Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Announce $800,000 to Expand Reliable, High-Speed Internet Access in Western Maryland

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md) announced $800,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand broadband connectivity and increase access to reliable, high-speed internet in Western Maryland. This federal investment will support the Garrett County Middle Mile Infrastructure Project and will fund the construction of approximately 138,288 feet of middle-mile fiber optic cable across Garrett and Allegany Counties.

This new fiber optic network will improve internet connectivity in areas of Allegany and Garrett 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.

“In today’s world, access to the internet is an essential service  – for families and businesses alike. 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,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“High-speed internet access connects us to the world. It allows Marylanders to speak with doctors, access education, pay bills, grow small businesses, and so much more. I am proud of our work to secure federal funding for Western Maryland to be better connected. I know this investment will support our economy and the lives of so many Western Maryland families,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“I have worked for years to close the digital divide and expand broadband in rural communities across the country. Access to high speed, affordable internet is crucial to unlocking opportunity - from good paying jobs and better health care options to enhanced education programs. 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,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.

This investment is provided through the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The lawmakers support robust funding of the program in order to invest in critical projects across Western Maryland. While funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission was frozen by the Trump Administration earlier this year, it was resumed following pushback from the lawmakers and communities.