Local Development Council Announces Rocky Gap Fund Disbursements to Municipalities & Nonprofits
December 2, 2025 — Allegany County receives 5.5% of the slot 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 nonprofits. On behalf of the Allegany County Commissioners, the Allegany County Local Development Council accepts applications for funding annually.
This year, 52 requests were submitted, and funds were awarded to 26 organizations. A subcommittee 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 expenditures for municipalities and nonprofits. The total amount disbursed this year is $505,940, accounting for the majority of the 20% of total proceeds outlined by Maryland law. Any unspent funds will roll over to next year.
Organizations receiving funds this year include: Allegany Compass, Allegany Museum, Bedford Road VFD, Bishop Walsh School, Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Company, Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department, Bowman’s Addition Volunteer Fire Department, City of Cumberland, City of Frostburg, Corriganville Fire, Cumberland Cultural Foundation, Cumberland Historic Cemetery, Cumberland Theatre, Evergreen Heritage Center, Friends Aware, Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company #1, Humpty Dumpty, Rawlings Volunteer Fire Department, REACT – Robotics & Engineering in Allegany County, Salvation Army, Town of Barton, Town of Midland, Tri-State Community Concert Association, Western Maryland Climbing Coalition, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and Westernport Library.
The Local Development Council plan also dedicates $150,000 to be awarded as grants to local organizations, based on the discretion of committee members. This year, the entire amount is being directed toward flood recovery efforts in the Georges Creek area. Specific award details will be forthcoming.
The application period to be considered for municipal and nonprofit capital awards typically begins in April and runs for several weeks. To be notified when the application period opens next year, sign up for alerts on the County website at: https://alleganygov.org/Communications-Hub.