News You Can Use Archives

Talbot County Sponsors New Initiative to Curb Underage Drinking

This fall, the Talbot County Health Department will sponsor the Responsible Retailing Forum's 21 Matters™ initiative, which is designed to support local alcohol beverage licensees in their ongoing efforts to prevent underage drinking. The program employs young, legal-age individuals to be mystery shoppers and visit program-participating retail and serving establishments to request alcoholic beverages. If staff properly ask for identification, the mystery shopper presents a Green Card, acknowledging correct age verification procedures. In cases where…

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September 16, 2024

County News / Cyber / Education / Information Technology / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Enroll Today! NACo AI Leadership Academy

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has announced a new professional development opportunity, the NACo Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership Academy, an innovative online program to equip frontline county government leaders with practical knowledge and tools. The six-week pilot course is designed to help county officials better understand and utilize AI to increase effectiveness and advance excellence in public service. “We are pleased to offer this new resource for counties,” said NACo Chief Information Officer Rita…

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September 13, 2024

County News / Economic Development / Environment / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use

2025 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Applications Now Open

The Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, and Agriculture, along with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, are partnering to accept applications for this year’s Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants program. About $327,000 is available for this year’s grant round. These grants are offered annually to volunteer groups, nonprofit organizations, communities, and land trusts in Maryland to support environmental education projects, community stewardship, and the protection of natural resources in urban and rural areas. Funding applications will be accepted…

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September 12, 2024

County News / Education / News You Can Use

Queen Anne’s Animal Services Launches Interactive Program for Students

Queen Anne’s County Animal Services announces a new interactive program designed specifically for high school students aged 16 to 18. This unique experience allows students to explore the inner workings of an animal shelter, providing invaluable hands-on experience for those interested in pursuing a career in the animal industry. Participants will assist and shadow staff throughout the day, gaining insight into the shelter's daily operations. Highlights of the program include involvement in the adoption process,…

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September 12, 2024

Agriculture / Environment / News You Can Use

Celebrate World Rivers Day: Discover Ways to Keep Your Waterways Healthy!

September 22 is World Rivers Day, serving as a reminder of the vital role waterways play in Maryland communities. To celebrate and learn more, explore the "How Your Watershed Works" Learning Module from Protect Local Waterways. This interactive resource highlights how community activities on land impact local water quality. It also explains how precipitation and water flow affect neighborhoods across Maryland and emphasizes the benefits of maintaining healthy waterways. With this knowledge, residents can help…

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September 12, 2024

County News / Economic Development / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use

MEDA + DHCD: See the Future of Maryland’s Main Streets at Their 2024 Conference

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) have announced the Main Street Maryland Conference on October 8, 2024, at The Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland. This event will spotlight the invaluable contributions of Maryland’s Main Streets and the distinct experiences they provide to communities statewide. "For more than 25 years, the Main Street Maryland designation has provided a proven blueprint for successful and…

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September 12, 2024

County News / Emergency Management / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

AHRQ Announces Funding to Improve Health Care

AHRQ is offering funding that could help local governments transform health care delivery and address disparities in underserved communities. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to establish state-based Healthcare Extension Cooperatives. The initiative aims to speed up patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) in health care. It focuses on improving local health care policies, payments, and practices while reducing disparities for underserved populations and Medicaid recipients. Local governments…

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September 12, 2024

County News / Energy / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

Calvert Finalizes $60M Annual PILOT Agreement with Liquified Natural Gas Facility

The Calvert County Commissioners have reached a 15-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with Cove Point LNG, LP, owned and operated by Berkshire Hathaway Energy. This agreement ensures consistent revenue for the County while maintaining stability for one of its largest energy facilities. The deal, finalized after extensive negotiations, will generate $60 million annually for the County through 2038, with the agreement set to expire on June 30, 2039. PILOT Agreement The agreement…

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September 11, 2024

County News / Cyber / Information Technology / News You Can Use

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Opportunity

Counties can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses with $6.4 million in available funding through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program—apply by October 3, 2024. This week, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Information Technology, and the Maryland State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Planning Committee, announced a funding opportunity through SLCGP. The application period will begin Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and end Thursday, October 3, 2024. SLCGP was established through the…

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September 10, 2024

Broadband / County News / Information Technology / News You Can Use

MD Internet Access: High Statewide, But Rural Counties Struggle to Keep Pace

Access to broadband in rural areas is an issue nationwide, and Maryland is no exception. New data from the Local Estimates of Internet Adoption (LEIA) program reveals that while Maryland maintains strong internet adoption rates overall, significant gaps persist in rural counties, affecting residents’ ability to participate fully in the digital economy, access education, and benefit from telehealth services. These insights, provided by the US Census Bureau in collaboration with the National Telecommunications and Information…

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September 9, 2024