WASHINGTON — Western Maryland will receive $800,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand broadband connectivity and increase access to reliable, high-speed internet.
U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Rep April McClain Delaney, all Maryland Democrats, announced the award in a joint statement Friday.
“In today’s world, access to the internet is an essential service — for families and businesses alike,” Van Hollen said. “This federal investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help further close the digital divide that Allegany and Garrett counties have faced for far too long. Not only will this project deliver high-speed internet to local households, it will also generate new opportunities that will help the region’s economy grow in the years to come.”
The funding will support the Garrett County Middle Mile Infrastructure Project and fund the construction of about 138,288 feet of middle-mile fiber optic cable across Garrett and Allegany counties.
“I know this investment will support our economy and the lives of so many Western Maryland families,” Alsobrooks said.
The new fiber optic network will improve internet connectivity in areas of the counties where access gaps have persisted. It will also support a new e-commerce distribution center that will help strengthen the supply chain and support business growth in the region — while making the counties more attractive for additional investment in the future.
“This ARC investment in middle mile infrastructure will strengthen our region’s digital infrastructure so that families, students, and small businesses are not left behind. I will also keep fighting for the resources that Allegany and Garrett Counties need to attract business investment and further workforce development,” Delaney said.