WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Representative David Trone (All D-Md.) have announced $700,000 in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to Allegany County for upgrades to the North Branch Sewage Pumping Station outside of Cumberland, Maryland. This grant supplements existing funding for the project including $1,092,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program and $118,000 from Allegany County. The pump station’s efficient and functional operation is critical to 153 residential users and five industrial users in a very rural area.
“Ensuring reliable, modernized water infrastructure is a fundamental responsibility of government. This federal investment will safeguard families’ drinking water, protect the Chesapeake Bay from waste, and create jobs,” said Senator Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. “I will continue to fight for proactive federal investment in Western Maryland and every region of our state.”
“Our water systems are central to the health of Maryland families and our economy. This investment will provide important updates to this facility – improving service for residents and businesses in the area,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations and Environment and Public Works Committees. “I will keep fighting for funding to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and improve water quality across our state.”
“Keeping our water treatment stations clean and protected is vital to the health and prosperity of our communities,” said Congressman David Trone, a supporter of the Appalachian Regional Commission and member of the New Democrat Coalition’s Infrastructure Task Force. “The Appalachian Regional Commission’s grant for the North Branch Sewage Pumping Station in Cumberland will give my constituents an efficient and safe source of water for years to come, and I look forward to supporting many future federal investments throughout Maryland’s Sixth District.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government. 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.
USDA Rural Development was created to support economic development and social services in rural communities across America. Rural Development programs promote economic development by supporting essential services and infrastructure improvements throughout the region.
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