County commissioners have released a draft plan for the Allegany County Community Enhancement Program. The program would help municipalities within the county address blight.

As reported in The Cumberland Times-News:

If implemented, officials will apply a portion of the county’s Revolving Building Funds — about $375,000 annually — to purchase and demolish blighted buildings, as well as finance building improvements for businesses.

“In the long-run, that’s a very significant number they (municipalities) can use for blight,” said commission President Jake Shade.

All municipalities in Allegany County are eligible for the program, including Barton, Cumberland, Frostburg, Lonaconing, Luke, Midland and Westernport. According to the draft document, economic development is a key driver for the initiative.

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