Adventuresports Institute Awarded $250,000 Grant
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) announced last Friday that the Garrett County Board of Commissioners has received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to improve the educational facilities of the Adventuresports Institute (ASI) of Garrett College.
In addition to the grant, the project will be locally funded at $279,024 and with an additional $50,000 in other federal funds.
“Tourism means jobs in western Maryland and across our great state,” Cardin said. “This grant is about equipping young professionals with the important skills they need to showcase the splendor of western Maryland’s natural resources. ARC’s federal-local partnership is investing together in Garrett County’s economy, while raising the bar for new levels of responsible, environmental stewardship.”
The Adventuresports Institute is a wholly owned operation of Garrett College. It was founded as part of a strategy to establish Garrett County as an adventure sport tourism leader. The area’s distinctive four-season climate and diverse geology are supportive of adventure recreation activities.
ASI works with public and private entities to train professionals and produce leaders in adventure sports and recreation industries who have a strong sense of environmental stewardship and community service.
“This federal funding is an important investment in Garrett County’s economic security and the vitality of Western Maryland,” said Mikulski. “These funds will help build an industry that keeps Marylanders on the job and encourages people to visit our state. Tourism spurs all parts of the economy – from the adventure sites to the food stands. I will keep fighting for smart federal investments in Maryland communities.”
She added that this grant comes at an opportune time as its beneficiaries will be instrumental in ensuring that the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championship in 2014 at Deep Creek Lake is a success.
Cardin is chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Mikulski is chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
Posted on 07/05/2013 in asci, deep creek lake, garrett county # ASCI
