CUMBERLAND – February 12, 2026

Senator Mike McKay delivered major wins for Allegany County in the state budget, securing a 2.5% increase in total state aid—$4.1 million more than last year—along with millions in funding for water infrastructure, school improvements, parks, fire companies, and healthcare.

“When I go to Annapolis, I’ve got one job: make sure Western Maryland gets what we’re owed,” said Senator McKay. “Allegany County taxpayers have been carrying their share for decades. It’s past time that investment came back home.”

Disparity Grant Increase

Allegany County will receive $13.6 million through the state’s disparity grant program—an increase of more than $6.3 million over last year. The disparity grant helps level the playing field for counties with lower property tax bases.

“This is exactly the kind of investment Allegany County deserves,” McKay said. “We don’t have the tax base that Montgomery or Howard County has. These dollars help our schools, our roads, and our local services keep pace.”

Water and Sewer Infrastructure

McKay secured critical funding to upgrade aging water and sewer systems across the county:

• $1.7 million to connect DeHaven and Mason Road to Allegany County water
• $1.15 million for Mill Race combined sewer overflow storage
• $976,000 for Flintstone Wastewater Treatment Plant
• $700,000 for Depot Street Water Project
• $400,000 for Frostburg water sustainability initiative

Schools and Education

Allegany County schools will see significant investment:

• $2.4 million for Allegany College of Maryland Workforce Development and Training Center
• $1.57 million for Washington Middle School HVAC upgrades
• $831,000 for Washington Middle School early childhood addition
• $665,000 for Frostburg State University building mechanical systems
• $100,000 for Sheppard Pratt Cumberland School

Parks and Recreation

McKay fought to bring state investment to Allegany County’s outdoor spaces:

• $3.1 million for Rock Gap State Park campground improvements
• $2 million for Wills Mountain entrance upgrades
• $200,000 for Greenway Avenue Stadium ADA accessibility
• $32,000 for Lonaconing little league ballfield
• $24,000 for Frostburg Glendening Recreation area

Fire Companies and Public Safety

Volunteer fire companies that protect Allegany County families will receive critical support:

• $250,000 for Barton Hose Company No. 1
• $250,000 for Cumberland fire suppression system
• $50,000 for Flintstone Volunteer Fire Company fire safety hallway

The county will also receive $1.1 million in police aid and $417,200 in fire and rescue aid.

Healthcare

McKay secured $876,000 for Western Maryland Healthcare Corporation’s new primary care facility—bringing quality healthcare closer to families who need it.

Downtown Revitalization

Main streets across the county will see improvements:

• $200,000 for Westernport Redevelopment Project
• $100,000 for Town of Midland to finish its new Town Hall
• $50,000 for Lonaconing main street façade improvements
• $50,000 for Westernport main street façade improvements
• $50,000 for Cumberland’s Age in Place home modification program for seniors

Canal Place and Heritage Tourism

McKay delivered more than $1.2 million to keep Canal Place operating strong, plus $1.2 million for dam removal to create a new river park—a project with an estimated total cost of $15.1 million. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad will receive $250,000 in operating support.

“The C&O Canal, the Scenic Railroad, our state parks—these aren’t just tourist attractions. They’re jobs for our neighbors and a reason for people to visit and spend money here,” McKay said.

The Bottom Line

In total, Allegany County will receive $167.9 million in state aid for fiscal year 2027—a $4.1 million increase that reflects McKay’s relentless advocacy for the region.

“I don’t go to Annapolis to make friends. I go to get results,” McKay said. “And I’m not stopping until Western Maryland gets every dollar we’ve earned.”

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