Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce Over $560,000 for Workforce Development, Supportive Housing in Western Maryland

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) announced $562,851 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for education, workforce development, and supportive housing for adults recovering from mental illness or with developmental disabilities in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties. “When we invest in opportunities for education, workforce training, and supportive housing, we invest in the long-term success of our communities. These federal dollars from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help create educational opportunities, open pathways to good-paying jobs, and strengthen the financial stability of Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen. “When we invest in Western Maryland, our entire state benefits. This federal investment will support research at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Lab in Frostburg, create more opportunities for Marylanders developing their careers at Garrett College’s Career Technology Training Center, and renovate critical housing for adults recovering from mental illness or developmental disabilities. This isn’t just an investment in Marylanders; it’s an investment in our economy and our future,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Western Maryland is full of talent and potential, and these federal investments will help turn that potential into opportunity,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “This funding will expand research and student training at Frostburg’s Appalachian Lab, prepare Garrett College students for good-paying welding jobs, and provide stable housing and employment support through Archway Station. I’ll keep fighting to bring home resources that strengthen our rural communities.” The federal grants have been awarded as follows: $312,851 to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Lab in Frostburg to acquire advanced scientific equipment and computing infrastructure, including atmospheric gas analyzers, upgrades to a high-capacity computing cluster, a dilution system for laboratory analysis, and more. The funds will expand the Appalachian Lab’s ability to conduct high-precision environmental and agricultural research, improve data processing and artificial intelligence capabilities, and support workforce training opportunities for students and participants. $200,000 to Archway Station, Inc., to renovate seven apartments to support up to 18 participants in the Archway Recovery Program. Participants will receive temporary supportive housing, assistance with securing permanent housing, obtaining and retaining jobs, and advancing financial stability. $50,000 to Garrett College to upgrade equipment in the existing welding lab at the Career Technology Training Center. The funds will support the purchase of 11 multi-process welders and one band saw and are anticipated to support 135 students over the course of three years. These investments are provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Senator Van Hollen secured $200 million in federal funding for the ARC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, and the lawmakers have since worked to prevent cuts to the program from the Trump Administration.