[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6332136,"mediaKeyId","2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb","parentId",2308764,"title","Canal Place seeks $28 million River Park; authority reports $8.5 million in grants and plans dam removal work","audioSeconds",255,"startMs",7340000,"endMs",7595000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb&start=7340&end=7595","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb/thumbnail_7340000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6332136/Maryland/Canal-Place-seeks-28-million-River-Park-authority-reports-85-million-in-grants-and-plans-dam-removal-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332136-b5571f066bfed6164516039b7d2f25dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171404&Signature=WjmmWom0D1EyUCLl9VNAua6F-RZrvYU0ucfdY7WiWqITmxn65054uEaArEPVQuTT19Qo98H7OETNdA9AJjl8zulvS6-otcyyGtt0ZZwEVDqwX-itTrLwHYyjRkJcalYvZIY0m0WScxjkohVX8P3GsuVmyE5IGphrNvb25IuQjN7mZnxsoehFXJ-m~zcUCKBq9V0j7HDEW38Orv9sXf3AUUfumPXaNSELZUd5yMWtQ2o-fucOwUKHonexCgWQiehEoRXP04AWLZty2eL-zm7B0F-DwZ9nhCYRMBlnghmr0EQ8VYhBCqdmkO8Pxpzpt4DIZWVp-C9KRcpSb7anApVJBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MGA - APP","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee that its River Park project is advancing: the authority estimates the project at $28 million, has raised roughly $8.5 million in grants, and plans design, sediment testing and dam removal work intended to improve water quality and public access.

Project status and funding: Samuel Quist of the Department of Legislative Services summarized the Canal Place budget, noting the agency’s FY26 operating allowance increases modestly and that personnel and facilities maintenance are the largest operating items. Executive Director Deirdre Ritchie said the authority has hired a Maryland‑based project management firm, issued an RFP for engineering and land‑based amenities (award expected in March), and is rebidding a sediment testing contract after initial bids were too high.

Environmental and economic details: Ritchie said the River Park project includes removal of contaminated sediment in the North Branch of the Potomac River, improving water quality and enabling fish passage. “This project … is also a water quality project because we're gonna be removing contaminated sediment from the North Branch of Potomac River,” Ritchie told the subcommittee. The authority has completed an economic‑impact study that projects more than 1 million additional visitors to Allegany County and more than $41 million in state and local tax impact if the park is completed.

Grants and schedule: Ritchie said the authority has secured about $8.5 million in grant funding to date and received $1.5 million from the state capital budget. She said the authority is pursuing additional grants and hopes to complete permitting and construction by 2028 if approvals proceed as planned.

Ending: The subcommittee accepted the DLS recommendation to concur with the governor’s allowance for Canal Place. Authority leaders asked for continued grant support and said they would return with bid results and permitting updates as the design and sediment testing procurements proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","T&E Committee Session, 2/13/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority told the subcommittee the River Park at Canal Place project has raised $8.5 million in grants, is estimated at $28 million, and includes contaminated sediment removal and fish‑passage work; design and sediment testing procurements are upcoming.","taxTitle","Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, Appropriations Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78565,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6332141,"BWI passenger traffic exceeds pre‑pandemic levels; MAA advances large capital projects and seeks cybersecurity staff",644,5576000,6220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb&start=5576&end=6220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb/thumbnail_5576000.jpg","/articles/6332141/Maryland/BWI-passenger-traffic-exceeds-prepandemic-levels-MAA-advances-large-capital-projects-and-seeks-cybersecurity-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332141-1993bbc40d762f1b84c02054ba5b48ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171404&Signature=J7fpPjbbBeqcAma9ZhmFsFdohXX6JhP3CKcR59hEU6Gj8p7B1dlv5bwod4EQpkCjsOZisoU5D4kHXwHVZXm12p0MJjVAkiBU012E168goIuwhkq42BcoVYqW58JU9VbgVTy81BKkgEWvNUoc1o2usznc-YQx-NT91O2EVjw80BuVdJTXfjqF03Dxt3puZUFkzbsUq4IYHzf6Az19IAIm5yr9KnULojbDibmhXTyP~Q2VAyES6679-X968f-cWXanBns0hKeH7dy8wuRpoKCi-CXQazziVn0oSMhR50MrWkoj2wa4mzTCBKrzaGSU-y6p3uTlNZJ04032Fuz~nOrR2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport has recovered and exceeded pre‑pandemic passenger volumes, the Maryland Aviation Administration told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, and the agency is advancing its largest-ever capital projects while seeking to add cybersecurity staff and pursue solar and community investments.

Passenger and financial snapshot: The Department of Legislative Services reported the MAA fiscal 2026 allowance increases by $14.2 million (6%). The analyst said passenger counts at BWI have recovered and in calendar 2024 BWI recorded more than 27 million total passengers; the cost‑per‑emplaned‑passenger (CPE) metric improved in 2024 versus 2023. The MAA is largely self‑supported by airport revenues and the DLS analysis shows the authority forecasted net income after capital of roughly $22.3 million for FY26.

Capital projects and concessions: MAA executive director Ricky Smith said the AB Connector and baggage‑handling system is the largest capital project in the airport’s history, with major components expected to be complete late this year. The Board of Public Works approved the airport’s major concessions contract shortly before the hearing, DLS noted; the administration said the new 23‑year concession program will refresh and modernize the terminal food, retail and other passenger services. Smith said the new concession language tightens prior ambiguities flagged in a 2023 fiscal compliance audit and that vendors have reimbursed inappropriate charges identified in the audit.

Security and staffing: DLS recommended denying funding for one new operating IT position and suggested reclassification of a vacant pin instead; MAA requested the new position, citing cybersecurity responsibilities. Executive Director Smith said MAA has a 5.4% vacancy rate (about 27 positions) and that the requested IT position will support the administration’s cyber‑security efforts: “security of the nation's critical infrastructure requires focus on both physical security as well as cybersecurity of the state's transportation assets,” Smith said.

Renewables, cargo and workforce needs: Committee members asked MAA about expanding solar at BWI and Martin State; the administration said it is coordinating with MDOT on a systemwide approach to solar and will provide a departmental plan soon. Officials also said cargo volumes have set records after major tenants such as Amazon located operations at BWI; one airport tenant recently won a federal mail contract, boosting cargo activity. Separately, a union representative from ASME Local 174 told the panel that MDOT aviation workers need equipment upgrades and urged directed investments to support safety and service operations.

Ending: Lawmakers asked for follow‑up data on cargo tonnage and community enhancement funding flows and pressed MAA to provide the department’s solar plan and additional detail on cybersecurity staffing and concessions oversight prior to final budget action.","Maryland Aviation Administration officials told the subcommittee that BWI Thurgood Marshall has surpassed 2019 passenger levels, major projects such as the AB connector near completion, cargo and concession initiatives are underway, and the agency requests one IT security position to support cybersecurity work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6332146,"WMATA sees ridership rebound and lower fare evasion but warns of capital funding cliff",2071,3525000,5596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb&start=3525&end=5596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb/thumbnail_3525000.jpg","/articles/6332146/Maryland/WMATA-sees-ridership-rebound-and-lower-fare-evasion-but-warns-of-capital-funding-cliff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332146-eb5354a87e96a193aca287bdad007c9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171405&Signature=I0VWdL93ZEEm-HcA2fEH1mCp8QTLtkpCyi18Bq6uSOl5KqEyFkR8DRiM46iItK8~MUQqy90oRnDEfHqC3L0~QJNJqnu-rr4f10jipHerKHzLC~C9k-xV6XDf~8L~xbzklcYReuR3BJT2B867hVCOc5PATqXW0d2V1d8djJ01L1FUVaml08penzMfuAED-hobOSzUHfuE7KTpjVfVpG6i6iCBefelqeo3V-h9kqm6GifaFUdzXg8TyX~avVJ96eJ0GFv7CLLOWnbFM7nNLbu9kPaH5X6WKD-FVmYjPFO~v7w9nPU8AtMEV4B23jOAxVB9BiV6q792kAF6Q8II2entQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ridership and revenue have rebounded sharply, WMATA officials and the Department of Legislative Services told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, but agency leaders warned that without a regional, dedicated funding solution the system faces a serious capital purchasing‑power shortfall in coming years.

DLS overview and numbers: The Department of Legislative Services reported that Maryland’s operating grant for WMATA rises by about $40 million (6.3%) for fiscal 2026; the analyst also noted the forecast shows larger declines in out years and described a multi‑year capital funding profile that depends on federal, state and debt sources. DLS said WMATA’s 2024 ridership increased by roughly 42 million trips (a 21% increase year‑over‑year) and that fare‑box recovery for rail hit 23% in 2024.

Operational trends and enforcement: Randy Clark, WMATA general manager and CEO, highlighted safety and ridership gains and described reductions in fare evasion: “fare evasion on the rail system is down about 82%,” Clark said, attributing the change to gate sensors, enforcement and public awareness. Clark told the panel WMATA is outperforming its passenger‑revenue budget and expected to raise revenue forecasts at an upcoming board meeting.

Why long‑term funding matters: Committee members and WMATA and MDOT officials described a looming loss of capital purchasing power if dedicated funding is not indexed and sustained. DLS noted the Maryland share of operating and capital support and that the “DMV Moves” regional task force is developing recommendations; Samantha Biddle, deputy MDOT secretary, said that the region must identify predictable, bondable, and sustainable revenue sources. Clark warned that while WMATA has identified roughly $500 million of internal savings in recent years, the system faces a steep fiscal cliff in later years without new dedicated funding.

Service changes and investments: WMATA’s FY26 proposal includes service restorations and improvements — expanded bus routes and frequency in a Better Bus Network redesign and extended rail service patterns — and capital investments across rolling stock, systems and infrastructure. The analyst said Maryland’s proposed FY26 grant differs slightly from WMATA’s proposed budget because WMATA’s final budget approval occurs after the legislative session; MDOT would amend if necessary.

Safety oversight and operational coordination: Lawmakers pressed WMATA on safety after a Metro Safety Commission report flagged incidents where local fire services were not notified quickly; Clark described existing collaboration in WMATA’s control center, noting a fire department captain and police lieutenant are colocated with operations staff and said WMATA is working with the regional safety commission on corrective action. Clark also highlighted national safety metrics and declining crime statistics on the system.

Ending: Committee members asked WMATA and MDOT to share DMV Moves work products and recommended funding proposals with the subcommittee ahead of final budget votes. Labor and rider groups in testimony urged the state and regional partners to adopt a dedicated, sustainable funding stream to protect capital and operating stability.","WMATA officials told the subcommittee ridership and revenues are rising and fare evasion on rail has fallen, but a regional funding shortfall in later years threatens long‑term capital plans; the DMV Moves task force is working on a sustainable funding model.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6332151,"Maryland Public Service Commission cites staffing gaps and rising arrearages as electricity, gas prices climb",1010,704000,1714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb&start=704&end=1714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2308764-98d6a7928437e28c474f3443094c6ccb/thumbnail_704000.jpg","/articles/6332151/Maryland/Maryland-Public-Service-Commission-cites-staffing-gaps-and-rising-arrearages-as-electricity-gas-prices-climb","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332151-4dab890205a9e7a6b47bf65b0bb8c360/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171405&Signature=YIT8MyL-QaFqE9B9-0O6UsjzZuluodZg9FoHDZhh7GZyhRQcXuekmT~SqqHJph4xsgkXjgpO0SCBVXNpgItLvyRtyTOLN27fxVWu67sGZNSkClYw4GFRXunYs0SC94OSEUjtwIl8-MczDGWTV9bu1nbk3DGhfHgzboD0JKrIxkaMWIc-zemCd2AlAuI0eecD8~afxP2Pfk7AdmAh-mTZhBauYKd4p6pUFM5sVzz0-3kiq3NhDZ6cFbXUZ05P2huuhX33QlxyAQxP3c68ty9s6GHqJPhMjuq-If0yrC0acRXRIto2tV0b7x05PlZjjJxP55Eu8kJcSJ2UwlqVEKukcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Service Commission’s operating allowance for fiscal 2026 rises by $1.6 million, but agency leaders told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee that staffing shortages, a backlog of data on residential terminations and arrearages, and implementation of new rules for retail energy suppliers are pressing concerns.

Legislative analyst: The Department of Legislative Services reported that the PSC’s fiscal 2026 operating budget totals $30.2 million, a 5.5% increase from the prior year. Personnel expenses are the largest share, about $23.9 million (79% of the allowance), and the allowance adds funding to support 10 new regular positions. The analyst noted that “as of December 31, 2024, 33 positions were vacant,” and that four of those vacancies had persisted more than a year; 17 vacancies reflect positions created in fiscal 2025 that had not yet been filled.

Why it matters: The PSC regulates utility distribution and customer protections in Maryland. Commissioners and legislators said prolonged vacancies and delayed data reporting limit the agency’s ability to monitor utility terminations and arrearages and to oversee implementation of recent consumer-protection reforms for third‑party retail electric suppliers.

The commission’s chair, Fred Hoover, said recruitment has been difficult for technical positions because the state competes with the private sector and other employers. “A lot of the people that we’re trying to hire are in highly technical and highly competitive positions,” Hoover said, adding that “I’ve actually lost two individuals from the Public Service Commission to the WSSC because they pay better than the state does.”

On arrearages and terminations, the DLS analyst said residential electricity prices in Maryland have risen, noting that the average residential electricity price in September 2024 was 18.4¢ per kilowatt-hour — about 8.4% higher than September 2023 — and that natural gas prices reached seasonal highs in mid-2024. The analyst also said PSC posts monthly termination and arrearage data by utility but that its new data portal has not been updated since May 2024; DLS recommended committee narrative asking PSC to report updated termination and arrearage data.

Hoover described policy work the commission is undertaking to address terminations in very hot weather, saying the panel is “undertaking a complete review of the billing collection and termination policies of all the utilities in the state with a particular focus on what happens during the summertime.” He said the commission is considering requiring utilities to factor heat‑index impacts into termination decisions to protect customers during heat waves.

Third‑party suppliers and SB 1: Committee members pressed the commission about enforcement actions against third‑party retail energy suppliers. Hoover said the legislature passed SB 1 last year to impose stricter consumer protections and a relicensing requirement for suppliers; PSC staff are implementing that law and a relicensing process that Hoover said he expects will remove some suppliers from the market and create a new compliance baseline for consumer protections.

Federal infrastructure funding and projects: The analyst briefed the subcommittee on PSC public conference 56 (PC 56), which requires utilities to file monthly reports describing federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) projects. The analyst noted that the first GRIP award round included $32.5 million to SMECO and that later awards under the GRIP program included grants to Baltimore Gas and Electric, FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison), and Exelon for multi‑state projects. The analyst also noted that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved the first offshore wind project construction and operations plan in December 2024 with an estimated initial commercial operation date in 2029.

What was requested: DLS recommended adopting committee narrative directing PSC to provide updated termination and arrearage data, and legislators asked for a public schedule for when the PSC’s new portal will be live and current. Committee members also asked PSC to explain efforts to fill long‑term vacancies and to provide figures on enforcement recoveries from retail supplier actions; Hoover said he would provide the revenue totals later.

Ending: Lawmakers signaled interest in the PSC’s proposals for targeted protections for customers at higher risk during heat waves, and they requested updated evidence on terminations and arrearages before concluding oversight of the allowance.","Officials told the House Appropriations Committee Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee that the Public Service Commission’s FY26 operating allowance increases, but the agency faces long-term vacancies, delayed arrearage and termination data, and implementation of SB 1 for third‑party energy suppliers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Canal Place seeks $28 million River Park; authority reports $8.5 million in grants and plans dam removal work

BWI passenger traffic exceeds pre‑pandemic levels; MAA advances large capital projects and seeks cybersecurity staff

WMATA sees ridership rebound and lower fare evasion but warns of capital funding cliff

Maryland Public Service Commission cites staffing gaps and rising arrearages as electricity, gas prices climb