News Flash

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ROCKY GAP FUND DISBURSEMENTS

Local Development Council Announces Rocky Gap Fund Disbursements to Municipalities & Nonprofits

September 5, 2023 - Allegany County receives 5.5% of the slots revenues generated from the casino operation at Rocky Gap. According to State of Maryland Law, 20% of this revenue must be spent on capital requests from Allegany County municipalities and non-profits. On behalf of the Allegany County Commissioners, the Allegany County Local Development Council accepts applications for funding annually.

There were 34 requests this year, with funds being awarded to 31 organizations. A sub-committee of the Local Development Council reviews all requests and awards funds based on a variety of factors, including community impact and need. Awarded funds must be used on capital related expenditure for municipalities and nonprofits.  The total amount disbursed this year comes to $995,378. This accounts for the 20% of total proceeds outlined by Maryland law, and some additional unassigned funds from previous years available for discretionary use. 

Groups receiving funds this year were AHEC West, Allegany Allied Arts, Allegany College of Maryland, Allegany County Animal Shelter, Allegany County Historical Society, Allegany Museum, AYEPS, Baltimore Pike VFC, Barton Hose Company, Bowmans Addition VFC, Camp Hope, CASA of Western MD, County United Way, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization, Embassy Theatre Corporation, Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation, Friends Aware, Frostburg Palace Theatre, Greenway Avenue Stadium Committee, Humpty Dumpty Learning Center, Mountainside Baroque, Old Town Community Center, Potomac Fire Company #2, PVAA, Women’s Civic Club, The Salvation Army, Town of Barton, Town of Midland, Western Maryland Food Bank, and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. 

The application period typically begins in April and runs for several weeks. To be notified when the application period begins next year, sign up for alerts on the County website at https://alleganygov.org/Communications-Hub. 

County rolls out new employee training platform to staff

Allegany County Government is excited to announce our partnership with HSI to offer a virtual employee training platform for our 500+ employees. We believe that employee training is not only essential but also empowering for both individuals and the entire organization. We have harnessed this belief into reality with the launch of our Training Module Platform!

Employees have been given a mandatory set of training modules based on their role, making this a game-changer for our collective growth. In the first course release, all employees are required to complete a 5 course track titled “Working Well with Everyone” that focuses on diversity and inclusion. 

This platform is engaging, convenient, and committed to our continuous improvement. New courses and content will be added periodically to keep pace with the evolving demands of our roles and the changing landscape of public service. The next course release for County employees is planned for late 2023.

Cumberland, MD, December 18, 2023- The vision for the Willowbrook Outdoor Wellness Center (WOW) took center stage at the County Commissioners Public Business Meeting held on Thursday, December 14, 2023. The project was officially introduced to both the Commissioners and the public, marking a significant milestone in its development. 

Public surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 were instrumental in shaping the proposed recreational park. The results, unveiled during the presentation, highlighted key amenities such as turf football/soccer field, natural grass multi-use fields, an outdoor classroom, walking track/trail, a national fitness court sponsored by First Peoples CFCU, concession/restrooms/storage facility, and possible turf field lighting. The development is set to take part in two phases. 

The project, initiated in the fall of 2019, secured a 50/50 grant through the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), sponsored by the National Parks Service, making it a collaborative effort with the Department of Natural Resources for the Phase I project. 

The Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) further solidified its commitment to the community by generously donating the project site at the end of Old Willowbrook Road, adjacent to the college. This donation is intended to serve as a future funding match to acquire additional LWCF funding through the National Parks Service for the Phase II project.

The construction timeline predicts for work to start on Phase 1 in early 2024, and wrap up by Fall 2024. Phase 2 projected future timelines could go to bid in Fall of 2024, with work being complete during 2025. In this phased approach, many factors could alter these Phase 2 timelines. 

The WOW Center is envisioned to serve as a public space, open for use by the surrounding community. Spaces such as these contribute to improved mental health, reduced stress, and enhanced quality of life for residents. The WOW Center represents a commitment to creating a communal haven that promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages connections among community members.

Additional public engagement opportunities will be available as plans for additional phases are finalized, ensuring the community's voice remains central to the project's development. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds.

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**In the below image, ORANGE represents Phase 1 & GREEN represents Phase 2.

To view the presentation by Director of Public Works, Adam Patterson, click here and use the bookmarks feature on the right to jump to item 5A: https://alleganycomd.portal.civicclerk.com/event/24/media

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kati KenneyPR & Communications ManagerAllegany County Governmentkkenney@alleganygov.org301-707-3228

ORGANIC REMEDIES PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS CUMBERLAND MEDICAL CANNABIS PROCESSING FACILITY IS OPERATIONAL 

Cumberland, Maryland (June 27, 2023)- The Allegany County Department of Economic & Community Development and Organic Remedies Maryland are proud to announce that Organic Remedies has been approved to be operational by the Maryland Cannabis Administration and will commence operations immediately at their location in Cumberland. Organic Remedies is excited to offer cannabis organizations premium processed products manufactured from locally grown cannabis procured from Maryland cultivators.

The Organic Remedies Maryland team is led by Jordan Medeiros. A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Materials Science and Engineering program, Medeiros has spent the last five years working in the extraction and manufacturing sector of the cannabis industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge in processing cannabis and creating cannabis products with hydrocarbon and CO² technologies. He has significant industry expertise in the creation of concentrates, topicals, edibles, and beverages.

“We know Maryland patients will rave about the quality of our processed products. We are excited to bring unique products to the Maryland market and look forward to working with cannabis organizations across the state, whether under a “white label” agreement or as a distributor of our own branded products,” said Medeiros, Laboratory Director.

In Phase 1, the lab’s hydrocarbon extraction will be fully operational and will produce a number of products, including liquid live resin vape cartridges, and live resin concentrates. In Phase 2, supercritical CO²  extraction technology will be added to our manufacturing scheme, giving us the capability to produce other forms of cannabis products, including RSO oil, capsules/pills, topicals, and cured concentrates. 

Based in Allegany County, Maryland, the facility will provide a boost to the local economy with the addition of new jobs in the area. Medeiros said the company is looking forward to becoming a strong community leader. “We have built a solid relationship with the county leaders and are appreciative of the support we have received throughout to become operational,” said Medeiros.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with the Organic Remedies team, and we’re thrilled to see them get up and running. They have been forward thinking and diligent business leaders, and we’re glad they chose Allegany County to call home,” said Jeff Barclay, director of the Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development. “In addition to the job component, this location is expected to generate a substantial annual tax base for Allegany County.”

In the coming months, Organic Remedies Maryland is anticipating state-approval to add additional products to its offering, such as the company’s unique “nano gummies,” a water-based product produced using Organic Remedies’ proprietary nano emulsion technology. Nano gummies are especially good for individuals who have trouble digesting oil-based products. Nano emulsion technology increases bioavailability and absorption with a shorter onset than typical oil-based products.

For future news and employment opportunities, please visit www.organicremediesMD.com. 

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About Organic Remedies Maryland

Based in Cumberland, Maryland, Organic Remedies’ state-of-the-art laboratory utilizes hydrocarbon extraction and nano-technology formulation to provide a wide variety of “live” products. These “live” extracts are rich in both monoterpenes and the acid forms cannabinoids, offering a full flavor profile and variety of cannabinoids. “Live” extracts are processed into a diverse selection of end products, including concentrates, cartridges, infused flower/pre rolls, and edibles. Designed to mimic cGMP facilities typically used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Organic Remedies MD utilizes sound science alongside proven safety and industry protocols to produce a wide variety of formulated products tailored to specific needs and tastes.  

Contacts:

Jordan Medeiros, Laboratory Director

Organic Remedies Maryland

j.medeiros@OrganicRemediesMD.com

617-314-5169

Kati Kenney, Public Relations & Communications Manager

Office of the County Administrator

Allegany County Government

kkenney@alleganygov.org

301-707-3228

SDAT Conducts Annual Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, Encourages Marylanders to Apply Online Nearly 145,000 Postcards To Be Mailed Encouraging Low-income Homeowners and Renters to Apply For Property Tax Credits

BALTIMORE – The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation today announced the implementation of its 2023 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, urging Marylanders to consider whether they may be eligible to receive a homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit. The deadline to file for both tax credits is October 1, 2023.

“The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation is pleased to offer these tax relief programs to assist Marylanders who pay high property taxes or rent relative to their income,” said Director Michael Higgs. “Determining eligibility and filing online is fast and easy thanks to our online tax credit application system, and I encourage all Marylanders to learn more about these programs by visiting our website.”

The quickest and easiest way to find out more information and submit an application is by accessing the innovative online tax credit application system, which strengthens the department’s ability to continue processing all tax credit applications in an accurate and timely manner. 

This month, the department is mailing nearly 140,000 postcards to low-income Maryland homeowners who may be eligible to receive a credit but have not yet submitted an application. The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program provides relief for eligible homeowners by setting a limit on the amount of property taxes owed based on their income.

If a resident has already paid their property taxes and applies by October 1, any tax credit that the homeowner may be eligible for will be refunded by their county finance office. Customers can apply for the 2023 Homeowners’ Tax Credit online. Paper applications are also available online, however customers should be advised that applications submitted by mail will take longer to process than applications submitted online.

As part of the 2023 Tax Credit Awareness Campaign, the department will also mail more than 5,700 postcards to known renters who have not already applied for the tax credit, as well as non-subsidized rental companies to inform their tenants. The Renters' Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income and do not receive federal or state housing subsidies or reside in public housing. The credit is issued in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000 per year.

Customers can apply for the 2023 Renters’ Tax Credit online. Paper applications are also available online, however customers should be advised that applications submitted by mail will take longer to process than applications submitted online.

In 2022, more than 37,000 homeowners received an average of $1,501 in tax relief, and 6,004 renters received an average of $450 in tax relief. Combined, these two tax credit programs saved Marylanders more than $58 million last year.

Many counties and municipalities also provide supplemental homeowners credits as defined by Tax Property Article §9-215, which provide additional tax relief. If a resident is approved to receive the state credit, they will automatically receive any local supplemental credit for which they are eligible.