CUMBERLAND – January 7, 2026

Senator Mike McKay secured nearly $600,000 in state funding for two Allegany County projects—upgrading the workforce training center at Allegany College of Maryland and preserving Sumner Cemetery, the county’s oldest African American burial ground.

“This is what I go to Annapolis for—to make sure Western Maryland gets its fair share,” said Senator McKay. “One project helps our workers get the skills they need to land good jobs right here at home. The other honors the men and women who built this community—including Civil War veterans who fought for this country.”

Allegany College of Maryland will receive $543,000 to modernize the Workforce Development and Training Center. The project will redesign the facility’s layout, expand classroom space, and fix accessibility issues so more students can get the training they need for careers in the trades and skilled professions.

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization will receive a $45,000 grant to restore and add interpretive signage at Sumner Cemetery on Yale Street in Cumberland. 

Established in 1884, Sumner Cemetery is the final resting place for United States Colored Troops veterans, formerly enslaved individuals, educators, faith leaders, and early Black civic leaders in Allegany County.

“These are the kinds of investments that matter—workforce training so our kids don’t have to leave, and honoring the history that makes this community what it is,” McKay added.

The Board of Public Works is scheduled to approve both projects on January 7, 2026, following Senator McKay’s advocacy.

Stay up to date on Senator McKay’s fight for Western Maryland—sign up for his District Newsletter at MikeMcKayMD.com/#newsletter.