Maryland
President Biden to visit Port of Baltimore, announce $147 million in funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Government is sending Maryland $800,000 in new funding byway of the Inflation Reduction Act.
It’s going towards the state’s Trespassing Safety Study.
The project aims to assess trespassing incidents on active railroads across the state.
With the funding the study would develop data-driven approaches for reducing injuries and fatalities associated with trespassing on railroad property.
The Maryland Department of Transportation will contribute 20 percent.
While a majority of the federal grants are infrastructure based, some money is dedicated to addressing rail workers and maintaining the nation’s rail networks through new apprenticeship programs, expanded training opportunities, and enhanced research in partnership with universities.
The announcement comes ahead of the President’s Tuesday visit to the Port of Baltimore, where he will introduce an additional $147 million in federal money to push towards a zero emissions facility.
According to the Biden administration, the money could help support over 2,000 jobs.
When it comes to tipped individuals, employers are required to pay at least $4 per hour and ensure that the total tipped amount and hourly pay match the county’s minimum wage standards.
Gas Prices To See Slight Spike
A release issued by the Comptroller of Maryland states the gas tax will increase to 46.6 cents per gallon, a roughly six-tenths bump from current levels. For diesel fuel, drivers will see taxes jump to 47.5 cents per gallon.
The spike, which is in addition to the federal tax that amounts to 18.4 cents per gallon, marks the first increase in two years for the state.
Excusing Students For Civic Engagement
Each of Maryland’s county school boards must include provisions that allow for an excused or discretionary absence for any student participating in civic engagement activities, which range from providing testimony to meeting with lawmakers and taking part in a Maryland General Assembly program.
Free Menstrual Hygiene Products
All higher education institutions with on-campus housing will be required to provide free menstrual hygiene products in health centers on or before Aug. 1, 2028.
MONTGEOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Rescue crews were searching early Thursday morning for a person reported missing in the Potomac River near Great Falls Park in Montgomery County, Maryland.
A spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said a swift water team was called to the Great Falls Park/Potomac River area for a missing person in the water around 6:15 a.m. Initial reports indicated the missing person was with a group when he entered the water and did not resurface.
SEE ALSO | DC closes parts of Potomac, Anacostia waterways for Fourth of July security
Swift water teams were actively searching the area.
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Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved the state’s $48.5 million purchase of Laurel Park Race Track.
The acquisition was part of the $383 million state spending that was approved by the board on Wednesday.
State leaders say the investment in the horse track will be vital for the future of horse racing in Maryland, which also owns historic Pimlico Race Course.
The state’s acquisition of Laurel Park was delayed in May after a legislative committee requested a cost-benefit analysis and a 45-day review period. Laurel had previously been slated for demolition.
Maryland’s Stadium Authority approved the plan to buy Laurel Park and redevelop it into a “best-in-class horse training facility,” the governor’s office said in April.
“These investments reflect our commitment to building a stronger Maryland by supporting the infrastructure, institutions, and community resources that residents rely on every day,” Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman said. “By investing in projects that strengthen our economy, we are making sure Maryland remains a great place to live, work, and do business.”
Horse racing’s future in Maryland
Laurel Park Race Track hosted the 151st Preakness Stakes in May, as Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore undergoes renovations.
The state purchased Pimlico in 2024 in a transfer of ownership to renovate and turn the race course into the permanent home of Maryland’s thoroughbred racing.
Pimlico will open back up for the Preakness Stakes in 2027. The goal is to make Pimlico a year-round facility and host more than 100 racing days each year.
The redevelopment includes renovating the track surface and grandstand, adding additional stalls and a new training track, as well as redeveloping the surrounding Park Heights neighborhood.
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