ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Moore today visited Cumberland to tour major economic development projects supported by state, local and federal investments, reinforcing the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland more competitive. The governor was joined by Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale; City of Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss; municipal government leaders; and community and business owners to view projects in progress.
“Today’s visit to Cumberland highlights our commitment to collaboration and our focus on driving economic growth in all corners of the state. By moving in partnership with leaders at the local, state, and federal levels, we aren’t only enhancing our communities, we’re also building a brighter, more competitive future for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “Together, we will create opportunities that uplift our businesses, neighborhoods, and local economies across Mountain Maryland.”
This morning, the governor met with business owners and developers working on the
Baltimore Street redevelopment project, an economic development effort to revitalize the Downtown Cumberland Historic District. As a result of this project, 13 new businesses have opened downtown Cumberland. The redevelopment project will also add new gathering spaces and an additional five businesses by the end of the year. The Baltimore Street Project was supported by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Office of State Broadband, the Rural Maryland Grant, and numerous state investments and programs totaling $3,215,000 in funding.
The governor also visited the site of the Canal Place River Park project, an effort to fuel Mountain Maryland’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The project is set to transform the region’s tourism appeal by utilizing the C&O Canal Historical Park, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and its proximity to the Great Allegheny Passage to establish amenities along and within the north branch of the Potomac River including walking trails, a viewing area, docks for canoes and kayaks, and a whitewater course. The Moore-Miller Administration invested $1.5 million in funds in the
FY24 budget for the project, which is expected to bring an additional one million visitors to Allegany County.
Throughout the day, the governor also visited local establishments including Caporale’s Bakery, which has been in operation for more than 100-years in Allegany County, and The Ottaviani Tasting Room and Lounge for lunch. At the end of the meal, Queen City Creamery presented the governor with an ice cream flavor in his honor.
