Local Development Council

About

15 Members are appointed, to include: 1 Local Senator, 2 Local Delegates, 1 Representative from Rocky Gap Casino (the License Holder), 7 Private Citizens, 4 Businesses or Institutions. Authorized by § 9-1A-31 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Contact the Council

  • Jason M. Bennett, CPA
    Phone: 301-777-5916, ext. 283

Council Members

  • Jason M. Bennett, Council Chair
  • Senator Michael W. McKay
  • Delegate Jason C. Buckel
  • Delegate Terry Baker
  • Allegany County Sheriff Craig A. Robertson
  • Allegany County Health Officer, Vacant
  • Brian Kurtz, Rocky Gap Casino Resort General Manager
  • Cory McCagh, 1812 Brewery
  • Autumn Eirich
  • Steve Hout
  • Jenny Krampf
  • Dottie Ruby
  • Sam Wilson
  • Jonathan Dayton
  • Allen Shapiro

The Commissioners appoint citizens to more than 30 different committees/boards. Vacancies on these advisory boards are posted as the terms are fulfilled. Those interested in serving go through an application and selection process.

Council happenings

On behalf of the Allegany County Commissioners, the Allegany County Local Development Council will be accepting requests from Allegany County non-profits and municipalities for funding received from the Rocky Gap slots revenue that is shared with Allegany County.

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. Awards will be made after a recommendation is made from a sub-committee of the Allegany County Local Development Council – a 15 member panel that makes spending recommendations to the Allegany County Commissioners. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED

To request funding, please apply online or submit a letter of request (via email or mail) to: 

Jason Bennett, CPA 
Allegany County Administrator & Chairperson of the Allegany County Local Development Council
701 Kelly Road, Suite 205
Cumberland MD 21502
jbennett@alleganygov.org 

The letter should contain information concerning your non-profit or municipality status in Allegany County, your mission or purpose, a description of the capital needs that you have and a total amount requested. Please note that these funds may only be disbursed for capital related items and that disbursements cannot be made for operating requests. The deadline for submitting your request will be May 19, 2023. All requests will be reviewed by the council and awards will be announced and disbursed within approximately six weeks.

Resources

Municipal Grant Request Form - 2023
Local Development Council Meeting Presentation - April 2023