Around Maryland

Maryland officials will not have to fully evaluate how a planned replacement for the Francis Scott Key Bridge will affect the surrounding environment, including the Patapsco River, federal officials said this week. The move clears a hurdle that could have delayed an already lengthy rebuild process. The Federal Highway Administration issued the exemption from the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, because the state anticipates the future bridge will share key characteristics of its predecessor — four travel lanes and the same location.

Judging from local wastewater surveillance trends, President Joe Biden has plenty of company in Maryland as he continues to recover this week from his third bout of COVID-19. The state is seeing the biggest spike in COVID levels in its wastewater — or sewage — since early January, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a new plastic film recycling program at the Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center. This initiative lets residents and businesses recycle flexible plastic bags and wraps. These materials require different processing than bottles and containers.

Furry companions and their owners in Baltimore’s downtown are getting a not-so-new, but improved, hang-out spot. New renderings of the Liberty Dog Run from the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore show an attempt at attracting more visitors to the struggling city center. The plan features a large expansion that would change the traffic pattern and introduce a public restroom, retail booth, shaded areas and a security hub.

Brunswick officials on Tuesday discussed Frederick County’s invitation to participate in a program that would secure funds annually for affordable housing and community development projects. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designates certain jurisdictions as Urban Counties, making them eligible for annual Community Development Block Grant funds, which finance programs that benefit low- and moderate-income households.

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.