States Debate PFAS Regulations As Feds Pull Back

A majority of states are considering new regulations to protect public health against PFAS, even as federal regulators walk back many of their protections.  PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in the human body over time. Exposure to PFAS…

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“Forever Chemicals” – PFAS As an Emerging Environmental and Public Health Crisis

Hear about the challenges facing Maryland water utilities as they work to address PFAS contamination and protect public health. Counties are on the front lines of the PFAS crisis, tasked with managing costly water treatment and environmental remediation efforts despite not being the source of the contamination. The lack of sufficient state and federal support leaves counties to shoulder escalating financial and regulatory burdens as they work to protect public health and local ecosystems. Title:…

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Washington County Wins $2.8M for Transit Facility Design

Washington County Transit has secured $2.8 million in federal funding to cover the full cost of designing and permitting a new administration and maintenance facility — a significant step forward in bolstering transit operations and long-term planning in Western Maryland. The funding comes through the federal BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) program and was awarded as part of a national infrastructure investment package announced earlier this week. Washington County’s application received support from…

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Anne Arundel Selects Partners for Edgewater Project

Anne Arundel County and the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County announced the selection of the Wohlsen Construction team for the Edgewater Recreation and Community Center project. Last week, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County unveiled the selection of the Wohlsen Construction team—comprised of Wohlsen Construction, Becker Morgan Group, and Cap Ex Advisory Group—in response to a highly competitive Request for Proposals for…

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Maryland’s Changing Coastline: What Counties Need to Know

Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent disasters are straining local resources. Learn what counties need to know about Maryland's changing coastline.  One of the most lasting impacts of climate change will be how it shapes Maryland’s landscape. Large portions of the eastern shore are projected to be underwater, and in Annapolis, the Naval Academy has openly discussed the idea of relocating. None of this is unique, either. Maryland’s Changing Coastline: What Counties Need…

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Maryland’s Transit Strains Mirror National $140B Backlog

A recent report puts a staggering number on a growing problem: $140.2 billion in needed repairs and upgrades for the nation’s public transit systems. The backlog covers everything from worn-out buses and railcars to aging tracks, tunnels, and safety systems — and it’s accelerating fast. Maryland’s county leaders don’t need a report to recognize the warning signs. Deferred maintenance and unstable funding streams aren’t just national concerns — they hit home for counties trying to…

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MDOT Secretary Wiedefeld to Step Down, Biddle Named Acting Secretary

Maryland is entering a period of transition in transportation policy, both in terms of leadership and long-term funding strategy. Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Paul Wiedefeld will step down from his role on August 1. Samantha Biddle, who has served as Deputy Secretary since 2023, will take on the role of Acting Secretary while the State launches a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Secretary Wiedefeld’s tenure marked a…

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Anne Arundel Awarded 750K MDOT Grant for Station Development

Anne Arundel County has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to support the Odenton MARC Station development as part of the new Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.  The Odenton MARC Station is a vital component of the Penn Line Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Strategy Plan, known as a central hub within the community and one of the MARC's busiest commuter rail lines. From the county press release:…

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Montgomery Makes Ride On Free, Reinvests in Service

Montgomery County eliminated all Ride On bus fares on Sunday, June 29. All Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash routes now operate fare-free. Montgomery County made all Ride On buses fare-free starting June 29, 2025. County Executive Marc Elrich proposed the zero-fare policy in his FY 2026 budget, and the County Council adopted it after concluding that replacing outdated fareboxes would cost around $22 million, far outweighing annual fare revenue, which shrank…

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Austin TX Transportation Authority Successfully Tests Autonomous Bus

In May, Austin’s CapMetro successfully tested an autonomous bus, a key step toward more affordable public transit infrastructure. Last month, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, TX, in coordination with the WSP, tested North America’s first fully automated 40-foot electric transit bus. The bus, upgraded to drive itself (Level 4 autonomy), successfully navigated a bus yard on its own, avoiding obstacles, parking precisely, and even starting a charging session under a pantograph without…

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