WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced that Friends of Blackwater, a nonprofit citizens support group, will receive $1,226,000 in federal funding for the Blackwater Loop and Regional Heritage Trail project. 

“With this new funding, we are not only providing more opportunities for Marylanders to explore our state’s wonderful trails and parks, but we are also increasing travel and tourism for our local economies in Western Maryland,” the lawmakers said. “Alongside our state partners and community leaders, we remain committed to protecting our environment for future generations. This investment will go a long way in doing just that while also supporting our local economic growth.” 

Friends of Blackwater works to protect and promote natural resources and outdoor recreation in the Mid-Atlantic Allegheny Highlands. This new federal funding will be used to construct an 8-mile loop trail and design a 107-mile Blackwater Canyon Regional Trail that will extend from Elkins, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland.

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.

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