Adventuresports Institute at Garrett College recipient of ARC funding

$250,000 will improve educational facilities

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

WASHINGTON — The Garrett County Board of Commissioners has received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to improve the educational facilities of The Adventuresports Institute at Garrett College. In addition to the grant, the project will be locally funded at $279,024 and with an additional $50,000 in other federal funds.

The news was announced jointly on Friday by U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, both Maryland Democrats.

“Tourism means jobs in Western Maryland and across our great state. This grant is about equipping young professionals with the important skills they need to showcase the splendor of Western Maryland’s natural resources,” said Cardin. “ARC’s federal-local partnership is investing together in Garrett County’s economy while raising the bar for new levels of responsible, environmental stewardship.”

“This federal funding is an important investment in Garrett County’s economic security and the vitality of Western Maryland,” said Mikulski.  “These funds will help build an industry that keeps Marylanders on the job and encourages people to visit our state. Tourism spurs all parts of the economy — from the adventure sites to the food stands. I will keep fighting for smart federal investments in Maryland communities.”

The Adventuresports Institute is a wholly-owned operation of Garrett College. It was founded as part of a strategy to establish Garrett County as an adventure sport tourism leader.

ASI works with public and private entities to train professionals and produce leaders in adventure sports and recreation industries who have a strong sense of environmental stewardship and community service. This grant comes at an opportune time as its beneficiaries will be instrumental in ensuring that the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championship in 2014 at Deep Creek Lake is a success.

Posted on 06/29/2013 in asci # appalachian regional commission, arc funding