[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472751,"mediaKeyId","5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942","parentId",5775828,"title","MDOT presents draft six‑year CTP to Caroline County, highlights safety and local breakout projects","audioSeconds",1316,"startMs",170000,"endMs",1486000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942&start=170&end=1486","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942/thumbnail_170000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472751/Caroline-County/Maryland/MDOT-presents-draft-sixyear-CTP-to-Caroline-County-highlights-safety-and-local-breakout-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472751-042a3103c38715f326d7f3c8628b23c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770966228&Signature=J2TTIhyFxiVcFiXCeQsTay7nPKltvk~2Ew19GZ7NAKOQ-eM4v~oMZdL0asftZywaBtsg~KeAq9YEnQ4Kxam3ldCu1Je1Bj9fcGeJJGp3w5gCtqvciv5E68Wr2uvAtKPf~DuuGk71mgJUSHDBBkVKQV-1gyhfEZtEMG2jBZWNOfj1rBGoM61OlfmW9YkACmuCtIWuBN0YRkW~v98CLJgm6GDhRwYMOu1BiUryES~qsH73V7Cvfxfe70wcxm31QDon1zJYxi-vcEdQo28~jEr1rtvdgGvJXk6UETOAZjX~3M1wjBdXddKGANPrV5ftRqtJNeIAbVoReXhBEIqxHioBxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caroline","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Acting Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Samantha Biddle and state transportation officials on Sept. 16 presented Caroline County commissioners with the draft six‑year Consolidated Transportation Program and said it contains investments that cover safety, system preservation and economic growth.

\"The draft CTP includes investments in Caroline County and across the state,\" Biddle said, and described the department's balanced six‑year capital budget as $21,500,000,000 with an increase of nearly $300,000,000 over the prior final CTP. She also said the legislature and governor provided about $400,000,000 in additional transportation revenue that, when paired with federal formula matching, is stretching into roughly $700,000,000 in new annual transportation funding.

The presentation focused on safety projects already completed and planned work in Caroline County. State Highway Administration Administrator Will Pines and district engineer Kenny Bender summarized local accomplishments: approximately $3,000,000 in resurfacing including 3 miles of Maryland 306 and 2.7 miles of Maryland 16, a $3,400,000 replacement of the Maryland 16 bridge over Mill Creek near Denton, and a $1,500,000 safety improvement adding turn lanes and signal phasing at Maryland 328 and Maryland 404.

Why it matters: county officials pressed the state for projects on the county's highest‑priority corridor, Maryland 404, where summer travel and heavy vacation traffic have produced recurring backups and crashes. MDOT officials described a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study of the Maryland 404 corridor now under Federal Highway review; commissioners said the study should identify both major projects and smaller \"breakout\" components that can be advanced sooner.

Local breakout projects MDOT and county staff discussed include signal and phasing changes at the 404/Harmony Road intersection and a split‑phase signal modification at the Double Hills intersection. State engineer Kenny Bender said MDOT has approved a design request to change the signal at Double Hills to split phasing as an initial breakout action, but noted one constraint: the shoulder at the 404 to 16 connection may not be load‑bearing and will require core samples before final configuration changes.

MDOT officials also described an approved, developer‑funded lighted intersection at Maryland 404 and Gay Street in Denton. County leaders asked the state to keep the permit active so the project can proceed if the developer advances the work.

Other agency updates included Maryland Transportation Authority work on Bay Bridge protection and deck replacement and Maryland Transit Administration comments about the role of Delmarva Community Transit. The Maryland Aviation Administration reported statewide aviation grants supporting airport safety projects and an approximately $3,000,000 aviation grant program for runway and apron improvements.

County commissioners thanked MDOT for completed work on River Road and other safety investments and emphasized the county's interest in preserving access to federal bridge and structure funding. Commissioners and MDOT staff agreed to continue coordinating on the PEL study results, breakout project feasibility and bridge‑replacement priorities.

Less critical detail: MDOT staff said highway user revenue funding is preserved through fiscal 2027 under the draft CTP; federal review of the PEL study will determine what corridor breakout projects MDOT and the county can pursue next.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Caroline - Caroline County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Acting Maryland DOT Secretary Samantha Biddle and other MDOT officials presented Caroline County with the agency’s draft six‑year Consolidated Transportation Program, citing a statewide $21.5 billion capital budget and local safety, resurfacing and bridge projects.","taxTitle","Caroline County, Maryland","taxId",61674,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472733,"Caroline County debates flexibility on newspaper of record; publishers urge preserving local journalism",4901,2325000,7226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942&start=2325&end=7226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942/thumbnail_2325000.jpg","/articles/6472733/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-debates-flexibility-on-newspaper-of-record-publishers-urge-preserving-local-journalism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472733-34ae8d194f9e4d41199ae75dbafa123a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770966228&Signature=XduzOdUwik2sTCYo3VL8BfJ2WKmmYuKYqPLFydxbZt9zOkoKXjrEKOjRV-9uqGySuMDpTu32ERz9RnGJyO3E4G1c3ISkNVtSTZ768ocwQmdPzwqdgmgWr442hLp20qo1KbC75QwXEOhXxT4nOSQosZgdnvPGfcKzsakVY9X8o9EAQSDLb~EC8EmhRdL8UmLGVwXdBN3woT4lJfHCgdHqx6O84WKVRp57dcypdYbOPv-A-Pw16RPd6xOXbpX4vO~lG7syMBDO-IGVBYvNx3EQlAAPNuFmVYWT5TUq~N8tKq-RjzsoYFhuYQuf3Oe-O~jQlR7V4YD2ly-BFDKRiB~5yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County commissioners and members of the legislative delegation discussed a proposed request to allow broader use of media outlets for public notices rather than relying solely on the traditional county paper of record.

Commissioners said residents may not subscribe to the current paper of record and asked for flexibility to publish notices in free or digital channels that residents are more likely to see. The proposal would not immediately change the county’s paper of record but would ask the legislature for authority to allow alternative outlets.

During public comment, Erastus Baez, regional president for Adams Publishing, which operates the county’s star newspaper insert and related publications, urged caution. Baez said Adams Publishing and other newspapers already participate in free public‑notice channels and emphasized the company’s local investments and staff presence. He warned that changing the legal definition statewide could undermine local newspapers’ business models.

Debbie Bowden, owner and publisher of carolinereview.news, said her digital publication was launched to provide free local news access and said she would be willing to supply public notices if the county allowed alternative outlets to serve as the paper of record. Both speakers asked to remain part of conversations about how best to provide notice to residents.

Why it matters: statutory requirements for public notice affect how residents learn about government actions and how counties allocate advertising dollars. Commissioners said they want options that reach more residents and reduce costs; publishers cautioned that changes must be crafted to preserve local journalism and archiving of notices.

Next steps: one delegate said he would meet with a press‑lobbyist next week and explore whether the request should be pursued as a Caroline‑only measure or as a statewide bill. Commissioners asked publishers to provide circulation and reach information to inform a legislative decision.","County commissioners and state delegates discussed a proposed change to allow alternate media outlets for official public notices; two publishers spoke during public comment urging caution and offering local solutions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":79,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":82,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472738,"Caroline County, delegation review county legislative priorities: parks, wastewater, highway user revenue and cannabis tax guidance",1791,4116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942&start=2325&end=4116","/articles/6472738/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-delegation-review-county-legislative-priorities-parks-wastewater-highway-user-revenue-and-cannabis-tax-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472738-8947cf7e2a2436bd57379f7b9f87a724/orig.mp4?Expires=1770966228&Signature=Mm0amujejH3WiV8gmGC6Hil-r2wzvlRzFIFQePq1B8rj6C0gclUqfMyvQebTdNPX0VwPEHKzHzMecxRyOwGH1BBVn6Q15kVvlDnuW0nvnq9aSJgYiN~DaDR0bKXwGH0SxSEsFUxEpGGEZUfXKK0hutpKCcV6X78GulNqx4fuTX1vQDOow4NNRzIiqIEvELwHhtKC1gPFDXH5PlblMxZe7IVKiRFYNRmOr4Wbn9QXTKBubvNOcik64tVVhKW6ZECV~KtJGwK1kPBw4pCj1zs8~kYVrApLPKttbBf5O1O45lZUSK82tNxuSBTjxTTLWOQ2UMOLn4IZdfYO8qk9nQx2qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County commissioners and their state legislative delegation met during the Sept. 16 meeting to review the county’s proposed state legislative requests and related funding issues. The discussion covered municipal bond bill requests, program funding restorations, and several county budget and revenue concerns.

County requests discussed included: a bond request to modernize Denton’s wastewater treatment plant (including a sludge press), a municipal bond proposal for Sharp Road park expansion and new playgrounds and fields (the town reported a current DNR grant of about $300,000 toward an estimated $1 million playground), and continued support for highway user revenue funding and state bridge and structure programs.

Commissioners asked the delegation to press for restoration of funding for the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (referred to in the meeting by its acronym) and to support county access to federal bridge dollars. County staff noted many county structures are nearing end of life and said federal assistance will be essential to replace or preserve county bridges.

Delegation members also updated commissioners on state budget shifts: several rural programs saw large cuts in the governor’s proposals; a police accountability grant to the county was noted as being cut roughly in half after a county application for $110,000 was awarded $55,000; and the delegation referenced shifts of several responsibilities and costs to counties, including portions of teacher retirement costs. Commissioners said these changes complicate county budgeting.

The group discussed cannabis sales tax revenue that the state collects and allocates to local jurisdictions. County staff said Caroline has received approximately $800,000 in cannabis‑related allocations that are being held in a separate fund while state guidance on eligible uses and geographic designations (disproportionately impacted areas) is awaited. County staff asked the delegation for clarity on rules that would allow the county to deploy those funds.

Other topics briefly discussed included early Head Start in Caroline and Cecil counties, the status of a proposed DHS building (county staff said the project has not yet gone through state Department of Public Works review), and program open space flexibility that previously allowed Caroline County to use acquisition funds for park development.

Why it matters: the meeting reflected county priorities for state funding, highlighted shortfalls in grants and program support for rural jurisdictions, and flagged guidance gaps (cannabis revenue allocations) that prevent counties from spending funds already in hand.","County leaders and state delegates met Sept. 16 to review bond requests and legislative asks including wastewater plant upgrades in Denton, Sharp Road park improvements, restoration of Rural Maryland Prosperity program funding, highway user revenue, and outstanding guidance on cannabis sales tax allocations.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472743,"Caroline County holds public hearing on bill to create Compensation Review Commission; comments left open through week",175,6612000,6787000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942&start=6612&end=6787","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942/thumbnail_6612000.jpg","/articles/6472743/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-holds-public-hearing-on-bill-to-create-Compensation-Review-Commission-comments-left-open-through-week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472743-b0aaf6c811775896aeea1d049cb2bfd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770966228&Signature=C8xDYSOwiyJDX3Ua~Xa3wpMmoRcQvDdGtCClyWJi1MIiDvvGI3P4ksq~Sfira3k1YDgiBW7GLBMpmnaoHra7cB02PoAIZ9MgXRr0lvNdh9ZnsZH1gDnVgdjhNVNBgOCPoIbt~yKapjdL8B9blFnW1HqAUUGllTByjMKL5tB-lJt8JB-QNA~Z7Jp4xsjvDABlLzJr0wA83~x~wv8qaJqCKw2kaMAiHBezGhxyWxv1NKKP0e-Bc~Gtahv87fIY6qJO3Oq9VRojs7KYu69gbuco5IOY3v5WqyMcPd6cTxDjNu6tonGq-ca6IqcVWUsvdzWK1kSrH8laHMtOtfJ-ZMoLTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County commissioners held the second reading and public hearing on Legislative Bill 2025‑009 on Sept. 16, a local act \"to repeal and reenact with amendments\" the county compensation provisions and to create a Compensation Review Commission to study county commissioner pay and allowances.

County Attorney Stuart Barrell read the published notice of public hearing, including instructions for written comments and accommodations for people with disabilities. The commission reported no in‑person testimony at the hearing but had multiple people signed up for the meeting later for general public comment.

The commissioners voted to open the public hearing and then to leave the record open for additional written or emailed public comment through the end of the week. A motion to continue receiving public comment on Legislative Bill 2025‑009 until the following Friday passed by voice vote; no roll‑call roll of members was recorded in the transcript for that motion.

Afterward, the commissioners moved to close the public hearing and closed the legislative session for the bill’s second reading. No final vote on the bill was recorded at the meeting; commissioners instructed staff to accept comments through the stated deadline.

Why it matters: the bill would create an appointed Compensation Review Commission to undertake a comprehensive study and recommend compensation levels for county commissioners. Commissioners opened the process to public comment and left the record open to ensure residents and stakeholders can submit written testimony before the board acts further.

Procedural details: the notice stated the hearing location (Room 11, HAPS Building, 403 South Seventh Street, Denton), an email address for written testimony (info@carolinemd.org), and a published date (Star Democrat, Sept. 13). The commissioners explicitly extended the public comment window and then closed the public hearing and legislative session for that bill.","The board conducted the second reading and public hearing for Legislative Bill 2025‑009 to create a county Compensation Review Commission and voted to leave the public comment period open through the end of the week.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472748,"Caroline County officials press for clear fire‑safety and permitting standards for battery energy storage",511,2587000,3098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942&start=2587&end=3098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5775828-81171032ef10afc80d6dae39b8714942/thumbnail_2587000.jpg","/articles/6472748/Caroline-County/Maryland/Caroline-County-officials-press-for-clear-firesafety-and-permitting-standards-for-battery-energy-storage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472748-d84941083f8eb1d01a685416b421c05e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770966228&Signature=YeIP0sex2wmUk1-NV64HdlsRbOwH~6qVegORWVyH~TBGw2EKj~Sb21tPbxsAfflqlMXFct7kEpKmF2KIVILlKJBIP89STw2B5uIjKcImDAj4E4auBo~Eo0oP3EmU8FOW9wioIWk1BXx61leOSo1nFYnpnPJ13EQ6y5vOwI7HRPUqEy5taIvcCMDN3nkcgRCyiirPz-duN3oYXVbyDgeRYwF9iFRQvRju0U8S05DsYLcx8M2gNysytbH8Cp4CSmRfqEuA4G~zmMQUUfuqV7Ou2WIlNEcHVl0r3wGPrN7VfgNwMvkDsK64bgVOkgPoCpek0fcnA0veGNs-omv1o39QiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caroline County commissioners and members of the county’s legislative delegation spent an extended portion of their Sept. 16 meeting discussing safety and permitting concerns tied to solar photovoltaic projects that include battery energy storage systems (BESS).

A county official said the county is \"completely baffled\" by the current state of safety standards and asked for clear, enforceable permitting requirements and a tactical review by local fire departments. The speaker emphasized that volunteer fire companies face resource constraints and said the county will not allow facilities to move forward without measures to assure first‑responder safety.

Delegates and county leaders cited the National Fire Protection Association code NFPA 55 and a Public Service Commission rulemaking (RM85) that county participants said adopted some version of NFPA 55. County officials said they were uncertain what language was adopted and whether waivers or amendments exist in the PSC action; they asked staff to confirm the PSC’s final rule language.

\"We don't know what it says,\" one commissioner said of the NFPA text as applied in permitting, and added county governments must determine both what will be inspected and who will fund necessary equipment and training for fire companies.

Delegates present encouraged using permitting conditions to require safety measures and discussed the possibility of impact fees aimed at land preservation or to cover first‑responder needs. Several legislators and county officials warned that a fee paid by developers can ultimately be passed through to utility ratepayers and may not address the immediate equipment and training shortages facing volunteer companies.

County officials said they will make permitting requirements strict and are considering requiring proof of specific suppression or mitigation technologies before issuing county permits. Commissioners said the county plans to press for state support and legislative attention to clarify inspection, enforcement and funding responsibilities.

Why it matters: county leaders said the technology is evolving, fire suppression methods for lithium‑ion battery fires are still developing, and local fire companies need training and equipment now. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized they will not authorize BESS projects without clear safety assurances for firefighters and nearby residents.

Next steps discussed included confirming the PSC rule text and any waiver language; having the State Fire Marshal or county inspection agency clarify what will be required and inspected; and exploring funding mechanisms, including possible permit conditions, impact fees, or state grants to buy specialized suppression and protective equipment for volunteer fire departments.","Commissioners and local legislators discussed safety standards, NFPA 55 adoption, first‑responder training and possible permitting conditions after concern about utility‑scale battery energy storage systems was raised during the Sept. 16 delegation meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MDOT presents draft six‑year CTP to Caroline County, highlights safety and local breakout projects

Caroline County debates flexibility on newspaper of record; publishers urge preserving local journalism

Caroline County, delegation review county legislative priorities: parks, wastewater, highway user revenue and cannabis tax guidance

Caroline County holds public hearing on bill to create Compensation Review Commission; comments left open through week

Caroline County officials press for clear fire‑safety and permitting standards for battery energy storage