FROSTBURG — Gov. Wes Moore toured Frostburg’s Water Treatment Plant Friday and made a stop in Midland to check the progress on a new town hall as part of a two-day tour in Western Maryland.
Frostburg Public Works Director Hayden Lindsey told Moore and his team some of the work that is done at the water treatment plant along with investments that are ensuring reliable and clean drinking water.
The city of Frostburg serves approximately 9,500 water customers and provides water to Lonaconing and Midland, which increased the system’s water production by 25%, officials said.
Mayor Todd Logsdon, Water, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Nina Forsythe, Del. Jim Hinebaugh, City Administrator Patrick O’Brien and state Sen. Mike McKay were among the officials at the morning plant visit.
A four-part Water Resiliency Project includes plans for a Piney Reservoir equipment upgrade, Savage Springs well rehabilitation, holding tank repair and supply well engineering, officials said.
Moore even got the opportunity to try a glass of ice cold Frostburg water at the plant.
“That’s some good water,” he said.
In Midland, Mayor John Monahan and council members greeted Moore inside the new town hall under construction
Town Manager Craig Alexander told Moore that he’s the first sitting governor to visit Midland.
“I’m proud to be the first governor ever to come by Midland, and we’re just seeing the really, really good work that’s happening here,” Moore said.
“This new town hall is going to be such a value add to the community, and we’re grateful that the state can support the really good work that’s already happening right now in our communities.”
Some areas of Midland received significant damage during the flash flooding that devastated the Georges Creek region last May, including the town’s baseball field.
Moore earlier this year announced $12 million in state funding for Allegany County after the Federal Emergency Management Agency twice denied disaster aid despite the damages being estimated at $33.7 million.
Moore said he can’t speak as to why the administration made the decision to deny federal funding for Western Maryland, but said states that did not vote for Donald Trump have not received any disaster relief funding.
“We’re going to continue finding creative ways to be able to support our folks in Mountain Maryland and Western Maryland,” the governor said. “We’re going to continue to lift up and elevate the work that’s already happening.”
Moore emphasized the importance of visiting and supporting small towns across Western Maryland.
“This is Maryland. I don’t come from a political background or one where people say, ‘Well, how many votes did you get here? How many votes did you get there?’ My philosophy has always been the same, if you’re a Marylander, you’re good. That’s all I need to know,” he said.
“Coming out to every part of the state, coming out to places whether it’s our large cities or our small towns or our urban, rural and suburban areas, people are going to know that as a governor, I don’t care how many Democrats are there,” Moore said.
Monahan said Moore has been there for Midland through everything, despite former governors disregarding his small town.
“He hasn’t turned his back on us, and when you’ve got a small community, there’s just so many people and your resources are pretty limited, where do you turn?” he said. “You need a friend, not a politician. You need a friend, and he’s our friend.”
As for the highlight of this week’s Mountain Maryland visit, Moore said appearing on stage with Del McCoury at DelFest was a bucket list item for him.
“Going out to DelFest was pretty amazing. Del McCoury is just a legend,” he said. “The reason that he gets so much love all through Appalachia is because he shows Appalachia so much love.”
Natalie Leslie can be reached at 304-639-4403.