An aerial view of the brand new Governor Harry W. Good Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge over the Potomac River. Photograph courtesy of the Maryland Transportation Authority.
As Maryland prepares to demolish the historic Good/Middleton Bridge that connects the southern a part of the state with Virginia over the Potomac River, bicycle advocates are looking for to delay these plans till the completion of an impression research.
The bicycle advocacy teams, which embody Potomac Heritage Path Affiliation, Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Affiliation and Oxon Hill Bicycle and Path Membership, allege in a criticism filed within the U.S. District Courtroom for the District of Maryland that state businesses, together with the Maryland Transportation Authority, violated state and federal environmental overview legal guidelines by altering the mission from its unique conception and failing to review the impression of demolishing the bridge. The teams, who’re asking for a short lived restraining order to halt the demolition, additionally allege that the authority lacks the facility to destroy the bridge beneath environmental legal guidelines.
“Utilizing explosives to demolish elements of the Historic Good Bridge or the rubble from the bridge to create a ‘reef’ has not been evaluated appropriately for the impression on the pure habitat and human setting, together with the taking of endangered species or disruption of their habitats,” the criticism states.
The plaintiffs additionally allege that the defendants by no means thought-about the “cumulative results” of the development plan and the potential demolition of the outdated bridge on human, environmental and historic sources, in addition to on publicly or privately owned landmark websites listed or eligible for inclusion within the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
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The outdated Governor Harry W. Good Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge, which opened in December 1940, is adjoining to the brand new four-lane alternative bridge.
In November 2016, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) promised a pedestrian and bicycle lane can be constructed alongside the brand new bridge’s car lanes amid neighborhood entry issues and to mitigate the impression of destroying the historic bridge.
Nevertheless, in 2019, the Maryland Transportation Authority accredited a bridge plan that excluded the mission’s initially conceived $64 million, 10-foot two-way path.
Final July, U.S. lawmakers requested Maryland Division of Transportation Secretary Jim Ports to delay destroying the historic bridge pending an analysis.
Ports responded that the authority would proceed with its plan.
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The bicycle advocacy teams included of their criticism the Maryland Division of Transportation and Maryland Transportation Authority, in addition to the U.S. Division of Transportation and Federal Freeway Administration for offering “permissions and funding crucial for the mission with out having undertaken or requiring applicable consideration beneath NEPA and the opposite Environmental Assessment Legal guidelines.”
Bridge opening imminent as courtroom units listening to for restraining order on Tuesday.
Plans for the elimination of the historic bridge are transferring shortly, in response to Michael MacWilliams, an legal professional who represents the Maryland defendants.
MacWilliams stated in an e-mail that “mechanical demolition efforts in reference to the outdated bridge are scheduled to begin in earnest on Oct. 13.”
Maryland plans to maneuver site visitors to the brand new bridge the identical day.
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On Tuesday, the courtroom will hear arguments on the restraining order within the U.S. District Courtroom Northern Division in Baltimore at 1 p.m.
In response to the development webpage, the bridge is predicted to open early subsequent 12 months.
The $463 million bridge alternative mission features a $13 million contribution from Virginia.
The alternative bridge will embody 4 12-foot-wide lanes with 2-foot shoulders, a big enlargement in comparison with the historic bridge’s two lanes with no shoulders. The brand new bridge could have all-electronic cashless tolling, a barrier-separated median between west- and eastbound lanes, and 2-foot shoulders permitting for taller ships to move beneath its 135-foot clearance.
David Brickley, president of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Path Affiliation and a former Virginia state delegate, stated Virginia ought to think about partnering with Maryland to create what can be probably the most outstanding bicycle and pedestrian crossing within the nation, clocking in at 1.7 miles.
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The previous lawmaker not too long ago wrote to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and members of his cupboard about contemplating a partnership however stated he felt like “Cinderella speeding in the direction of midnight and making an attempt to save lots of this bridge earlier than it’s too late.”
Virginia and King George County beforehand thought-about taking on the outdated bridge however by no means pursued it.
Marshall Herman, a spokesperson with the Virginia Division of Transportation, stated the company didn’t conduct a research however did have interaction with King George County and bicycle and path teams about their curiosity in retaining and repurposing the bridge.
The teams mentioned the price of common inspection and upkeep, potential points with marine navigation as a result of alignment of the piers, and allow points resulting from federal necessities throughout the Nationwide Environmental Coverage Act.
A consultant from the King George County Administration Workplace directed inquiries to VDOT for questions.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the shortage of curiosity in taking on the construction, Brickley stated Virginia residents have robust curiosity within the bridge’s future.
He pointed to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge as among the finest examples of a bridge with a separate lane for pedestrians and bicyclists. In 1995, Brickley sponsored laws that allowed Virginia to hitch a regional compact for the aim of buying the bridge and changing it.
Brickley stated arguments ensued over eliminating the Wilson bridge’s bicycle and pedestrian lane, a lot as they’ve for the brand new Good/Middleton Bridge. Nevertheless, the lane remained within the mission.
“Now, in case you go as much as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, it’s a improbable bridge for motorists and cyclists and hikers mixed,” Brickley stated. “It’s simply what a bridge within the twenty first century must be about.”
Maryland’s choice to not embody such infrastructure within the new bridge is “unbelievably unhappy,” he stated.
Ensure that your prospective college offers globally recognized credentials if you plan to further your education or practice internationally.
Consider Your Future Goals
Considering your goals when choosing an online college helps you select a program that fits your current needs and prepares you for long-term success.
If you intend to work right after graduation, choose a program that aligns with your desired career path. Look for concentrations or specialized tracks that can provide in-depth knowledge in your field.
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However, if you plan to pursue further education such as a master’s or doctoral degree, ensure that credits from your online college are transferable to other schools. Also ensure that the college’s credentials are globally recognized, if you intend to work or study abroad.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Online colleges in Maryland (particularly private institutions), can be quite expensive, compared to other online schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition and required fees for four-year public schools is $9,750 per year; meanwhile, enrollees in four-year private colleges may pay north of $38,000 per year.
If private university tuition is out of your budget, consider enrolling in a state-owned online school such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, which only requires about $8,000 in annual tuition and fees.
Aside from seeking affordable online programs, here are other ways to fund your college education:
Complete the FAFSA®
Apply for institutional scholarships
Take a private student loan
Enroll in a work-study program
Ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program
BALTIMORE – With a little more than two months until election day, the majority of Marylanders surveyed in the new Gonzales Poll would vote for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for president.
A total of 820 registered voters in Maryland who indicated they are likely to vote in the 2024 general election were queried for the poll by live telephone interviews, utilizing both landline and cellphone numbers between August 24 and August 30.
A cross-section of interviews was conducted throughout the state, reflecting Maryland’s general election voting patterns, the pollster said.
The Gonzales Poll stated that “the margin of error, per accepted statistical standards, is a range of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points and if the entire population was surveyed, there is a 95% probability that the true numbers would fall within this range.”
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Presidential survey
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders surveyed said they would vote for Harris over Trump for president.
According to the latest Gonzales Poll, 56% of Marylanders say they would vote for Kamala Harris over Trump for president.
Gonzales Poll
The poll says 84% of Democrats support the Harris/Tim Walz ticket and 80% of Republicans support the Trump/JD Vance ticket. Also, 83% of Black voters polled would vote for Harris/Walz.
Among the independents, 38% favor Harris/Walz and 36% prefer Trump/Vance, according to the poll.
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Gov. Moore’s approval gets a bump
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who led the state’s response to the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, has the approval of 64% of Marylanders surveyed. Moore has a 35% “mostly soft approval” among Republicans who were surveyed (7% strongly approve, 28% somewhat approve),” the poll shows.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzales Poll in the winter.
His approval rating increased by 33% since the last Gonzalez poll in the winter.
Gonzales Poll
Last month, the governor spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of Harris, who was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
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He framed Harris’ candidacy as “the story of a prosecutor who defended our freedoms and had Maryland’s back when we needed it most. And now MVP: We’ve got yours.”
President Biden’s approval
The Gonzales Poll shows that 53% of Maryland voters surveyed approve of the job President Joe Biden is doing, while 45% disapprove. Seventy-six percent of the Democrats believe Biden is doing a good job in office, and 84% of Republicans disagree.
Gonzales Poll
State transportation and juvenile reform
According to the poll, 95% of Marylanders think it is “important for the State to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure.”
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And, when it comes to juvenile crime, voters were asked, “What type of laws, in your opinion, ultimately better help our children under 18 who commit crimes – Laws that are strict, which include things such as juvenile detention and boot camps. This hold individuals responsible and accountable for their behavior; or Laws that are lenient, which include social programs and counseling. This recognizes that society is responsible for much of this behavior?”
The poll showed that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which hold juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
Gonzales Poll
The poll shows that 58% of Marylanders are in favor of strict laws, which holds juveniles responsible and accountable for their behavior, and only 34% desire laws that are lenient.
“A majority of nearly every demographic group backs strict laws to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and to best assist our juvenile offenders ultimately realize at least a chance at a successful, happy life,” the poll said.
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Is the country going in the right direction?
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
According to the poll, 93% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the right direction are voting for Harris/Walz, and 70% of Maryland voters who think the country is moving in the wrong direction are voting for Trump/Vance.
Fifty percent of Marylanders polled say the country is headed in the right direction, while 45% say the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Gonzales Poll
In the previous poll, 41% of voters said the country was headed in the right direction.
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“The mood of voters in Maryland vis-à-vis how they perceive things overall going in the country is a tad less grumpy than it was in winter,” the Gonzales Poll said.
Adam Thompson
Adam Thompson is a digital content producer for CBS Baltimore.
Proud Montgomery County, MD resident Gavriella Kaufmann (Potomac) won her episode of FOX’s game show “Name that Tune”, which aired last week.
Kaufmann, who was born and raised in Potomac and graduated from Churchill High School in 2015, stated in an interview with FOX 5, that she has always been into music and referred to herself as a music and game show savant. When she saw an ad on LinkedIn about being on season 4 of the game show, she immediately knew she had to do it.
“I’ve loved game shows for as long as I can remember, and music has always been a huge part of my life. Being on Name That Tune was the perfect combination of both passions—it was like a dream come true.” Kaufmann told us.
The episode had a happy ending, with Kaufmann winning a whopping $85,000! She added, “When I was on Name That Tune, I was so focused on doing my best and naming as many songs as possible that I completely lost track of the score. It wasn’t until Jane, the host, told me my total. I was in complete shock, but it was such an incredible moment!”
