Local Development Council Announces Rocky Gap Fund Disbursements to Municipalities & Nonprofits
August 28, 2024 - 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 31 requests this year, with funds being awarded to 24 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 $534,668. This accounts for the 20% of total proceeds outlined by Maryland law, with $5,332 remaining unspent.
Groups receiving funds this year were AHEC West, Allegany Arts Councils, Allegany County Historical Society, Allegany Museum, Baltimore Pike VFC, Bishop Walsh, Bowling Green VFD, Camp Hope, CASA of Western MD, City of Frostburg, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization, Ellerslie VFD, Mt. Savage VFD, Old Town Community Center, REACT, The Salvation Army, Savage Mountain Punk Arts, Town of Barton, Town of Midland, Tri-State Community Concert Association, Western Maryland Food Bank, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the YMCA of Cumberland.
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.