CUMBERLAND Allegany County will receive a $2 million grant to provide for continuity of operations and plans (and) continuity of government for the Federal Railroad Administration.
The county commissioners Thursday signed an agreement with the agency, which operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation. Gary Moore, director of Allegany Countys Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security, personally delivered the agreement to federal officials Friday to finalize it.
It only takes one more signature and its done, said Moore, who declined to identify the official who must sign off on the contract, which falls under the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Emergency Support Functions program.
On Thursday, county officials refused to comment and directed questions to Steve Kulm, a spokesman with the Federal Railroad Administration. Kulm confirmed the grant process is not yet final but it looks like its moving forward. We expect its going to (be finalized) in the very near-term for final signatures.
Kulm said the federal agency is essentially renting office space (and) communications equipment.
He didnt provide the exact location but noted its out in the Cumberland area and Allegany County facilities will allow the continuation of the functions of our agency. This is for a continuity of operations. If theres a reason why Washington cannot be occupied, under direction of the president, we need to have other locations at which to do business.
Kulm said the Federal Railroad Administration has more than 800 employees nationwide and nearly 300 in the Washington area, but not all of our people would be showing up at an alternate site.
This is not to pick up all of our space here and move it out there, Kulm said. Well take key people who can keep the agency functioning from that location.
Kulm said the grant wasnt to be construed as an economic development tool for Allegany County. The purpose, he emphasized, is to ensure the Federal Railroad Administration would continue to operate in the event of an emergency.
Were not looking to create jobs, he said.
Moore said he wasnt able to provide much information on the grant. Any logistical, administrative or security support the county would provide to the federal agency would be reimbursed over and above the $2 million grant, he said.
County Commissioner Jim Stakem has said since April the county has been in highly classified negotiations with a federal agency. The county has consistently declined to provide much information. Part of the concern among county officials appears to be a fear that other jurisdictions would protest the grant to Allegany County and attempt to take the $2 million for themselves.
Kevin Spradlin can be reached at kspradlin@times-news.com
