Maryland

University of Maryland awarded nearly $40M to fund electric shuttle buses

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2023

University of Maryland awarded nearly M to fund electric shuttle buses

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland has been awarded a $39.9 million federal grant to help transition the UM-Shuttle fleet from diesel to electric, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration Tuesday.

The funds will be used to purchase 35 electric buses, charging stations, associated infrastructure renovations, and training for bus drivers and maintenance staff operating and servicing the buses.

UMD’s grant, school officials said, was the largest received by a university in this round of funding.

“This grant award helps fulfill a key presidential priority – advancing our Climate Action Plan goal to become a Net Zero Carbon Neutral campus by 2025,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines in a statement. “I am elated by this award and deeply grateful to our friends in Congress and partners in the community and across the state who helped make it possible.”

The money UMD will receive was awarded through the FY23 Low-No Grants Program, which will provide almost $1.7 billion for transit projects in 46 states and territories.

WMATA announced Monday it’s received a $104 million grant to help the transit authority buy 100 electric buses and convert the Lorton bus garage into a fully electric facility.

That project will also help support Metro’s mission to achieve a 100% zero emissions bus fleet.

“Today’s announcement means more clean buses, less pollution, more jobs in manufacturing and maintenance, and better commutes for families across the country” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

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Maryland

2nd Bird Flu Case Detected At MD Poultry Farm

Published

5 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Press Room

2nd Bird Flu Case Detected At MD Poultry Farm

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, MD — Maryland health officials on Tuesday said a second case of bird flu has been detected in a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County, according to a news release.

The case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza marks the second in less than a week, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The previous case was discovered at a poultry operation in Caroline County, officials said Friday.

The newest case brings the number of affected poultry operations in the Delmarva region to four. Last month, two cases were confirmed in Kent County, Delaware.

Confirmation of the Queen Anne’s County case is pending testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Meanwhile, state officials have since quarantined the affected facilities and birds on the properties were being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system, officials said.

Avian influenza — also known as bird flu — is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, contact with infected poultry, equipment, and the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

The virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

According to the Department of Health, the risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low; however, those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk.

Learn more about avian influenza on the Department of Health’s website.

Residents and poultry producers are asked to report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971; the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877-620-8367; or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

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