by Geoff Fox

State Senator Mike McKay has secured more than $206,000 in state funding for three projects in Allegany and Washington Counties through requests to the state.

Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved all three projects on Wednesday, April 1.

Interfaith Service Coalition has one of those projects and received $45,000 in state funds for repairs, renovations, and equipment upgrades.

ISC Director Deb Cohill said that money would be put to use replacing appliances in the employee kitchen and pricing area of Loaves and Fishes, replacement windows and doors at the ISC offices, flooring in the kitchen, bathroom, and food bank area of ISC, and repairs and painting at Martha’s House.

ISC serves families in need throughout the Hancock area, and the funding ensures they can continue that mission.

McKay also secured $150,000 in state funds for Allegany College of Maryland Community Tennis Courts.

The college will be using that money for new community tennis courts which would give students and residents access to quality recreation facilities in Cumberland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be getting $11,500 in Program Open Space money to acquire 1.43 acres on Warrior Mountain in Allegany County to expand the forested property along Warrior Mountain Cutoff Road for public access to hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

McKay said the people of Western Maryland send a lot of money to Annapolis and it’s his job to make sure some of it comes back to the communities for projects that actually matter to those who live here.

“This isn’t Annapolis doing us a favor – this is our tax money coming home where it belongs,” McKay said.