Read more about the article Conowingo Remains a Conundrum
Environment
Conowingo Remains a Conundrum

A Baltimore Sun article (2019-07-07) highlighted the ongoing threat to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts by polluted sediment coming down the Susquehanna River and through the Conowingo Dam. The issue continues to be heavily debated as the Conowingo's owner, Exelon Corp., is negotiating a new 50-year operating license for the Dam with the federal government. The Dam's reservoir previously served as a trap for this sediment, but as the article indicated, the reservoir has reached capacity, holding some…

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July 12, 2019
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Announces Steven Kaii-Ziegler as New County Planner
County News / Planning and Zoning
Anne Arundel Announces Steven Kaii-Ziegler as New County Planner

Anne Arundel County announced in a press release (2019-07-09) that Steven Kaii-Ziegler would become the new county planner on July 31. Kaii-Ziegler will replace current county planner Phil Hager, who has been in the role since July, 2017. According to the press release, Hager will move to a new role working directly with the County Executive's Office on redevelopment projects. Kaii-Ziegler is currently serving as the Charles County Planning and Growth Management Director and has…

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July 10, 2019
Read more about the article Don’t Get Sick From Improperly Prepared Food – Use These CDC Resources
Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Don’t Get Sick From Improperly Prepared Food – Use These CDC Resources

  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers numerous resources on food safety. According to the CDC, 1 in 6 Americans get sick every year from unsafe or improperly prepared food. The CDC's food safety webpage has information on the following food safety topics: Foodborne Germs and Illness: Learn what causes food poisoning anad who is more likley to get a foodborne illness Symptoms of Food Poisoning: The most common symptoms are stomach cramps, nausea,…

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July 10, 2019
Government Liability and Courts / News You Can Use
Judge Clayton Greene Retires From Court of Appeals

A Baltimore Sun article (2019-07-05) reported that Judge Clayton Greene, Jr. has retired from the Maryland Court of Appeals. There was no public announcement prior to the retirement. Prior to serving on Maryland's highest court, Greene served as a judge in District Court, the Circuit Court in Anne Arundel County, and the Court of Special Appeals. Greene was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2004. From the Sun article: Greene was raised in Freetown, a historically…

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July 10, 2019
Read more about the article Does Maryland’s Phase III WIP Get Us Across the Bay Restoration Finish Line? Find Out at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
Does Maryland’s Phase III WIP Get Us Across the Bay Restoration Finish Line? Find Out at #MACoCon

Receive an overview and different perspectives on Maryland's Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) at the 2019 MACo Summer Conference. Learn how the WIP aims to achieve Maryland's Chesapeake Bay restoration goals, the role of counties under the WIP, and how Maryland's WIP compares to those of nearby Bay watershed states. Endgame: Can Our Phase III WIP Meet Our Bay Restoration Goals? Description We are entering the final Phase of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum…

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July 8, 2019
Read more about the article MDE Unveils Broad Strokes of New Climate Change Plan
Economic Development / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
MDE Unveils Broad Strokes of New Climate Change Plan

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) unveiled a broad outline of its pending plan to address climate change and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated in the state. Maryland's First Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal: 25 by 20 The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009 (HB 315 / SB 278) required MDE to develop a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act (GGRA) Plan that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the State by 25% from…

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article Study: Maryland Faces $27.4 Billion Price Tag for Sea Level Rise
Environment / Planning and Zoning
Study: Maryland Faces $27.4 Billion Price Tag for Sea Level Rise

A Maryland Matters article (2019-07-01) reported that a new study estimated Maryland will need to spend $27.4 billion prepare coastal communities for sea level rise over the next 20 years. The study, "High Tide Tax: The Price to Protect Coastal Communities from Rising Seas," based the costs on 2,996 miles of sea wall construction through 2040. The study was prepared by the Center for Climate Integrity, who seeks to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean…

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article Washington County Wines Win Big at 2019 Comptroller’s Cup Competition
Agriculture / County News
Washington County Wines Win Big at 2019 Comptroller’s Cup Competition

A Washington County press release (2019-07-01) announced that several Washington County wineries won Best in Class and received gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2019 Maryland Comptroller's Cup competition. The winning local wineries included: (1) Big Cork Vineyards; (2) Blue Mountain Wine Crafters; (3) Cool Ridge Vineyard; (4) Knob Hall Winery; and (5) Red Heifer Winery. From the press release: Sponsored by the Maryland Wineries Association, the Maryland Comptroller's Cup Competition recognizes high quality wines entered…

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article Hogan Stays Silent on Release of FY 2020 Restricted Funding
Parks and Recreation / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Hogan Stays Silent on Release of FY 2020 Restricted Funding

A Baltimore Sun article (2019-07-02) reported that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has not yet decided to release millions of dollars in funding that was fenced-off for conditional usage by the General Assembly. The standoff includes some funding for county governments for school construction and Program Open Space (POS). As previously reported on Conduit Street, the disputed funding includes $127 million for school construction, $8.5 million in local POS funding, $4 million for testing rape kits, and $3 million…

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July 2, 2019
Read more about the article Get the Latest on Food Safety Requirements at #MACoCon
Environment / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Get the Latest on Food Safety Requirements at #MACoCon

Learn about recent changes to food safety laws that directly affect your residents and businesses at the 2019 MACo Summer Conference. Get the latest news on private kitchens, cottage food products, polystyrene containers, and plastic straws. Delicious or Deadly? A Food Safety Update Description Food safety is a critical function of local health departments. Improperly prepared food and unsafe kitchen practices have caused the deaths of Maryland residents. The 2019 Legislative Session saw the passage…

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July 2, 2019
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