Around Maryland

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced $21.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2025, including $10.8 million going toward communities on Delmarva. The funds are derived from the state’s one-time 5% boat registration excise tax – and will go toward public boating access facilities, public waterway dredging and emergency vessels and equipment for first responders.

Delays with the federal financial aid form and student loan debt are top of mind issues for many educators when it comes to financial support in Maryland. The Maryland Center for Collegiate and Financial Wellness hosted its fourth annual virtual symposium Tuesday, where more than 100 education experts discussed financial aid concerns across the state and nation.

Usually, libraries offer more than just free books — you can often find free tools and other educational resources. But this Maryland library wants to teach you how to drive without leaving the building. Earlier this month, the Anne Arundel County Public Library unveiled a new driving simulator at its Annapolis branch, located on West Street. It’s run by a desktop computer and three flat screen computer monitors, tilted to mimic the front and side windows of a car.

A drought watch in Maryland has been expanded to included the western parts of the state, authorities said. The news from the Maryland Department of the Environment comes nearly two weeks after it declared a drought watch for the Eastern Shore, which remains in effect. The new drought watch is based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels for this time of year, state officials said.

Starting in September, Baltimore residents can apply for vouchers to help buy electric bikes under a city pilot program. Through the program “Bike Baltimore Electric,” the city wants to promote environmental sustainability, equitable access to transportation options and transport independence. Submitting an application, however, does not guarantee a voucher.

A multipurpose greenspace in northwest Baltimore has been upgraded with a new playing space on the football field, scoreboard, and playground. The Fields at Pimlico Park is the new name of the greenspace at Pimlico Safety Academy, formerly Northwest Baltimore Academy, on Northern Parkway. City and state officials, community members, and representatives from the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Terps Youth Sports program unveiled the updated space on Monday.

Maryland’s consumer utility watchdog joined the chorus of residents, legislators, environmental advocates and farmers concerned about a plan to build a 70-mile power line through Carroll, Frederick and Baltimore counties. David Lapp, the people’s counsel, wrote a letter voicing his worries to the managers of PJM Interconnection LLC, the utility that manages the power grid infrastructure in Maryland and 12 other states.

Boonsboro, Funkstown and Smithsburg will benefit from the county’s remaining, unallocated, American Rescue Plan funds. The Washington County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to divide $648,592 of the money the county received as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act between capital projects in these municipalities, except for $11,592 the county will retain to maintain its ARPA grant manager until final reporting is complete.

When Fortune magazine announced Tuesday that Silver Spring ranked No. 1 on its list of the 50 best places to live for families in the United States, it just confirmed what longtime resident Fig Ruggieri, 64, already knew. “My favorite part is probably that I’m so close to so much–Baltimore, D.C., being able to walk to the Metro and library and downtown Silver Spring.