Governor O'Malley Appoints New Leadership at Canal Place Authority
Chairman Buchanan stepping down, praised for many years of dedicated service
CUMBERLAND, MD (May 20, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley appointed two new board members to the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority today and accepted the resignation of Board Chairman, Howard A. Buchanan. Allegany Arts Council Executive Director Andrew Vick will assume the vacant seat on the nine-member Authority and the position of Chair, effective July 1. Allegany County Economic Director Matt Diaz will fill the seat occupied by attorney Gregory H. Skidmore, whose term has expired. Mr. Buchanan will stay on as an Authority member.
“I am deeply grateful for the dedicated service that Howard Buchanan and Greg Skidmore have provided to the Authority, to Cumberland and the State of Maryland,” said Governor O’Malley. “They helped set the vision for the significant investments that have been made in the area over the past 15 years.”
The appointments were announced during a regular meeting of the Authority today in Cumberland. Renee Bone, Western Maryland Manager for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, was also installed as the Authority’s acting Executive Director. She will serve the Authority on loan until the Board hires a new, permanent executive.
“Since the Authority was established, our agenda has been focused on coordinating major capital projects and investments” said Mr. Buchanan. “Finalizing the hotel development project was the last major piece of the puzzle. I look forward to working with our new members to craft a fresh vision for the Authority.”
“It's an honor to be asked to serve as Chair of the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority," said incoming Chair Andrew Vick. "Canal Place has an important role to play in the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Cumberland, and in the continued growth of tourism throughout Allegany County. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Authority, as well as with the many stakeholders in our community, to help ensure that Canal Place realizes the full potential of its original vision.”
About the Authority
The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority was established by legislation as a unit of the State of Maryland in 1993 to spur the preservation, development and management of the Canal Place Heritage Area, a portion of downtown Cumberland. Since 1996, toward fulfillment of the Authority’s management plan, 22 capital projects have been completed, with 4 projects underway. More than $16 million in State capital funds have leveraged over $38 million in Federal funds and $10 million in private capital investment, mostly in the area immediately surrounding the historic Western Maryland Railroad Station. Canal Place is now a major regional destination. More than 175,000 visitors came to Canal Place in FY 2007 (a 35% increase over FY 2006) and generated over $18 million in direct spending. With the 2007 completion of major new attractions such as the Crescent Lawn festival grounds, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, the opening of 25 new businesses, and the 2008 construction start of a new 100-room hotel, Canal Place is poised for even more significant economic impact in Cumberland and Allegany County.
