CUMBERLAND — U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney announced last week that she has requested over $41 million of federal funds for local investments in Maryland’s 6th Congressional district for the next fiscal year.
Out of the 15 Community Project Funding requests made, seven would support a wide range of efforts in Allegany and Garrett counties, allocating over $7 million in Allegany County and over $8 million in Garrett County, according to a press release.
“I know how important it is to work hand-in-hand with local leaders to achieve real results,” McClain Delaney said in the announc ement. “Since taking office in January, I’ve engaged with state and community officials to identify projects that will make the biggest difference and support those who need it most.”
Many of the projects would restore water infrastructure, like replacing the water filtration system in Cumberland, which will cost $2 million.
“The existing plant is reaching the end of its useful life and is incapable of addressing emerging contaminants,” Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said. “This grant will allow the city to begin design work on a new Water Filtration Building that will utilize state-of-the-art membrane filtration, which is capable of removing disinfection byproducts as well as emerging contaminants.”
About $1.3 million of improvements to Lonaconing’s water lines were included in the requests as well.
“This investment in our Western Maryland community will aid in improving the quality of life by ensuring reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for our residents and providing peace of mind by reducing concerns about water quality or potential service disruptions,” Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn said.
About $6.2 million would go toward other infrastructure projects in the two counties, including improvements on Oakland’s water system, a sidewalk and crosswalk safety project in Grantsville and replacing a Potomac Fire Company No. 2 engine.
“Upgrading our aging water and sewer infrastructure will not only improve service reliability and water quality but also help prevent future system failures and environmental hazards,” Oakland Mayor Andrew Sauder said. “This project is a critical step toward ensuring a sustainable and secure future for Oakland residents.”
Among the requests, a $3 million expansion of the radiology and oncology department in Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland focuses on the expansion of medical resources.
“This funding, which supports the design and engineering phase of adding radiation oncology to our Cancer Center, means we will largely eliminate the need for cancer patients to travel to receive the care they need,” Mark Boucot, the chief executive of the center, said.
Another project would contribute to educational resources, spending about $2.8 million on revitalizing the Frostburg State University Planetarium.
“The revitalized planetarium will not only enhance educational opportunities for a diversity of learners of all ages, but will also contribute to cultural and economic growth,” said Associate Professor of Physics Jason Speights.
The remaining $26 million would go toward projects in the rest of the congressional district throughout Washington and Frederick counties.
“These community-focused investments will help foster growth and strengthen Maryland’s 6th Congressional District,” McClain Delaney said.