Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”
Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”

At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees heard about MDOT's proposed changes to its project-scoring criteria for state-funded projects. A common concern, both inside and outside Annapolis, is that the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) project scoring process lacks clarity. For years, counties have submitted applications with little insight into why some projects are funded while others are not, fueling frustration and offering few lessons for improving future submissions. Over the interim, MDOT has met with…

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December 15, 2025
Read more about the article Military Tests PFAS Removal Technologies
Environment / Transportation and Public Works
Military Tests PFAS Removal Technologies

The U.S. military is testing new PFAS cleanup technologies that could soon be available to local governments. The U.S. Department of Defense is funding large-scale demonstration projects to test new technologies that can treat and destroy PFAS contamination at military sites, with methods ranging from high-temperature thermal treatment and plasma torches to advanced chemical and filtration systems. These side-by-side pilots are designed to show which options actually work at scale in real-world conditions and are…

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December 3, 2025
Read more about the article MD Second Only to NY in Commute Times Nationwide
Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
MD Second Only to NY in Commute Times Nationwide

Data from the Census Bureau now shows that Maryland is second only to New York in commute times, driven mainly by the end of remote and hybrid work options.  Maryland now has the second-longest average commute in the nation, with workers spending approximately 31.5 minutes each way to get to work. Census data and recent survey work point to a key driver: fewer people are working remotely or on hybrid schedules, particularly among federal employees.…

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December 1, 2025
Read more about the article Keeping Pace with Growth: The Role of Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances
Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Keeping Pace with Growth: The Role of Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances

APFOs are a key tool for managing growth and infrastructure. Learn how counties leverage these policies to achieve better policy outcomes.  Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances (APFOs) help counties manage growth by linking new development to the capacity of schools, roads, water, sewer, and other services so infrastructure and taxpayers aren’t overwhelmed. They’ve also become controversial, with critics arguing that strict standards or long delays can be used to block housing, drive up costs, or push…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article EPA Approves New PFAS Pesticides, Looks at Further Approvals in the Future
Environment / Transportation and Public Works
EPA Approves New PFAS Pesticides, Looks at Further Approvals in the Future

The EPA recently approved two PFAS-containing pesticides for use on crops. The agency is currently reviewing a further four PFAS-containing pesticides for approval.  EPA has approved two new pesticides that qualify as PFAS “forever chemicals” for use on common food crops, with four more similar products under review. While a growing body of research links PFAS exposure to higher cancer risks, weakened immune systems, and other health concerns, the newly approved products rely on short-chain…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Holiday Travel Advisory: MDTA Releases Suggested Drive Times
Public Safety and Corrections / Transportation and Public Works
Holiday Travel Advisory: MDTA Releases Suggested Drive Times

Thanksgiving remains one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is sharing suggested travel times and safety reminders for drivers using Maryland toll facilities. With ongoing closures on I-695 and potential work zones across the state, MDTA urges travelers to plan ahead, drive with caution, and put safety first. Additional resources and toll information are available online to help motorists navigate the holiday rush. RECOMMENDED TIMES TO DRIVE…

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November 20, 2025
Read more about the article State Raises Cost Estimate of Key Bridge Rebuild
Transportation and Public Works
State Raises Cost Estimate of Key Bridge Rebuild

Working with federal agencies, state officials raises cost estimates for the rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) continues to work in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration to quickly and safely advance the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The MDTA Board is prepared to update their financial forecast to include the updated cost estimate range to $4.3-$5.2 billion (initial cost estimates were around $2 billion) with an…

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November 20, 2025
Read more about the article Scoring the Future: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”
Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Scoring the Future: Understanding MDOT’s “Project Scorecard”

MDOT plans to advance changes to improve its current project scoring process. Hear more about these proposed updates at the upcoming MACo Winter Conference.  One frequent concern in and outside Annapolis is that the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) project scoring process lacks clarity. For years, counties have submitted applications with little insight into why some projects are funded while others are not, fueling frustration and offering few lessons for improving future submissions. Over the…

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November 17, 2025
Read more about the article Fiscal Reality Check: State Projects $1.4B Shortfall, With Deficits Climbing Toward $4B
Source: DLS
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
Fiscal Reality Check: State Projects $1.4B Shortfall, With Deficits Climbing Toward $4B

Maryland’s budget picture has darkened. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) informed lawmakers this week that the State now faces a $1.4 billion shortfall in fiscal 2027, nearly five times larger than the projection made in the spring. The updated forecast from DLS, presented to the Spending Affordability Committee, indicates that slower revenue growth, higher baseline costs, and statutory transfers to the Rainy Day Fund have significantly altered Maryland’s fiscal trajectory. From Surplus to Shortfall…

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November 12, 2025
Read more about the article State Infrastructure Averages “C”, in Line with National Trends
Environment / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
State Infrastructure Averages “C”, in Line with National Trends

A recent report puts Maryland's infrastructure at a "C", consistent for the 5th year running and in line with national trends.  Maryland’s 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, developed by the Maryland Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, retains an overall grade of “C,” signaling that core systems remain operational but require sustained and, in many cases, increased investment to meet current and future demands. Facilities and networks that intersect most directly with county responsibilities…

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November 3, 2025
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