PACE 2018 Talking Points

PACE 2018 Co-Chairs, Allegany’s Jeremy Irons and Garrett’s Shawn Bender, have announced the PACE 2018 Talking Points which are an important focus of PACE. For the first time, a Primary Talking Point was determined and will receive emphasis.

PRIMARY TALKING POINT: Broadband Accessibility

Universal and affordable access to broadband is a key economic driver for Allegany and Garrett Counties. Working together we can close the connectivity gaps in the region by developing innovative policies and programs to subsidize the infrastructure cost to expand broadband coverage. This approach will better position Allegany and Garrett Counties to support existing businesses and attract and retain new business.

Outdoor Recreation

Geographically, aesthetically, and recreationally, the outdoors is what differentiates Allegany and Garrett Counties from the rest of the state.  With 150,000 acres of publicly accessible land comprised of parks, forest, and lakes – our region offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.

-Allegany County Specifics

  • River Park Project: Funding to support an engineering site plan for a new recreational park that would provide access to the North Branch of the Potomac River in Cumberland.
  • Wills Mountain Project: Funding to fast track this state park – demolition of burned commercial building/Artmor Plastics, development.

-Garrett County Specifics

  • Garrett Trails: Funding to finish Phase II of the Meadow Mountain Trail. This project will connect Otto Lane to New Germany Road in Garrett County, allowing bicyclists to access the trail from I-68 to Route 495 – a 15-mile continuous bike ride.
  • Youghiogheny River Bridge: Funding to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to build a bridge across the Youghiogheny River to complete the river crossing on the Eastern Continental Loop.
  • Feasibility Study: Funding for a study to evaluate the suitability of the Jennings Brothers Rail Bed to provide an additional connection to the Great Allegheny Passage. This rail bed goes along the Casselman River.

State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund 

The Act passed in 2017. A funding mechanism is needed the would put $3 million per year into the Fund. There are 16 state owned lakes throughout Maryland that are covered by this Act, several of which are in Allegany and Garrett Counties.

Everyone Is Welcome at PACE!

The Cumberland/Allegany County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CACIF) and the Garrett County Development Corporation are the hosts of the upcoming 42nd PACE Reception on Thursday, January 25, 2018, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm and PACE Breakfast on January 26, 2018, 8:00 am – 9:30 am, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis.

The events are open to the general public. An affiliation is not required to attend.

The registration fee is all-inclusive and provides entry to both events for one individual. The fee is $150.00.  Advance registration is required and on-line registration is available on the website,https://www.mtmarylandpace.com. Registration is not available at the door. 

Questions?

All PACE questions should be directed to Jeremy Irons, PACE Co-Chair, T 301.729.8900, F 301.729.0163, mountainmarylandpace@gmail.com. The PACE mailing address is PO Box 3273, LaVale, MD 21504-3273.