Read more about the article State Seeking Partner to Speed SolarApp Local Rollout
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference
State Seeking Partner to Speed SolarApp Local Rollout

MEA recently put out an RFI regarding the statewide implementation of SolarAPP+ as required by the 2024 Brighter Tomorrow Act.  The Maryland Energy Administration has opened a Request for Information (RFI) for the upcoming FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program. This federally-funded incentive program will provide grants to Maryland's Counties and Municipalities to help pay the costs of implementing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) SolarAPP+ streamlined solar permitting software. The Maryland Energy Administration is particularly…

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August 5, 2024
Read more about the article FSK Bridge Rebuild Granted Federal Environmental Approvals
The Chesapeake 1000 (“Chessy”) floating crane equipped with “Gus” the hydraulic grabber, wrestle a 90-ton piece of residual wreckage Friday morning, June 7, 2024, from the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Taking roughly 45 minutes to unfold, Chessy and Gus slowly lift the mangled steel high above the Patapsco River, so a waiting barge can move underneath, allowing the wreckage to be safely lowered onto the barge for immediate processing by waiting hydraulic sheers. (U.S. Army photo by Bobby Petty)
Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
FSK Bridge Rebuild Granted Federal Environmental Approvals

Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild moves ahead with federal environmental approval, new RFP for engineering consultant.  The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) last week received key federal environmental approvals for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Categorical Exclusion (CE) classification and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) approval for the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge…

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July 31, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland Awarded $130M for Pollution Reduction
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
Maryland Awarded $130M for Pollution Reduction

MDE and MDOT are part of coalitions selected to receive over $670 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, $130 million coming directly to the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Transportation as partners in coalitions that will receive a total of more than $670 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice,…

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July 29, 2024
Read more about the article MACo Joins County Leaders at 2024 NACo Conference
County News / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues
MACo Joins County Leaders at 2024 NACo Conference

This past weekend, MACo and its members attended the 2024 National Association of Counties Annual Conference & Exposition in Hillsborough County, Florida. Missed the conference? Check out these tweets to see some of the action: Today at #NACoAnn, NACo President Mary Jo McGuire highlighted all we accomplished together over the past year. Our collective voice has never been stronger pic.twitter.com/fYKwSM8aIt — NACo (@NACoTweets) July 13, 2024 #CountyNews: Three-time Olympic gymnast @dominiquedawes championed teamwork, saying “checking…

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July 19, 2024
Read more about the article SDAT Names New Associate Director
Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
SDAT Names New Associate Director

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) announced Maria Mathias's appointment as the new associate director. “We are thrilled to have Maria step into the role of Associate Director,” said SDAT Director Dan Phillips. “Her extensive experience, commitment to excellence, and proven leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our department and enhance our services to the citizens of Maryland.” In this role, Maria will work closely with Director Phillips, overseeing the daily operations of the…

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July 18, 2024
Read more about the article Feds Opens $153M to Enhance Intercity Passenger Rail Service
Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
Feds Opens $153M to Enhance Intercity Passenger Rail Service

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently opened $153 million to initiate, restore, and enhance intercity passenger rail services.  The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes available over $153 million in funding for the Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grant Program. Grant funding will assist with operating costs for eligible projects that will establish service on new routes, restore service on routes that formerly had…

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July 17, 2024
Read more about the article MD to Deploy $268M in Federal Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Access
Broadband / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
MD to Deploy $268M in Federal Funding to Expand High-Speed Internet Access

Governor Wes Moore announced that the United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved proposals for Maryland’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan. The approval enables access to $267.7 million in federal funding to support the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Connect Maryland initiative to provide all Marylanders with affordable and equitable access to high-speed internet. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding from the…

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July 11, 2024
Read more about the article Dominic Butchko Named MACo’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations
Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Events
Dominic Butchko Named MACo’s Director of Intergovernmental Relations

Dominic Butchko, three years into service as part of the MACo policy team, will take on external duties to build relationships within the county community, especially among their Annapolis-facing endeavors, and with State agencies who interact with county leaders and services. MACo is pleased to announce the increased role and responsibility for Mr. Butchko, who joined the MACo staff in the summer of 2021. He has covered a policy portfolio including land use and environmental…

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July 9, 2024
Read more about the article EPA Invests $22.4M in Nutrient & Sediment Reduction for Bay
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Summer Conference / Transportation and Public Works
EPA Invests $22.4M in Nutrient & Sediment Reduction for Bay

The EPA is investing over $22.4 million in grants to help reduce nutrients and sediment within the Chesapeake Bay.  Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $22.4 million in grants to 13 selectees through the Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant program. The 13 grants will leverage $35.3 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $57.7 million. This program is currently administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation…

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July 1, 2024
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