North-south corridor gets Continental 1 support
Buffalo, N.Y.-based group trying to connect roads from Canada to Florida
Kevin Spradlin Cumberland Times-News
— CUMBERLAND — The head of a local agency garnered support from a key stakeholder in the efforts to move along the expansion of U.S. routes 219 and 220.
Colleen Peterson, executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee, traveled Friday with officials representing Somerset County, Pa., to Ridgway, about 85 miles north of Altoona. Peterson made the case for the north-south thoroughfares to Continental 1, formerly the Pennsylvania 219 Association that has lobbied for the project since the 1960s.
The trip, made with Somerset County Commission Chair John Vatavuk and Ron Aldom, executive director of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, was an apparent success.
Peterson made her presentation during Continental 1’s regular board meeting. She said forming a working relationship between the two entities — and supporting one another — simply makes sense.
“It just seemed we could help each other,” Peterson said of the transportation project, which she labeled an economic development project that could put thousands to work. “We can leverage each other’s resources.”
Peterson said Continental 1’s support for the local agency’s effort was unanimous, “which is great. I think they understand they need to do more to reaching out to organizations like ours. I think we did very well.”
Vatavuk agreed, and seconded a goal was to have Somerset and Cambria counties included in Continental 1’s transportation corridor.
“There wasn’t one objection to changing the route,” Vatavuk said. “That’s the first change they made to the route in the past 10 years. This was kind of a monumental effort.”
Vatavuk said Somerset County’s “main focus” is linking U.S. Route 219 North to Interstate 68 in Maryland.
While not entirely one-sided, the budding TGCC and its dedicated but recent effort to lobby for the 219 project is dwarfed by Continental 1. The Buffalo, N.Y.-based group has a larger “big picture” view – members envision a four-lane highway from Toronto, Canada to Miami, Fla. — and, having been around longer, have a larger pool of funds dedicated to advocate for the expansion.
Locally, The Greater Cumberland Committee already appears to have the support of the congressional delegations from Maryland and West Virginia. Pennsylvania lawmakers, however, have voted not to extend the use of toll credits to offset the required state match of 20 percent in order to access the federal government’s 80 percent share.
Toll credits include revenue from toll receipts, concession sales, right of way leases or interest and borrowed funds supported by the revenue stream. The federal transportation bill expired in 2009 but has been extended to the end of 2010. Vatavuk said the earliest lawmakers are expected to propose a new bill is spring 2011.
Clearly, Peterson said, there’s a connection between the two entities.
“I think the committee saw the synergy,” Peterson said. “I think we made a very good case statement.”
Peterson said the next steps include ensuring federal lawmakers from the surrounding states continue to support the project and instructing staff to put the expansion on each state’s consolidated transportation program, a long-term plan by each jurisdiction that identifies and prioritizes transportation projects.
That’s a key step, Peterson said, because even if the federal government identifies funding for the next phases, each state has final say on where that money is directed.
“The states still have to commit to prioritize the projects,” she said. “We have to constantly feed (lawmakers) and tell them where we are.”
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Garrett could get ARC funding for projects
Megan Miller Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — Washington County’s loss could be Garrett’s gain, at least this year.
That’s because the Washington County Commission voted Tuesday to forfeit $400,000 in TEA-21 funding, a federal program based in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century that supports road development projects.
Washington County passed on the money because its project will not be ready to get off the ground in time to use the funds before they expire, at the end of the federal fiscal year, Sept. 30. And there’s a good chance that the $400,000 could be awarded instead to Garrett County, which has several projects already in the works.
Those include the Cherry Glade access road in Oakland to connect Third and Fourth streets on the parcel that formerly held a Garrett County Roads Department facility, as well as the second phase of development of the McHenry business park, according to County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.
The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland administers TEA-21 funds for Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties. Assistant Director Guy Winterberg said Thursday that he was still awaiting official notification of the decision from Washington County.
Ultimately, he said, the Appalachian Regional Commission will have to approve any change in the funding distribution, since the ARC is responsible for allocating the funds. The state program manager will recommend that the funds be applied to a different project, and that county will be invited to apply for the funds.
“This late in the game, it will probably be a project that’s under way or will be under way very shortly,” Winterberg said.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Garrett, Allegany groups looking to expand current trails network
Kevin Spradlin Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Mike Dreisbach said it’s time to “get more people excited about trails.”
The level of enthusiasm, however, appears to be growing across the state just fine all by itself.
A statewide trail network will be the focus of regional roundtables hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Western Region meeting is scheduled for June 3 at Greenbrier State Park east of Hagerstown.
Dreisbach is president of Mountain Maryland Trails and vice president of Garrett Trails. The two organizations help to promote existing trails, including the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal towpath, as well as advocate for the expansion of those and other trails.
Dreisbach is one of several representatives from Garrett and Allegany counties, including economic development and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, who plans to attend the roundtable.
“It could be a really big deal,” Dreisbach said.
Garrett Trails is spearheading an effort for a connection to the Great Allegheny Passage tentatively called the Continental Divide loop, which would come off the passage at Meyersdale, Pa., to Penn Alps Restaurant and then off the passage at Confluence, Pa., and eventually to Friendsville.
The extension would include Deep Creek Lake State Park, Meadow Mountain and the town of Oakland, Dreisbach said, and has the support of several key officials and elected representatives.
“It’s an expensive trail … but at the same time, if you look at the impact of the Great Allegheny Passage, this trail could be easily a $75 (million) to $100 million-per-year tourism generator. I want to make sure there’s some real planning here.”
The existing 20.47 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage were built without the need for DNR’s support. That’s not the case with the planned extension.
Allegany County trail extensions include going under Main Street in Frostburg through the former railroad tunnel. The tunnel is now owned by the county. The spur could be used to connect the Georges Creek area along state Route 36 into the Great Allegheny Passage.
Another extension would be a connection of downtown Cumberland to Hyndman, Pa.
John Wilson, state trails coordinator with DNR, said the intent of the four regional roundtables is to get trail advocates to focus “big-picture stuff.”
“What I’m trying to do is get some input from folks in regards to what a trail network within the state of Maryland might look like,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s effort follows a state Department of Transportation plan, “Maryland Trails: A Greener Way to Go.” The development of that plan focuses on a long-term projection of how a seamless trail network throughout the state can increase commuter options.
Wilson said a statewide summit will be scheduled in the fall after accepting input at the four regional meetings.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
More on Redneck Dayz at Broadford Park
Redneck Dayz is a BLAST. You see all sorts of people there, you drink beer, listen to live music, play games, eat great food – it’s almost like Octoberfest meets the Garrett County Fair, but in June. And it’s all to support a great cause – the Mt Lake Park Lions club! Here are some photos of my daughter Kayleah last year in the mud pit belly flop contest:
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Second Redneck Dayz Scheduled By Lions Club
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May. 20, 2010
The Oakland/Mtn. Lake Park Lions Club is finalizing plans for its second annual Redneck Dayz, which will be held on Saturday, June 19, at Broadford Park.
The gates will open at 9 a.m., and various fun, competitive events will begin at 11 a.m., according to Mark Marucci, chairperson.
Among the events will be the Redneck Regatta for “anything that floats that’s not a boat,” which will begin at 11 a.m.
The Official Redneck Games for four-person teams will get under way at 2 p.m. and feature a tractor pull, a sani-pot race, a 5-legged race, and the Redneck Pit Crew Race. The mud pit belly flop contest will begin at 5 p.m.
The Redneck Custom Car, Truck, and Bike Show will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A number of prizes will be awarded for the winners of the various contests.
The day will conclude with the Redneck Concert Series from 6:30 to 11 p.m., featuring country music by Travis Minnick and the Davisson Brothers Band.
There will be a wide variety of food items and beverages available throughout the day, including barbecue chicken dinners prepared by the Kitzmiller Lions Club, and the Oakland Rotary Club’s fresh french fries. Beer will be available for purchase from the Oakland/Mtn. Lake Park Lions Club.
Admission to the park will be $4 per person, with those under 12 paying $1. All proceeds will support the various charitable projects of the participating Lions clubs.
More information, including specific rules for the Redneck Regatta, can be found online at redneckdayz.web.com.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Garrett County Historical Society's transportation museum under construction
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The excavation has begun for the construction of the Garrett County Historical Society’s transportation museum, which will be located along Liberty Street. Much of the funding for the 10,000-square-foot structure was provided via the Community Trust Foundation with a major grant from the Howard and Audrey Naylor Foundation. The façade of the two-story building will comprise the fronts of the former A.D. Naylor blacksmith shop, Martin’s Livery Stable, Lawton’s Auto Dealership, and Oakland’s original fire hall. The first floor will house a rendition of the Naylor blacksmith shop and a variety of antique transportation vehicles, while the second floor will be dedicated to the history of Deep Creek Lake, and also contain educational space and equipment. Photo by John McEwen.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Traffic Pattern Changes Enacted For DCL Boaters
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May. 20, 2010
Deep Creek Lake State Park officials have announced a new traffic pattern for boaters to use for direct access to the state park boat launch facilities. It is recommended that visitors towing boats or boat trailers go directly to the launch ramp access drive off of State Park Road (third left after crossing the Meadow Mountain Cove bridge) rather than entering the park at the day use gate.
“We have opened the launch ramp gate for 24-hour traffic, which we hope will relieve traffic congestion on State Park Road during the busy summer months,” said Ranger Mark Spurrier, assistant manager for the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area. “Boaters no longer have to pass through the picnic and beach area entrance just to launch their boat onto the lake for the day.”
In addition to the change of access, boaters will no longer pay the day-use admission service charge, only the launch ramp service charge. There will be an employee at the ramp to collect the launch service charge and to answer questions.
“We feel it is a win/win situation,” said Spurrier. “The boaters will reach the launch ramp staging area faster and save a few dollars, and the beach visitors will not have to wait in boat traffic to enter the park.”
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Many Attend Public Hearing For Casselman River Coal Mine Proj.
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May. 20, 2010
Approximately 100 people attended the public hearing last evening at Grantsville Elementary School concerning the proposed underground coal mine in the Grantsville area. The hearing was scheduled by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to address a tentative determination for a permit to discharge water from the mine.
The permit application was made by Maryland Energy Resources LLC, Indiana, Pa. It involves the discharge of an average of 500,000 gallons per day of mine drainage and variable volumes of storm water from the proposed mine. The site is located along Durst Road, southwest of Grantsville to the north branch of the Casselman River.
Michael Richardson served as the hearing officer for the MDE. He noted that the hearing was ordered in accordance with the code of Maryland regulations, and its purpose was to provide the opportunity for the public to submit for the record concerning the permit.
First, there was a time for open discussion and questions from the public. Following the discussion, persons were invited to make a formal comment for the record, and were recorded by a court reporter.
Persons were also invited to submit written for the record as well. Richardson explained that all will be reviewed before a final decision is made concerning the permit.
Written will be accepted until Wednesday, May 26. They can be sent to the Maryland Department of the Environment, Water Management Administration, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230-1708, Attn: Michael Richardson. For more information, persons may call 800-633-6101.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Garrett Co. Humane Society Rescues 50 Starving Horses, Cows, And Goats
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May. 20, 2010
A rescue operation by the Garrett County Humane Society (GCHS) was conducted last Thursday, May 13, on a farm located along King Wildesen Road, in which 50 animals were removed and taken to rescue shelters.
The Garrett County Animal Shelter had received an anonymous call regarding thin horses and cows on the property, and all such calls are referred to the GCHS. The GCHS then dispatched Denise Lohr, animal control officer, and Deb Clatterbuck, investigator for the GCHS, to the site.
As in accordance with Maryland law, the animals were evaluated using a national standard. The examination determined that 26 horses, 18 cows, and six goats were identified as critical. The GCHS Emergency Action Plan was enacted, Clatterbuck said, and the animals were confiscated and relocated to rescue facilities outside of Garrett County.
The GCHS engaged 32 volunteers, 14 trucks and livestock trailers, three rescue facilities, a specially trained “cutting” horse [trained to herd other animals] with a roping rider, and a cattle dog to relocate the suffering animals. Concurrently, GCHS investigators searched for 16 hours, covering 378 miles, looking for additional animals that the owner allegedly purchased at area sales.
During the forensic investigation, it was discovered that these animals had died, Clatterbuck said.
“There were 17 carcass piles on the ground where they fell in the woods on the far side of their pasture,” she said.
Clatterbuck said it is important to note that the rescue was not funded by county government, and that the work was completed by the GCHS.
“Not one red cent of Garrett County or Maryland tax dollars was spent on our rescue,” she said. “With the assistance of Brooke Vrany from Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, we were able to get an emergency rescue grant from the ASPCA [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals].”
While the local HART for Animals Inc. is in the process of constructing an adoption facility, it is not ready to receive animals. So Vrany was able to take the livestock to her facility in Woodbine. She placed the 18 cows at an adjacent farm, and one of her organization’s members is fostering the goats.
The story of the rescue became national news last week, and Clatterbuck said it has been frustrating to hear a great deal of misinformation about the case. Many questions have been voiced as to why the situation at the farm was allowed to reach such a critical point.
Read the rest here.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
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