WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $28,000 grant to the city of Frostburg, Md. to complete a long-range comprehensive plan to guide the city’s growth and development strategy.

“This federal funding is an important investment in Frostburg’s future as well as future economic success in Western Maryland,” said Senator Mikulski. “I'm so proud that these funds will help the city complete its growth and development strategy which, in turn, will attract new businesses and spur economic development. I will keep fighting for a federal investment in Maryland communities.”

Senator Cardin said, “I strongly support this ARC grant because it will provide important funding that will enable Frostburg to complete its long-term, comprehensive plan for the city. Such strategic planning is critical for future growth and development.”

Due to limited staff capacity and fiscal restraints, Frostburg has fallen one full planning cycle behind the state’s planning law benchmark. The city must complete the plan, including a water resource portion that addresses the city’s water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management and watershed protection strategy. Failure to do so would have long-term economic consequences, including restricting development flexibility, delaying important updates to zoning and other key development ordinances, and losing a framework for redevelopment of key downtown and gateway neighborhoods. This ARC grant will be used to hire professional consultants to help complete the city’s planning process, including technical writing, mapping, draft review and final production of a draft to be ready for official agency review and public hearings.

The ARC is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.