Grant funding can be a linchpin for growth and innovation in the community. The Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD) office is announcing three new funding programs that strategically address community needs to bolster businesses and fuel expansion. Adam Strott, ACECD’s Economic Development Specialist, highlights the importance of these grants, “The ACECD wants to see these opportunities utilized so businesses can realize their full potential, and to leverage all of the resources available in Allegany County.”

Geocycle officially opened its pre-processing facility in Cumberland on May 16, 2024, marking the company’s 197th location worldwide. The new facility will convert unusable waste products into viable fuels, creating local jobs and providing an environmentally sound waste removal option for local and regional manufacturing businesses.“Geocycle’s investment in Allegany County is a big deal,” shares Jeffrey Barclay, director of Allegany County Economic and Community Development (ACECD). “They are a multi-billion dollar company with a global presence. Not only does Geocycle bring jobs and living wages to our community, but their status as a key industry player brings attention to Allegany County’s growing notoriety in the circular economy.”

Since its establishment in 1962 in Allegany County the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory has played a crucial role in researching the natural resources of Appalachia. This institution contributes significantly to economic development in the region through its research activities, promotion of STEM careers, community engagement, and collaboration with local entities and businesses. UMCES, Maryland’s graduate research university for the environment, operates four laboratories across Maryland with a mission to study, manage, and disseminate knowledge on natural resources, prepare the next generation of scientists, engage with communities, and address environmental challenges. The Appalachian Lab is the only facility in its network focusing on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.  Over 50 staff members at the lab participate in numerous projects aimed at raising public awareness about environmental science, encompassing challenges, issues, and solutions. Researchers cover a broad spectrum of environmental fields, including conservation, restoration, and the study of terrestrial and aquatic species. 

Frostburg State University (FSU) and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) have joined forces to address the pressing need for a skilled workforce in environmental sustainability. This collaboration has led to the creation of a new Master in Environmental Management (MEM) in Sustainability degree option. The significance of this initiative goes beyond academia, as it plays a vital role in Allegany County's growth within the environmental sustainability sector. The program was established in response to the increasing demand for professionals specializing in environmental sustainability. While there are many environmental scientists, there is a distinct need for individuals who can contribute to areas such as environmental policy, corporate environmental management, and nonprofit sustainability initiatives, according to Dr. Benjamin Norris, MEM in Sustainability Program Coordinator and FSU Professor.  “There is a shortage of people who want to work in environmental policy, or who want to work for corporations to manage and reduce its environmental footprint, or want to work for a nonprofit organization that wants to promote sustainability,” says Norris. “We also want to help increase the number of women and people of color going into these careers.” 

Clym Environmental Services, a leading player in the field of waste management, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking approach to handling regulated medical waste. The company is well-known for its expertise in three core service areas: safety consulting, life science and healthcare waste management, and facility decommissioning. Clym's forthcoming Allegany facility is poised to become the home of its newly developed technology, which promises to revolutionize the treatment of regulated medical waste, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution. 

In a bid to answer accelerating sewage waste issues and provide support to local agriculture, Nexus W2V, LLC (Nexus W2V), a developer of waste-to-value infrastructure assets, plans to make Allegany County the site of a plant for nutrient- and carbon-rich biochar. The company joins a growing community of circular economy-focused businesses (enterprises dedicated to reusing and recycling materials to reduce waste and conserve resources) in the Cumberland North Branch Industrial Park.Formed two years ago by Nexus Program Management Group, LLC (an investment and consulting company for sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and waste-to-value), Nexus W2V expands the company beyond the boardroom and into a larger, actionable role in sustainability initiatives. Nexus W2V’s Allegany project is a solution to Maryland’s rising sewer sludge waste issue and plans to transform waste into biochar. When applied to farmland, biochar encourages fertile crops, promotes water retention, and improves agricultural sustainability. Until recently, sewer sludge products required little treatment before being processed for farmland soil. The growing presence of contaminants such as pharmaceutical residue, microplastics, per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), and other impurities has forced more stringent “cleaning” procedures to make the material safe for application on farm fields. 

Minh Dung Hoang, an electrical engineer, found his inspiration for the revolutionary filtration system, Aquatic Circle, in his desire to maintain a pristine fish tank for his family. This groundbreaking creation could transform the aquaculture industry, and Dung's journey to bring his idea to life began and continues in Allegany County.Originally from Vietnam, Dung pursued his education and career as an electrical engineer. However, his academic pursuits led him to relocate from France to New York City, where he completed a collaborative Ph.D. program at NYU Medical Center. While there, Dung specialized in designing MRI coils for small animals. In 2017, he moved to Allegany County to join his wife, who had relocated the previous year for her position at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Appalachian Laboratory.

When searching for a location for their new branch, Energy Select LLC President James Horstkamp says it was important for their future home to be in a dynamic location that would support their mission. Horstkamp says they found exactly what they were looking for in Allegany County. Energy Select LLC is a full-service energy consulting and contracting company. They specialize in green energy systems for residential and commercial customers, including solar panel installation, energy audits, lighting retrofits, and other measures that conserve both power and money. The company also installs electric vehicle charging stations and solar storage batteries.