Published: February 04, 2008 09:18 am         

Public Works transfers Westmar Middle to county

CUMBERLAND - Allegany County government expanded its domain when the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the transfer of the former Westmar Middle School building.

The Westernport building, maintained until now by the Allegany County Board of Education, likely won't stay in the county's possession for long. A second approval by the BPW Wednesday let the state assume $45,169 in debt from the building's state bond for water boilers.

The board followed the recommendation of the Interagency Committee on School Construction.

Upon further BPW approval, the building soon could be transferred to the town of Westernport, which has plans to convert the former Bruce High School for a number of community-oriented uses.

Westernport Mayor Tom Smith recently said the building's in pretty good shape, the roof still has a warranty. Its gymnasium and theater could be used for a variety of youth and community programs, Smith said.

Town officials are establishing a committee comprised of "people who are interested in the town of Westernport" to study possible uses for the facility.

Other funds approved Wednesday included two grants totaling $175,250 from the Maryland Department of the Environment for two Mountain Lake Park water supply systems. At MDE's recommendation, the board also approved $200,000 for Phase I of Bowman's Addition. Kahl said the county expects another $300,000 in state funds for the project, which consists of about 22,000 feet of water line for 150 customers, this July.

The board also approved a $21,521 grant for a water supply program in Westernport's Horse Rock community.

Through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space funds, the board signed off on $18,000 for improvements to the Barton Little League and Community Park and $37,750 to upgrade parking at the Lonaconing Recreation Area.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.