Western Maryland Communities Receive Over $1.8 Million for Revitalization Projects

Western Maryland communities are set to benefit from a significant investment in their local development, with over $1.8 million in awards announced for 20 community development and economic growth projects. These funds, distributed through the state’s State Revitalization Programs, aim to bolster various aspects of community life, including business support, housing improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. The initiative seeks to foster local visions, strengthen small businesses, and expand housing opportunities across Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Local projects include facade grants, home repair grants, and the conversion of a warehouse into a boutique hotel.

The State Revitalization Programs are designed to support a range of revitalization and redevelopment activities. These include initiatives focused on business expansion and retention, improvements to building exteriors and public spaces (façade and streetscape improvements), incentives for homeownership and rehabilitation, commercial improvement programs, development of community facilities, mixed-use development projects, and demolition activities. The specific projects receiving funding in Western Maryland highlight the diverse impact of these programs.

Allegany and Garrett Counties

In Cumberland, Allegany County, funding will continue a Roof Replacement Program aimed at providing essential repairs to low-income, single-family owner-occupied homes, with a particular focus on residents who are disabled, elderly, or veterans. Garrett County’s share of the funding will support the transformation of public space in Friendsville into a small business incubator. This project is intended to foster local entrepreneurship, support vendors, and encourage downtown revitalization by paving the way for future storefront occupancy.

Washington County

Cascade

In Washington County, a notable project involves the rehabilitation of Building 603 in Cascade. This former warehouse is slated to be converted into a 15-room boutique hotel, aiming to enhance local lodging options.

Boonsboro

The Boonsboro Residential Preservation and Accessibility Program, will provide grants for critical safety repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and ADA accessibility improvements for low-income and senior residents to help preserve affordable housing.

The Boonsboro Business District Preservation Program will also continue the town’s facade improvement efforts.

Hagerstown

Hagerstown will see funding for its Middle Neighborhood Emergency Home Repair Grant Program, designed to assist low-income homeowners, seniors, veterans, and families with critical health, safety, and accessibility repairs to ensure they can remain safely in their homes and help stabilize neighborhoods. Additionally, Hagerstown will receive support for a Daycare Startup Assistance Program, which will help cover costs associated with state certification, including property improvements and safety installations, thereby expanding available childcare opportunities. Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, Inc. will also receive funds for its Home Preservation & Accessibility Program, offering similar critical repairs for low-income homeowners.

Smithsburg

The Town of Smithsburg’s Water Street Streetscape Project will receive funding for street repair and the integration of storm water infrastructure.

Williamsport

The Town of Williamsport will benefit from a Residential Safety & Efficiency Grant Program, offering matching grants to low-to-moderate income and senior homeowners for home safety and energy efficiency improvements, as well as a Main Street Commercial Facade Enhancement Program to continue commercial property improvements.

Overall Impact

These awards are part of a larger statewide distribution of $69.5 million for Fiscal Year 2026, which supports 226 projects across 23 Maryland jurisdictions. The State Revitalization Programs are a key component of Maryland’s strategy to build a more resilient, affordable, and competitive state by investing in local development and strengthening communities from the ground up.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

---