left many of our small businesses running on fumes. This federal investment will help create a roadmap for Western Maryland to emerge stronger, boosting our local economies and creating good-paying jobs. We will continue fighting for funding to invest in Western Maryland’s communities and economic success,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees.

“Western Maryland has been hit hard by this pandemic, and we need to do everything we can to help support businesses and workers and stimulate the regional economy,” said Congressman Trone. “This funding will help do just that, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I look forward to seeing the impact of this funding on our community in the months to come.”

The EDA awards federal funds to spur job growth and economic advancement across the United States. Emphasizing regional collaboration and innovation, the EDA helps local economies adopt new approaches to job growth and adapt to changing economic conditions.

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