Senator Pearson announces grant funding for improvements to Diamond Hill park pump track

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) announced today that the town of Cumberland will receive a $100,000 small development grant from the Department of Environmental Management for improvements to the Diamond Hill Pump Track.

“Diamond Hill Park is a treasured recreation area in Cumberland, and this grant will improve a heavily utilized mountain biking pump track that was built by volunteers to allow for skill development before hitting the more advanced trails in the park,” said Senator Pearson. “Over the years, the pump track has suffered from general wear and tear and is in desperate need of rehabilitation. I am extremely gratified that the DEM awarded this grant to Cumberland to improve a facility that is enjoyed by so many.”

The project will include the design of a new dirt course and pump track facility. A portion of the facility will be within the footprint of the existing course with a slight expansion to the east. It will include grading to the area to create berms, jumps and rolls suitable for all ages.

The funding is part of $4.1 million in matching grants to 13 municipalities to develop or renovate recreational facilities in their communities.

“The COVID-19 public health crisis has put an even sharper focus on the importance of public recreation areas and open spaces,” said DEM Director Terrence Gray. “We all cherish local parks, places to stroll, courts and fields on which to play sports, and inviting outdoor havens where families and friends can recreate and relax. DEM is very pleased to support communities in meeting their priorities for local outdoor recreation.”

 

President Trump says the tariffs imposed on other countries are having the desired effect, and he's now open to negotiations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his initial tariff plan is over, and he's watching it settle in. He said every country has called, asking to cut a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid the tariffs.        Stocks are closing sharply lower one day after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The S&P 500 had its worse day since 2020 as the White House announced a baseline tariff rate of ten-percent against most countries yesterday that will go into effect on Saturday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16-79 to 40-545. The S&P 500 lost 274 points to 53-96. The Nasdaq lost 10-50 points to 16-550.        A multi-day severe weather event is unfolding for more than 55-million people. It comes after at least seven people were killed in the South Central U.S. after storms that included several tornadoes hit the region yesterday. Tonight, there is still a tornado threat for the same areas, but forecasters warn there could also be potentially catastrophic flooding in the Mid-South and Midwest.        The Federal Aviation Administration is offering more support to air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The Critical Incident Stress Management team will be meeting with airport personnel sometime early this month. The FAA is also reviewing the arrival rate at the airport and will conduct regular wellness checks.        The Senate has confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The television personality was confirmed on a party-line vote of 53-45. Oz now assumes a role that provides health insurance to roughly 160 million Americans.        Steven Spielberg and George Lucas top the latest Forbes list of celebrity billionaires. The latest Forbes ranking of the world's wealthiest people includes 18 celebrities, with film director Steven Spielberg topping the list at five-point-three-billion dollars. Star Wars creator George Lucas is in second place with a net worth of five-point-one-billion dollars.