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Maryland governor to announce almost $2B for roads and bridges statewide

“This investment not only will move long-awaited highway projects into construction, so that Maryland families and businesses will benefit from safer, smoother roads, but also it will address every single structurally deficient bridge in the state”. Critic argued it would be too expensive and soak up too much money from other needs.

Wearing a green cancer awareness pin and a purple tie, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan officially gave the go-ahead for the Purple Line this afternoon.

GRAPHIC: Katherine Shaver – The Washington Post. “Meanwhile, we look forward to working with the Maryland Transit Administration to ensure that this light rail-line is built quickly and offers the best possible service within these limitations”.

In announcing his favorable decision on the Purple Line project on June 25, Hogan also delivered disappointing news to advocates of a second light-rail project, saying he isn’t endorsing a proposed 14-mi. line in Baltimore.

Read More Here:  http://sentinelrepublic.com/maryland-governor-to-announce-almost-2b-for-roads-and-bridges-statewide/11121/

NRP Issues Upper Potomac River Advisory for Weekend

The Maryland Natural Resources Police is urging boaters and other recreational users to avoid the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, this weekend.

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rains for the region that will lead to a dramatic rise in water levels. At Point of Rocks in Frederick County, forecasters believe the river will rise to 13 feet by Monday morning. Flood stage is 16 feet.

 

Read More Here:  http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2015/06/26/nrp-issues-upper-potomac-river-advisory-for-weekend/

Vacation-home sales heat up in destinations across country

If you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, you aren’t alone.

Vacation-home sales across the country are soaring, mainly for two reasons: Declining prices mean deals are available, and empty nesters are flooding the market.

Baby boomers looking forward to days of leisure are snapping up vacation homes, particularly in beach resorts in the South and the West.

Vacation-home sales rose by 57.4 percent in 2014 compared with 2013 and reached a record high, according to the National Association of Realtors.

……….

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

Deep Creek Lake — which offers boating, fishing and swimming and a mountainous ski resort — is a four-season destination, said Betsy Spiker Holcomb, a real-estate agent with Long & Foster.

“There are price points here for everyone — from under $250,000 for a one- or two-bedroom condo to up to $3 million for a large waterfront home,” Holcomb said. “Right now, the demand is highest for either something small under $350,000 or for a single-family home with four to six bedrooms on the lake with a private dock for two or three boats, which costs between $700,000 and $900,000.”& amp; amp; amp; lt; /p>

Waterfront town houses are also priced around $350,000, she said.

Read More Here:  http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/home_and_garden/2015/06/28/01-vacation-home-sales-heat-up-in-destinations-across-country.html

Boating and PWC Regulations

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Specific Regulations for Deep Creek Lake:

 ·        Boats may not exceed 26 ft. in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 ft.

·        Sirens are not permitted.

·        Houseboats are not permitted.

·        Engines may not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, or total    displacement of 550 cubic inches – whichever is less.

·        Parasailing is not permitted on the lake.

·        Vessels shall be muffled so as not to exceed state noise level limits.

·        No garbage, sewage or other waste materials may be discharged into the lake.

·        Aircraft are prohibited on the lake and buffer strip.

Read More Here:  http://deepcreektimes.com/boatregs.asp

NRP Joining ‘Operation Dry Water’ this Weekend to Nab Impaired Boaters

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As the summer recreational boating season gets into full swing, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will join this weekend with the Coast Guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide crackdown on alcohol- and drug-impaired boaters.

From Deep Creek Lake and the Potomac River, to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, NRP officers take part in saturation patrols beginning Friday, looking for boaters whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08.

The goal of the three-day campaign that combines messages about the dangers of boating under the influence and an increased police presence on the water, aims to drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths due to impaired boating.

“Protecting the public goes to the heart of our mission,” said Col. George F. Johnson IV, NRP superintendent. “Alcohol and drugs can have a profound effect on a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. Operation Dry Water makes it clear that Maryland has no tolerance for alcohol- or drug-impaired boaters.”

Read More Here:  http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2015/06/25/nrp-joining-operation-dry-water-this-weekend-to-nab-impaired-boaters/

"Tremendous" news for Garrett County

CUMBERLAND — Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement Thursday on transportation funding brought good news for a major Garrett County project.

New funding of $90 million will be available for design, right of way acquisition and construction to realigning U.S. 219 north of Interstate 68 and constructing a new interchange at I-68. Pending approval from the Federal Highway Administration, the state will break out the project from the larger U.S. 219 study. Construction would begin in the spring of 2018, according to documents released by the governor.

This is tremendous news for us,” said Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards. “As you all know, this is a project that we have been working on for well over a decade and the fact that the governor has prioritized this financially brings it that much closer to fruition,” said Edwards. Quality infrastructure is key to economic development and interstate highways are the conduit for commerce in America, especially in rural areas, Edwards said.

“This new interstate will provide a north/south corridor to partner with our east/west Interstate 68 with Grantsville as the hub. The economic opportunities here cannot be overstated and will allow all of Garrett County greater access to the markets of the Northeast. This is really regional development, as Allegany County will benefit from this project as well as Somerset County,” Edwards said.

Read More Here:  http://www.times-news.com/news/tremendous-news-for-garrett-county/article_65b1ee64-1b7a-11e5-9608-37206ddffeb0.html

Seasonal Black Bear Sightings Increase in Suburban Areas

While black bears are typically found in western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick counties), sightings in suburban areas are not uncommon this time of year.

In May and June of each year, 1 ½ year-old bears disperse, sometimes more than 100 miles, to find a suitable territory of their own. In recent years, DNR has confirmed black bear sightings in Montgomery, Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, Harford, Cecil, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s counties. Sightings typically peak in late June and early July, but may persist throughout summer months. These juvenile bears, which can weigh anywhere between 65 and 200 pounds, eventually move on to more attractive bear habitat.

DNR advises that black bears may be seen any time of day and are typically not aggressive. Below are precautions and tips when dealing with bear encounters.

Read More Here:  http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2015/06/24/seasonal-black-bear-sightings-increase-in-suburban-areas/#more-8748