Western Maryland Scenic Railroad showcases tourism impact at state committee meeting

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee meeting on February 13, 2025, highlighted significant contributions from local organizations, particularly the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and the Maryland Zoo, emphasizing their roles in boosting regional tourism and education.

Wesley Hines, Executive Director of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, reported a remarkable increase in visitor numbers, growing from 45,000 in 2021 to over 80,000 in recent years. This surge includes 30,000 visitors during the holiday season alone, showcasing the railroad's impact on local tourism. Hines underscored the economic benefits derived from state investments, noting that the railroad not only attracts visitors from across the region but also supports local employment, with staff numbers rising from seven to nearly 35 since 2021. This growth has allowed the railroad to provide sustainable jobs and educational programs, energizing communities in Cumberland, Frostburg, and Allegheny County.

Mayor Todd Logsdon of Frostburg echoed Hines' sentiments, emphasizing the railroad's critical role in revitalizing an area that has faced economic challenges for decades. He highlighted the return on investment for the state through increased tax revenues from tourism-related activities, urging continued support for the railroad as a vital economic catalyst.

The meeting also featured Shannon Brown, Vice President of Strategy and Development at the Maryland Zoo, who spoke on behalf of President Kirby Fowler. Brown expressed gratitude for the state's ongoing support and outlined the zoo's contributions to conservation and education, noting that it welcomed over 380,000 visitors in the previous fiscal year, including 75,000 students on field trips. The zoo is set to break ground on a new habitat for red pandas, furthering its commitment to wildlife conservation.

Both organizations emphasized the importance of continued state support to sustain their operations and enhance their contributions to Maryland's economy and community engagement. The discussions underscored a shared vision for leveraging tourism and education to foster economic growth in Western Maryland, with a call for ongoing investment from the state to ensure these initiatives thrive.