Young Black Bear Safely Relocated After Sightings Across Maryland-Learn How to Keep Safe

A one-year-old black bear seen wandering through parts of Central Maryland—including Pikesville, Randallstown, Columbia and Ellicott City—was safely captured and relocated after making its way to a tree in the Langley Park area.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the bear climbed a tree and drew a large crowd before being safely sedated and removed. The bear was tagged with a collar to support a University of Maryland study and has since been relocated to a more suitable, undisclosed location.

The bear was likely dispersing, searching for a new home, which is typical behavior for young black bears in the spring and early summer.

Seeing a black bear in Montgomery County is unusual but not unheard of. Seasonal movement can occasionally bring bears into more populated areas.

If you see a bear:

• Stay calm. Do not approach, feed or try to scare the bear.
• Speak in a firm voice to make the bear aware of your presence.
• Give the bear plenty of space to leave on its own.
• Take people and pets indoors.
• Report emergencies to DNR at 1-410-260-8888.

If the bear climbs a tree, leave it alone. It will usually come down and move on once the area is clear.

Intentional feeding of bears is illegal in Maryland and can lead to dangerous situations for both people and wildlife.

For more information about bear behavior and safety tips, visit dnr.maryland.gov.

Montgomery County Businesses Can Boost Growth Through ExportMD Grants and Upcoming International Missions

 

Montgomery County businesses looking to expand through exports can connect with customers, suppliers, manufacturers or academic partners with help from the Maryland Department of Commerce's ExportMD Program. Grants can reimburse up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. Applications are open  through Tuesday, March 1 for export-related expenses incurred in April or later this year.

Traditionally, many companies use the ExportMD grants to offset travel expenses related to international marketing. However, these funds can also be applied to other marketing initiatives, including website development and registration costs for virtual trade shows and missions.

Montgomery County representatives are traveling to Taiwan from March 17-21 to participate in the Smart City Summit and meet with business prospects. They are also planning a trip to Japan to participate in Medtech Japan and to meet with business prospects is also planned.

County businesses interested in joining County leaders on either of these trips should express their interest via email to BusinessCenter@MontgomeryCountymd.gov. The deadline to join the group headed to Taipei is Monday, Feb. 24, while anyone interested in going to Tokyo is asked to commit by Friday, March 21.

The Maryland ExportMD grant requires a multi-day interview to be completed by March 1, in order to support travel in April or later this year. Companies seeking to use this grant to support travel to Japan should contact Jason Callejas, international trade and investment specialist at the Maryland Department of Commerce, jason.callejas@maryland.gov.

Maryland Public Service Commission to Host Tuesday, Feb. 4 Public Hearing on Solar Plant Proposed for County

 

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is hosting a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to solicit comments on a proposal by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC to construct a 4.0 MW solar generating facility in Montgomery County. The hearing will be held at the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, located at 19801 Beallsville Road in Beallsville. The first public comment hearing in this case was held on July 10, 2024.  

In March 2024, Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf applied to the PSC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy-generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland. According to the application, the solar facility, intended as part of Maryland's community solar program, would be built on approximately 16 acres of a nearly 53-acre parcel at 20507 Darnestown Road, near the intersection of Darnestown Road and Dickerson Road, in Dickerson.

The hearing will include a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. To participate virtually, please sign up in advance to speak by sending an email to psc.pulj@gmail.com by noon on Monday, Feb. 3. Participants will receive an email with the link to join in on the virtual platform. Otherwise, a recording of the hearing will be available on the Public Utility Law Judge Division's YouTube channel. The hearing will include a presentation by the developer, followed by brief statements from the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Montgomery County Government, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission' the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and the Commission’s technical staff, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the proposed project. 

In addition to the hearing, written comments can be sent electronically Local residents and other interested members of the public are again invited to comment on a proposal by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC to construct a 4.0 MW solar generating facility in Montgomery County. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, 19801 Beallsville Road in Beallsville. Public Utility Law Judge Jennifer J. Grace will preside. The first public comment hearing in this case was held on July 10, 2024.  

In March 2024, Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf applied to the Maryland Public Service Commission for what is known as a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland. According to the application, the solar facility, intended as part of Maryland's community solar program, would be built on approximately 16 acres of a nearly 53-acre parcel at 20507 Darnestown Road, near the intersection of Darnestown Road and Dickerson Road, in Dickerson.

The hearing will include a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. To participate virtually, please sign up in advance to speak by sending an email to psc.pulj@gmail.com by noon on Monday, Feb. 3. Participants will receive an email with the link to join in on the virtual platform. A recording of the hearing will be available on the Public Utility Law Judge Division's YouTube channel.

The hearing will include a presentation by the developer, followed by brief statements from the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Montgomery County; the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and the Commission’s Technical Staff, followed by an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the proposed project. 

In addition to the hearing, written comments can be sent electronically by Friday, Feb. 7, through the Commission’s online portal at https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment/ or by mail. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. All comments should reference Case No. 9726. In addition to the online docket, the application is available for public review at the Poolesville Town Hall, located at 19721 Beall Street in Poolesville. 

Read the full news release on the Public Service Commission’s website.

Montgomery County will join in the celebration of “Maryland Emancipation Day” on Saturday, Nov. 2, with several special events sponsored by Montgomery Parks.

Montgomery County will join in the celebration of “Maryland Emancipation Day” on Saturday, Nov. 2, with several special events sponsored by Montgomery Parks.

The State of Maryland celebrates Emancipation Day on Nov. 1. On that day in 1864, a referendum was passed by a very narrow margin approving a new constitution for Maryland that included freeing Maryland’s enslaved. In Southern Maryland, 33,295 enslaved persons were “free at last.” This included Blacks across the four counties in Southern Maryland who made up more than 60 percent of the population.

At the start of the Civil War, Maryland was designated as a “free state” because Maryland did not secede from the Union with the rest of the Confederacy. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 1863, only applied to the seceding states. Therefore, Maryland was able to continue the practice of enslavement.

While enslavement continued in Maryland, it was a time of turmoil for enslavers and the enslaved. Washington, D.C., freed its enslaved in April 1862. During this time, Maryland's enslaved had several paths to freedom. Maryland’s enslaved people fled in significant numbers to freedom in Washington. Federal troops were stationed in Maryland to protect the Capitol and the enslaved fled to those units.

Through the Emancipation Proclamation, Blacks could enroll in the Union armed forces starting in January 1863. Several regiments of Black troops were formed in Maryland, with a major training center in Southern Maryland at Camp Stanton in Benedict that opened in October 1863. Overall, 8,700 African Americans in Maryland left their owners or enrolled as free Blacks to fight for the Union.

On Nov. 2, Montgomery County’s celebration of Maryland Emancipation Day will include free admission to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, to taking a tour through Prince George's Sankofa Mobile Museum and hearing from local author Treava Hopkins-Laboy at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. There also will be an opportunity to work with the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Team at Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park.

Details on the Montgomery County events:

• Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Free to the cultural park. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.
• Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Saturday, Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Free, thanks to sponsorship by Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation. Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
• Oakley Cabin. Saturday, Nov. 2. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All ages. Free. Meet the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Team. Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park.
• Harper Cabin. Sunday, Nov. 3. 1-4 p.m. All ages. Free. Brookside Nature Center.

Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Week Continues Through Saturday, Aug. 17

Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Week will continue through Saturday, Aug. 17, allowing families and teachers to save money on many types of back-to-school necessities—or qualifying items to be used for other purposes.

Back-to-school purchases that can be purchased without paying sales tax during the special week include most clothing priced under $100, including sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots priced at $100 or less. The first $40 of a backpack purchase is also tax-exempt.

Each qualifying article of clothing or footwear selling for $100 less, or the first $40 of a backpack/bookbag purchase, will be exempt, regardless of how many items are sold at the same time. For example, two $60 sweaters sold at the same time are both exempt, even though the total purchase price is more than $100.

The Maryland Comptroller’s Office has a FAQ page to help answer questions about Tax-Free Week.

Installation of Utilities Will Impact Traffic on River Road Through Fall

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration this week began assisting Washington Gas with utility work installation on MD 190 (River Road). Motorists can expect single-lane and ramp closures along MD 190 between Wilson Lane and Western Avenue. The project is expected to be complete by fall, weather permitting.

Crews will be working7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. During these hours, Washington Gas will be installing a remote-control valve on a natural gas transmission line in the median of MD 190.

While work is taking place, motorists can expect closures at the following locations:

• Intersection of MD 190 between Wilson Lane and Winston Drive: Southbound left lane closed.
• Intersection of MD 190 and MD 614 (Goldsboro Road): Closed will be northbound (straight) right lane; eastbound (straight) right lane, shoulder and ramp; and westbound shoulder and ramp. There also will be sidewalk and temporary bus stop closures on the northwest and southwest sides of intersection.
• MD 190 (River Road) and Western Avenue: Closed will be southbound (straight) right lane and the sidewalk on the southwest side of intersection.

Detours for trucks will also be in place:

• Southbound trucks approaching intersection of River Rd (MD 190) and Goldsboro Road (MD 614) from southwest will be detoured straight along Goldsboro Road (MD 614), right onto Bradley Boulevard (MD 191), right onto Wisconsin Ave NW (MD 355), right onto Western Avenue and straight back to River Rd (MD 190).
• Northbound trucks approaching intersection of River Road (MD 190) and Goldsboro Road (MD 614) from northeast will be detoured straight along Goldsboro Road (MD 614), left onto Massachusetts Avenue (MD 396), left onto Western Avenue and straight back to River Road (MD 190)

For more information on this project, contact Craig McKennon at cmckennon@washgas.com or 571-419-0816 or Daminique Branch at community@washgas.com.

Virtual Community Meeting Providing Purple Line Updates Will Be Held for Bethesda-Chevy Chase Community on Tuesday, May 14

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will is holding virtual Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings that will be targeted for specific neighborhoods and will include member-driven teams of representatives appointed by neighborhoods, community residents, civic and business associations and local governments. The next meeting is scheduled for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community on Tuesday, May 14.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. The Purple Line will be a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line that will extend from New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda in Montgomery County. It will directly connect to the Metro’s Red, Green and Orange lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton. The Purple Line also will connect to MARC, Amtrak and local bus services.

“Progress of the Purple Line has reached an exciting period, and our team looks forward to sharing this progress with the public,” said Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II. “Our spring CAT meetings will show future Purple Line stations taking shape, miles of installed track and completed neighborhood improvements such as the Talbot Avenue Bridge.”

The Purple Line project team will include representatives from the concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, and Maryland Transit Solutions, the design-builder. They will provide area-specific updates in addition to overall project information. Each meeting will incorporate dedicated time for CAT members and residents to ask questions.

The virtual meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams, offering captioning services in multiple languages. Instructions on how to enable live captioning are posted on the project website, purplelinemd.com. Questions on the CAT meetings can be directed to the outreach team at outreach@purplelinemd.com.

All meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. The schedule for specific neighborhoods is as follows:

• Tuesday, May 14. Bethesda-Chevy Chase
• Thursday, May 16. College Park
• Tuesday, May 21. Greater Lyttonsville-Woodside
• Thursday, May 23. Long Branch

To learn more, visit purplelinemd.com.

Four Montgomery Parks to be Upgraded with $1.15 Million in State Funding

Four parks operated by Montgomery Parks will be upgraded with $1.15 million in capital funding that was provided by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session. The funding will be used for renovations at Fairland Recreational Park, Merrimac Neighborhood Park, Stonehedge Local Park and Centerway Local Park.

“We appreciate the continued support of the Montgomery County delegation and the entire Maryland General Assembly,” said Miti Figueredo, Montgomery Parks director. “These grants will help us deliver needed projects across the County for all our residents to enjoy.”

Capital grant-funded projects for the four parks will impact:

• Fairland Recreational Park: $500,000 for the design and development of a new skatepark to include accessibility improvements, stormwater management and site furnishings. The grant was sponsored by Senator Craig Zucker and Delegates Anne Kaiser, Bernice Mireku-North and Pamela Queen.
• Merrimac Neighborhood Park (Bethesda): $150,000 toward the renovation of the existing playground with new equipment. Sponsored by Senator Ariana Kelly and Delegates Sara Love, Marc Korman and Sarah Wolek.
• Stonehedge Local Park (Silver Spring): $350,000 toward renovation of the playground; repurposing existing athletic courts; relocating/renovating the fitness area; adding a community garden, picnic pavilion and site furnishings; parking lot improvements; improvements to the existing rectangular athletic field; accessibility improvements and stormwater management upgrades. Sponsored by Senator Will Smith and Delegates David Moon, Jheanelle Wilkins and Lorig Charkoudian.
• Centerway Local Park (Montgomery Village): $150,000 for the design of a new skatepark including accessibility, stormwater management and site furnishings. Sponsored by Senator Nancy King and Delegates Greg Wims, Lesley Lopez and Gabriel Acevero.

Businesses Looking to Grow Through Exports Can Benefit Through ExportMD Grants

Maryland businesses looking to grow through exports can seek customers, suppliers, manufacturers or academic partners in travel that may be supported through a Maryland Department of Commerce ExportMD Grant. The program, which can provide reimbursement for up to $5,000 for eligible expenses, is accepting applications through April 1 for travel in May. 

Traditionally, many companies use the grants to offset travel expenses related to international marketing. However, the funds can be applied for other marketing initiatives including website development, registration costs for virtual trade shows and missions.

Montgomery County is organizing a delegation of business, academic and government leaders to travel in May to BIOKorea in Seoul (May 8-10) and to several cities in China the following week. Delegation members will meet with potential business prospects and other potential partners.

To join the group with the potential support of a Maryland Export MD grant, an application for the grant must be submitted by April 1. The application process is multi-day. Companies interested in submission by April 1 should, as soon as possible, email Maryland Department of Commerce Regional Manager for East Asia, Hui-Min Tzeng at hui-min.tzeng@maryland.gov. 

For more information regarding the May economic development mission to Korea and China, email BusinessCenter@MontgomeryCounty.Md.gov.

Annual Cleanup of State Roads Underway; Drivers Should Slow Down When They See Crews Working on Roadsides

SHA crews are using new litter removal equipment like this “Litter Rake” along MD 702 in Baltimore County

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has launched “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” to pick up litter along State roadways. During this effort, motorists are urged to slow down and move over to help protect crews as they work.

With moderate temperatures, mowing cycles are starting up along state roadways and litter and debris cleanup is needed. Highway users are reminded to always put trash in proper receptacles and secure loads to prevent litter and debris from flying out of the back of trucks. 

Picking up trash puts highway crews in danger as they work along State roads and next to traffic. Litter and debris impede mowing operations, impact highway drainage systems and create potential highway hazards. Additionally, litter is harmful to Maryland’s wildlife and pollutes the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  
In the past five years, the State Highway Administration has spent more than $42 million removing litter and debris from State roadways. Last fiscal year, 364,077 bags of trash were collected along State-maintained roadways at a cost of $15 million. That is the equivalent cost of 45 new dump trucks or nearly 60 miles of resurfaced roads.

As operations begin for 2024, the agency is reaching out to local jurisdictions to coordinate cleanup efforts. Residents can help by reporting issues of litter and high grass on State roads by clicking here or call 410-545-0300.

Maryland State Police to Provide FreeAnti-Theft Devices to Hyundai and Kia Owners March 2 and 3

The Maryland State Police barracks in Rockville will provide free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. The Rockville barracks is located at 7815 Montrose Road in Rockville.

One wheel lock will also be provided per vehicle owner while supplies last. Driver’s license and vehicle registration is required.

The giveaways start at 9 a.m. Similar promotions will be held at all Maryland State Police barracks. Here is a full list of those offices.

Maryland State Police warn that on average a vehicle theft occurs every 47 minutes. Some Kias and Hyundais are being targeted by thieves because of a vulnerability that makes it easy to start the cars without a key.

Even if you do not own one of these vehicle types, remember to lock your car, hide your valuables and use an anti-theft device to protect your vehicle.

Resurfacing of MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) Will Impact Traffic Through Fall

Photo: Current conditions along a section of MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue)

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning a $4.6 million safety and resurfacing project this week along MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) from Milestone Drive to Shaw Avenue in Montgomery County. Weather permitting, the 1.75-mile project is expected to be complete by fall.

In addition to pavement milling and resurfacing, the project will include:

• Patching the existing asphalt roadway.
• Upgrading ramps and sidewalks to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
• Repairing the concrete median.
• Reconstructing driveway aprons.
• Replacing or repairing concrete curb and gutters.
• Repairing or replacing stormwater runoff inlets and drainpipes.
• Installing new pavement markings and landscaping.

Contractor E&R Services Inc., of Lanham, will perform the work.

Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits and driving pattern changes. The must slow down in construction zones. Motorists in need can dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.

For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Survey on Energy-Efficient and Electrification Measures in Homes and Multifamily Buildings Seeks Perspectives of Those Who Install the Updated Systems

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is seeking feedback from contractors, training organizations, labor groups, community-based organizations and other parties that install energy efficiency and electrification measures in residential homes and multifamily buildings. The survey wants to measure Maryland’s applications to Federal programs. The survey deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The MEA is looking to gauge how Maryland’s efforts apply to three Federal programs on energy efficiency that could best be shaped to maximize benefits for the State. The programs are:

• Home Efficiency Rebates Program
• Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program
• State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grant Program (also known as Training for Residential Energy Contractors Grant Program)

To participate in the survey, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjHs-6yC5BE09oOwCK_dpXsslZKyKdm6ciqfFNH1fr4tGG8g/viewform?pli=1

The MEA is Maryland's state energy office (SEO). As the SEO for Maryland, MEA will be the recipient for the Home Efficiency Rebates Program (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program being funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The HOMES program is focused on whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. The HEAR program addresses home electrification. The Department of Energy requires that the HOMES and HEAR programs contain dedicated allocations for low-income households. Additionally, the Federal legislation establishing the HEAR electrification program limits electrification incentives to households with incomes that meet the definitions of low-income or moderate-income.

Funding from the HOMES and HEAR programs will help American households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency, improve their comfort, support a stable power grid and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, the rebates provide specific opportunities to increase the installations of efficient, clean energy equipment in underserved and underrepresented communities.

For more information about the programs, go to https://energy.maryland.gov/Reports/RFI%20for%20DOE%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20Programs.pdf

Maryland Highway Administration to Hold Virtual Meeting on MD 190 (River Road) Corridor Safety Study Regarding Chevy Chase Area on Thursday, Sept. 21

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a virtual public meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, to share information and answer questions about the MD 190 (River Road) Corridor Safety Study. The study is examining ways that pedestrian and bicyclist safety can be improved along approximately 4,000 feet of MD 190 in the Chevy Chase area from Springfield Drive to Little Falls Parkway.

MD 190 is a State-maintained road and not a road maintained by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

The limits of the study include multiple driveways and intersections. The corridor study and needs analysis began in February 2023 and the team expects the study to be completed by fall 2023.

“Safety and accessibility are crucial in creating a transportation system that works for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Working with residents and other community stakeholders is vital because it allows us to explore and develop solutions that benefit everyone traveling this busy corridor.”

During the virtual meeting, the State Highway Administration will present preliminary findings and recommendations from the study, as well as the next steps. Project team members will be available to answer study-related questions. Residents are encouraged to leave comments and ask questions before and after the meeting by email at MD190corridor@mdot.maryland.gov.

Details are available on the State Highway Administration-District 3 Web page at https:// bit.ly/MDOTSHA-D3.

Residents can attend the meeting by using Microsoft Teams Live or by calling 1-443-409-5228 and using Conference ID 302 157 731#. Those calling in will be able to hear the presenters and discussion, but will be unable to see the presentation. However, they will be able to use the meeting link posted on the District 3 Web page to view all meeting materials.

Following the presentation, the study team will answer as many questions as possible during the scheduled period. Questions and comments submitted in advance will be prioritized first. Attendees also will be able to send written questions and comments through the Q&A feature during the meeting.

Those requiring assistance to participate in the virtual meeting, such as those desiring an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, should send an email to SHATitleVI@MDOTmaryland.gov. Indicate the desired language in the subject line. The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.

State Highway Administration in Midst of Roadside Litter Cleanup Program

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) this week launched an all-hands-on-deck litter and debris removal effort aimed at removing litter from its roadsides prior to Labor Day weekend. SHA maintenance shop personnel have been spanning the State to beautify roadsides as part of its “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” project.

In addition to making roadways look better, the project has additional goals.

Litter, including plastic bottles, fast food containers and cigarette butts, can wind up in highway drainage systems and clog the system or cause slow drainage. This creates dangerous conditions, such as ponding of water during storms. Litter that makes it past drainage systems can enter streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay and poses a threat to wildlife habitats.

The State Highway Administration launched Operation Clean Sweep Maryland in February 2023 to perform an all-hands-on deck litter and debris removal effort across Maryland. In Fiscal Year 2023, SHA collected nearly 9,000 truckloads of litter and debris from Maryland highways. Since July 1 (the beginning of Fiscal Year 2024), crews have collected an additional 1,000 truckloads.

Litter and mowing crews are working directly adjacent to traffic. As SHA continues with its litter and mowing efforts, motorists should pay close attention and reduce speeds and distractions when traveling near work crews.

Residents are encouraged to report issues of litter and high grass on State roads by clicking here or calling 410-545-0300. 

Recreational Cannabis Now Legal in Maryland: Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions

The Maryland General Assembly, during its 2023 session, approved legalization of recreational use of cannabis for adults 21-and-over. The law went into effect on July 1, but many residents still have questions about details in the law. Among the most common questions refer to being able to use cannabis in public areas and how its use can lead to impaired driving.

Smoking cannabis (and hemp) is prohibited in any public place. This includes outdoor spaces and indoor spaces open to the public including parks, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, public transportation (e.g, buses, vans, trains, taxicabs, limousines) and indoor places of employment. Because cannabis remains illegal at the Federal level, a person may not possess cannabis on any Federal property, such as national park.

Using cannabis while driving (by a driver or passenger) and impaired driving remains illegal under Maryland law. Law enforcement officers can make a cannabis DUI arrest if they observe impairment using a standard field sobriety testing (roadside test) method.

Answers to more questions about recreational cannabis use in Maryland can be found at Adult-Use Cannabis FAQs (maryland.gov).

State Highway Administration Work on I-495 (Beltway) in Montgomery County Starting Sunday, April 16, Likely Will Cause Overnight Disruptions Through Late Spring

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin milling and paving at several locations on I-495 in Montgomery County starting Sunday, April 16. Work will take place nightly from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Weather permitting, all work will be complete by late spring.

During work periods, motorists can expect lane shifts and lane closures to establish a safe work zone. The roadwork can cause delays.

The work will help preserve the pavement and create a smoother ride quality on I-495. Work also will be performed on I-95 in Prince George’s County.

Work on the following locations will directly impact traffic in Montgomery County:

• I-495 (Capital Beltway) Inner Loop (eastbound) between the bridge over Northwest Branch east of MD 193 (University Boulevard) and the Prince George’s County.
• I-495 Outer Loop (westbound) between MD 193 and Seminary Road.
• I-495 Inner Loop (eastbound) between the Seminary Road bridge and just east of US 29 (Columbia Pike).
• I-495 Inner Loop (eastbound) between MD 193 and MD 97 (Georgia Avenue).

Questions about the work can be directed to the State Highway Administration District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or 1-800-749-0737.

For a list of all major State Highway projects, go to its project portal or visit its homepage at roads.maryland.gov. To see real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov

Installation Completed of 35 Sensors to Mitigate Flood Damage and Enhance Emergency Response

Montgomery County marked “Maryland Flood Awareness Month” this week by announcing it has completed installation of 35 flood sensors as part of the County’s early flood warning system. The sensors in flood-prone areas will enhance County's efforts regarding emergency responses to flooding and mitigate flood damage.

County Executive Marc Elrich announced the completed installation of the flood sensors in ceremonies at Burnt Mills Dam in Silver Spring. Among those attending were U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, Sensors and Platforms Technology Center Director Jeff Booth; County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) Emergency Management Director Luke Hodgson; County Department of Transportation Chief of Highway Services Richard Dorsey and County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Director and County Climate Change Officer Adriana Hochberg.

DHS provided Montgomery County with 35 high-tech flood sensors free of charge as part of a national pilot program to detect rising water levels and provide early warnings about high water or flooding.

“Every second counts when dealing with dangerous flooding conditions,” said County Executive Elrich. “These sensors will alert the County's emergency response team when the water levels rise above the set thresholds. Our teams can then respond quickly to flood events and alert the public. One of our most effective methods for reaching community members during emergencies is through Alert Montgomery. I encourage everyone to sign up to receive emergency alerts from Montgomery County directly to your mobile devices. Through this service, Montgomery County officials can send accessible emergency notifications, updates, warnings, and instructions right to you.”

The flood sensors are located at 35 sites identified by DEP and OEMHS, including high or significant-hazard dams, low-lying roads and flood-prone areas. The real-time sensors complement the County’s existing monitoring that includes DEP’s Dam Safety Operations and OEMHS’s tracking of water levels at streams and rivers across the County through the U.S. Geological Survey gauges.

The flood sensors are part of a strategic plan to address flooding in the County. DEP is leading the development of the Comprehensive Flood Management Plan consisting of several phases of work, spanning the next few years, that includes assessing vulnerable areas, detailed flood studies, adaptation designs and implementation of mitigation projects.

For more information on the flood sensors and for preparing for heavy rain and potential flooding in the County, visit the County’s Flood website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding/.

To sign up for Alert Montgomery emergency text alerts, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/AlertMontgomery/

‘Shop Maryland Energy Weekend’ Feb. 18-20 Will Provide Sales Tax Savings on Energy Star Appliances

Marylanders either needing or just contemplating replacing appliances could be motivated to shop from Feb. 18-20 when they can save on paying State sales tax on eligible Energy Star-rated appliances during “Shop Maryland Energy Weekend.”

During Presidents’ Day weekend, appliances bearing the Energy Star label, whether purchased in-store or online, will be exempt from the State’s six percent sales tax. Eligible appliances could include air conditioners, washers, dryers, standard-size refrigerators, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, compact fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats. Solar water heaters are tax-exempt year-round.

To receive the Energy Star label, a product must meet strict standards for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information about the Energy Star label and to view eligible products, visit energystar.gov

The tax-free weekend for energy-efficient appliances began in 2011 and its impact has grown since. It is estimated that the State loses $800,000 in direct tax revenue on the purchase of Energy Star product during the three-day tax holiday. However, the State comptroller’s office says that additional sales on other taxable products during the long weekend for many residents generates additional tax dollars.

‘Hidden Maryland: In Search of America in Miniature’ with Author Gene Meyer Will Be Featured Presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 13

Gene Meyer has spent decades exploring every nook and cranny of Maryland from the Eastern Shore to Appalachia—first for The Washington Post and then for Maryland Life magazine. History is always an essential ingredient of his work, and people and places in Montgomery County are part of the mix. He will bring those experiences to the Montgomery History free online presentation Hidden Maryland: In search of America in Miniature at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

In addition to relating his favorite anecdotes from his new book Hidden Maryland: In Search of America in Miniature, Mr. Meyer will share stories about his other travels.

Mr. Meyer is an award-winning veteran journalist with eclectic interests and special passions for history, lifestyles, travel, real estate and the Chesapeake Bay. He has been widely published in magazines, authored four books and was for many years a reporter and editor at The Post. Since leaving The Post in 2004, Mr. Meyer has received 17 awards for his work and has had more than 50 bylines in The New York Times. His first journalism job was as Washington bureau librarian for the old New York Herald Tribune, where he got to tag along with a White House reporter and watch the 1964 Civil Rights Act being signed into law.

To join the Dec. 14 presentation, register at Webinar Registration - Zoom.