Dear friends,
We’re making incredible progress against COVID-19, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Howard County leads the state with our vaccination efforts. As of 9:00 a.m., 76.7% of Howard County residents 12+ have received at least one dose and 63.5% are fully vaccinated. Our vaccination efforts have made an incredible impact on the spread of COVID-19 in our community, with the lowest metrics since the beginning of the pandemic.
To date in Howard County, we’ve had 19,313 cases of COVID-19 and 239 deaths. As of 9:00am today, our 7-day average positivity rate is 1%, the lowest since we’ve begun tracking this metric and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 2.89. There are currently 6 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care unit.
All residents 12+ are now eligible to receive a vaccine. To schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at a mass-vax site in Maryland, including the site at the Mall in Columbia, please visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-634-6829. Residents may also schedule with the Howard County Health Department at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or by calling 410-313-6284. Be sure to check out the clinic schedule, there are many smaller pop-up clinics in the coming weeks at local businesses, community centers, and more. Please note, many of our local sites are now offering walk-up appointments.
StayCOVIDSafe by getting vaccinated today and encourage family and friends to get their shots too – let’s get back to normal, together.
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50% of Residents Vaccinated
On Wednesday, Howard County became the first jurisdiction in Maryland to have 50% of its residents fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the Maryland Department of Health. We're making incredible progress on our path back to normalcy.
Let's get vaxxed and put this pandemic in our rearview mirror once and for all. Read the report in the Baltimore Sun here. |
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Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
The FDA and the CDC approved the Pfizer vaccine for our youth ages 12 to 15. We are pleased to provide our Pfizer vaccine clinics for our youth. Appointments are available on first-come, first-serve basis. All youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who should bring a form of identification as a consenting adult.
While appointments are recommended, walk-up is also available while supply lasts. Please note, appointments will confirm that you (or your child) receives a vaccine. Walk-up vaccine is also available for those who previously missed their second dose appointment.
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
PFIZER (12+)
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
Moderna (18+)
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
PFIZER (12+)
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel, MD 20723
Moderna (18+)
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
PFIZER (12+)
Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045
Moderna (18+)
Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum
12985 MD-144, West Friendship, MD 21794
Moderna (18+)
North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel, MD 20723
Moderna (18+)
Howard Hills Townhomes
8800 Howard Hills Dr., Savage, MD 20763
Moderna (18+)
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
PFIZER (12+)
Howard Community College
4950 Campus Dr., Columbia, MD 21044
PFIZER (12+)
For more information, and to register for an appointment, please click here. |
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Mass Vaccination Site - Mall in Columbia
The State mass vaccination site at the Mall in Columbia is providing the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday – Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Walk ups are available as supply allows and appointments guarantee that you (or your child) will receive a vaccine.
Let's stay safe and get vaccinated!
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Play-for-All Playground - Now Open!
Howard County is home to the best parks, and this new addition at Blandair is a testament to our commitment to ensure our public spaces meet the needs of our community. I was so pleased to join Howard County Recreation and Parks and many of our friends to open the third phase of Blandair Regional Park, which includes the state-of-the-art, play-for-all playground.
As we turn the corner of the pandemic, we look forward to welcoming families, neighbors, and friends to gather, play, and enjoy this incredible space for generations to come. Here is a unique view of the new playground, and I encourage our youngest residents to visit soon!
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Celebrating Independence Day!
Summer in Howard County is special, marked by family events, activities, and the longstanding Howard County tradition of 4th of July fireworks at the Columbia Lakefront. Over the years, families have staked out their spots with blankets, gathered with neighbors and friends, and enjoyed the show.
Last year, we made the tough decision to cancel the fireworks amid high COVID-19 cases and the risk of spreading a deadly virus. Due to the incredible progress Howard County has made to vaccinate our residents and significantly reduce the spread of the virus, we can enjoy this lakefront tradition and spectacular display of fireworks with our family and friends again this year.
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Launching Our New Website
Today, we unveiled Howard County Government's newly developed website, designed to be “everything friendly.” On any device, be it mobile, PC or tablet, to any browser, such as Safari, Edge, or Chrome, our new site is designed to respond to the ever-changing needs of a resident on the move.
In the development of the new site, we also prioritized making important content easier to find for residents, businesses, and visitors. By organizing information in ways that make sense for users, visitors to our new site can easily navigate through the many services available, as well as find the most popular information right on our homepage. Our newly redesigned site provides a modern experience and provides a consistent style to allow users to find information across departments and pages.
Check out our new website by clicking here. |
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Housing Opportunities Master Plan
It is so critical that we expand opportunities for homeownership and help more families realize their American dream. We know that living in a diverse community with a full spectrum of housing affordability and opportunity benefits all of us, and a commitment to that full spectrum of housing opportunities will help us build a county that reflects our values for current and future generations.
We’re thrilled to unveil the completed Housing Opportunities Master Plan, and the next big steps we’re taking to make sure that our community is accessible and affordable for more people who want to call Howard County home. I want to thank our Housing Opportunities Master Plan Task Force for their time and effort in putting this plan together, and I want to especially thank the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development.
Read the Master Plan here. |
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Resurfacing our Roads
In Howard County, all our roadways are inspected once every two years. Based on mileage and life expectancy, our county needs to repair about 71 miles each year, which costs $200,000 per mile.
In my proposed FY22 budget, I requested $10 million to start the process of catching up and getting our roads on a regular maintenance schedule. We all deserve safe and reliable infrastructure and this investment will help our community thrive.
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Howard County Progress Op-Ed
If we can reach more of our neighbors and encourage them to get their vaccinations, our summer will look more like normal. We can gather with our neighbors for the Fourth of July, enjoy concerts at Merriweather, and live our daily lives without the fear of spreading COVID-19 to our friends and family.
Like many of our Howard County parents, students and educators, I’m looking forward to our children and educators safely returning to our school buildings full-time this fall. To guarantee a more normal school year this fall, we all need to get vaccinated.
I encourage you, if you haven't already, to read my full commentary in the Howard County Times here. |
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Total Residents 65+ Vaccinated
Howard County is currently leading the State with 86.5% of residents age 65 and older who are fully vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. We remain committed to ensuring our most vulnerable populations, including older adults, receive the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.
We will continue to StayCOVIDSafe by working together. To schedule an appointment with the State, please call 1 (855) MD-GOVAX.
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Business Certification Workshop
Local and minority businesses are pivotal drivers in our economy. In order to foster a climate that encourages economic opportunities for local and minority businesses, creates a thriving local economy, and stimulates economic development within the County, Howard County Government has established a Local Business Initiative program and Equal Business Opportunity program.
Howard County is committed to creating a competitive and balanced economic environment within the County by ensuring community growth through these programs. This certification workshop on Monday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m. will highlight many of the benefits of registering as a local and/or minority-owned business as well as provide insightful information on small business programs and contracting opportunities with Howard County Government.
To register, please email LocalOutreach@Howardcountymd.gov
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HoCo RISE Business Grants - LAST DAY
During the past year, our small local businesses have pushed forward through extraordinary circumstances and unforeseen obstacles, and the very least we can do is continue to provide additional support and funding to ensure they can thrive as we emerge from this pandemic.
Today is the LAST day for businesses to apply for the 4th round of HoCo RISE Business Grants. Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. tonight, Monday, May 24th. I encourage our small businesses to apply as soon as possible here.
As we’re getting vaccinated and are more comfortable doing the things we love, be sure to visit our small businesses and support your old favorites or try something new.
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COVID-19 Resource Updates |
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Older Adults Resource Guide
We know how difficult this past year has been for our community, and there is a lot of hope on the horizon that we will be able to gather together again soon. It's more vital than ever that we make sure our older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities have the support and connections they need to thrive.
Our Office on Aging and Independence has compiled a free resource guide for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers that includes information about aging in place, housing, and health & wellness.
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Mobile Testing Sites
Our Mobile Testing sites are now open from noon through 7:00 p.m. These mobile sites are more accessible to our community, provide quick test results, and improve our ability to contain COVID-19. 15-minute rapid testing and 24-hour PCR testing is available to residents at no cost at each of these five locations:
- Long Reach Village Center
- North Laurel Community Center
- Recreation and Parks Headquarters
- The Elkridge 50+ Center
- Normandy Shopping Center
Please StayCOVIDSafe and get tested!
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Mortgage Relief for Residents
We are proud to announce a new foreclosure prevention program with $1.4 million supported through pandemic assistance funding. Residents impacted by COVID and not able to pay their mortgage payments should contact the Department of Housing and Community Development to complete an application for mortgage assistance. Applications are available here.
Residents with pending or approved forbearance plans with their mortgage lender are eligible to apply for assistance. Please note, the moratorium on filing of Notices of Intent to Foreclose also ends on 3/31.
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Department of Community Resources and Services |
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State Plan on Aging Virtual Town Halls
Let your voice be heard! Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is encouraging residents to take part in the Maryland Department of Aging’s upcoming State Plan on Aging Virtual Town Halls.
Spread out this week and next, the Maryland Department of Aging will host three, identical Town Hall meetings – the first on Wednesday, May 26th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the second on Thursday, May 27th from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and the third and final on Tuesday, June 1st from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. – to gather public comment on its draft State Plan on Aging: 2022-2025. The Plan will provide the State with a framework to develop programs, activities and services for Maryland’s older adults.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/MDOAVirtualTownHall or call 410-767-4170. In addition to participating in one of its Town Hall events, you can also submit comments by mail, email or online to the Maryland Department of Aging. To find out how, click HERE.
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Stay Active, Try Something New this May with OAI
While Howard County's 50+ Centers and fitness equipment rooms have reopened, with limited, in-person services for all our OAI 50+ Centers, OAI continues to offer its monthly Virtual Offering Guides to help Howard County older residents stay active and engaged from the comforts of their homes. Activities range from exercise and cooking classes to social engagement and lifelong learning classes. To learn about the virtual offerings OAI has going on this month, check out its the May Virtual Offering Guide, available online now. for a list of this month’s offerings. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services |
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Stop the Bleed, Safe a Life, Learn How You Can be the Difference
This past Thursday was National Stop the Bleed Day and in honor of the day, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) reminded residents that by learning just a few simple hemorrhage control techniques, you too can learn how to effectively slow blood loss and help save a life. According to the team at National Stop the Bleed Day, approximately 40 percent of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, with the average bleed out time at two to five minutes. Unfortunately, a person's survival following a severe injury dramatically decreases with uncontrolled hemorrhage (severe bleeding). That said, hemorrhage remains the single biggest cause of PREVENTABLE death among trauma patients.
To learn how you can help save a life, visit DFRS’ www.howardcountymd.gov/stopthebleed website today to learn more about stopping the bleed and for a list of its upcoming FREE bleeding control courses. For questions and/or more information, call 410-313-2016 or email outreach@hcdfrs.org.
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Youth Invited to Learn What it Takes to be a Firefighter at 1st Alarm Fire Camp
Don’t forget, the deadline to submit an application for DFRS’ 2021 1st Alarm Fire Camp is by next Monday, May 31st. Hosted by the St. Florian's Brigade, the 1st Alarm Fire Camp is geared towards youth interested in learning more about the fire service and what it takes to become a firefighter. Campers will take part in a burn demo, CPR training, obstacle courses, running emergency scenarios and more, all while focusing on team building and developing life skills.
This year's camp will take part in two separate, one-day sessions based on age group:
- Ages 8 to 11: Saturday, July 10th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Ages 12 to 14: Saturday, July 17th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Howard County Health Department
Request COVID-19 Vaccination Records
Misplaced your COVID-19 Vaccination Card? Never fear! You can easily request your vaccination records the Maryland Department of Health’s “Maryland MyIR” website. Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows residents to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.
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Department of Housing and Community Development |
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Housing Opportunities Master Plan and New Affordable Housing Initiatives Unveiled
Here in Howard County, we are experiencing a very high demand for housing, a demand that is outpacing the supply of available housing and in turn, disproportionately impacting lower income households. Currently, just nine percent of housing in Howard County is affordable to households making less than 60 percent of area median income, or approximately $70,000 per year for a family of four. In addition, most for-sale housing in Howard County is not available to households making less than 120 percent of area median income, or approximately $145,000 per year. To combat this growing problem, last week I announced the completion of the County's Housing Opportunities Master Plan and unveiled new affordable housing initiatives, the next big steps the County is taking to ensure Howard County is accessible and affordable for more people who want to call it home. To find out more, click HERE.
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Office of Human Resources |
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Applications Now Being Accepted for County Apprenticeship Program
WE ARE HIRING! First announced in 2018, our Office of Human Resources is once again accepting applications for the County's Apprenticeship Program, specifically for Apprentice/Electrician and Apprentice/Plumber. A joint apprenticeship program registered with the Maryland Department of Labor, this four-year program provides participants the opportunity to earn 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and paid tuition to a trade school in exchange for a commitment to remain employed with Howard County Government for at least two years after completion of the program. Program participants are considered full-time County employees and are eligible for all the benefits. To learn more and/or to submit an application for this great program, I encourage you to visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty today.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity |
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Nominations Sought for 2021 Human Rights Commission Awards
The Howard County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its 2021 Human Rights Commission Awards, which honors individuals (students and adults) and organizations that have made significant contributions to eliminating or eradicating discrimination, while advancing human and civil rights in Howard County. This year’s theme, “We Are More; Uplifting the Human Spirit,” speaks to the need for us to come together as a human family to create a better life for all people. Nomination forms can be found online HERE or you can request a paper copy be mailed to you by contacting our Office of Human Rights and Equity at 410-313-6430 or email hrc@howardcountymd.gov. The nomination deadline is August 15, 2021.
This year’s winners will be recognized at the 2021 Human Rights Commission Awards Ceremony on October 19th at the Howard County Conservancy.
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Private Animal Shelters Animal Control Registration
Protecting animals is Howard County Police Department’s Animal Control Division is reminding Howard County, new legislation goes into effect Sunday, June 6th, requiring private shelters now be registered with Animal Control to ensure an appropriate standard of care. Private shelters are defined as a non-governmental facility for domesticated animals (not including livestock and poultry) for the purpose of re-homing, rehabilitation or permanent housing. The goal is to ensure all domesticated animals in Howard County are receiving adequate care and oversight. Starting on the 6th, private shelters will be required to renew their registrations annually and can start the registration process by clicking HERE.
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Applications Still Being Accepted for HCPD’s P.L.E.D.G.E. Summer Leadership Camp
Rising Howard County 9th graders, have you applied yet for HCPD’s P.L.E.D.G.E. (Pride, Leadership, Education, Diversity, Growth, Evaluation) Summer Leadership Camp? This FREE, one-week day-camp that helps rising 9th graders develop leadership skills prior to entering high school. Lessons and activities challenge campers’ ability to make critical decisions, focus on core beliefs and values, recognize diversity and work toward a common goal. This year’s P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp will run July 19th through July 23rd and July 26th through July 30th. To apply, click HERE; applications are due by next Tuesday, June 1st.
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Office of Procurement and Contract Administration
Local and minority businesses interested in doing business with Howard County Government, I invite you to join our Office of Procurement and Contract Administration on Monday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m. for its "Business Certification Workshop," where participants will learn about the Office's Local Business Initiative and Equal Business Opportunity programs and upcoming contracting opportunities with the County. To register and/or for more information, email localoutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Public Works
New Cut Road is Open
In case you missed the announcement, Ellicott City’s New Cut Road has reopened! The roadway closed following the Ellicott City flood of 2018 after portions of the stream bank and roadway collapsed. Repairs to the road included the construction of two retaining walls and regrading work to stabilize and strengthen the area between New Cut Road and the New Cut tributary. Also, upon completion of the stabilization, the entire area was reforested to the maximum extent practical with a variety of native plants and trees. The project also provided an opportunity to replace and reinforce a water main stream crossing that needed repair.
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Caution, WET PAINT!
REMINDER: Every spring and summer, as weather permits, our Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe. As painting season has begun, DPW is URGING motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:
- NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
- NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
- DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and
- if parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.
If you have questions and/or for more information, feel free to contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report
To learn about DPW projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.
If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) “Project Portal” website.
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Department of Public Works Bureau of Environmental Services
Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect Next Week
Don’t forget Howard County, the Memorial Day holiday is one of the six holidays that affects County provided curbside trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim collection. As a result, there will be no Monday collection on May 31st due to the holiday. The County's holiday "slide schedule" will therefore be in effect the week of Memorial Day, with Monday's pickup sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday and so forth.
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Commercial Landfill Permit Update
In case you missed it, commercial account holders and contractors at Alpha Ridge Landfill must pay for disposal fees at the scale house for each transaction. While credit card is preferred, cash and checks will be accepted. The only accounts that will be billed will be those with an active credit account and deposit on file. For a credit card application, please see the “Commercial Permits” tab on DPW’s Alpha Ridge Landfill website. Finally, billing for April 2021 charges and other previous billing must be paid by next Monday, May 31st. For questions, for more information and/or to speak to someone further, contact DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 and/or email landfillpermits@howardcountymd.gov.
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Construction and Demolition Fees Set to Resume at Alpha Ridge Landfill
Heads up! Beginning next Tuesday, June 1st, our Bureau of Environmental Services will resume collecting Construction and Demolition (C&D) fees at its Alpha Ridge Landfill. At the end of March of last year, DPW suspended its collection of C&D fees in order to reduce transactions at the Landfill’s scale house as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension eliminated residents’ and staff’s need to handle cash, checks or credit cards. However, with greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission and the growing vaccination rate of County Government employees and county residents, the suspension is being lifted.
Items considered C&D debris include cabinets, shingles, drywall, lumber, fencing, carpet, stone, brick, block, soil and other materials generated during construction or demolition. Starting June 1st, residents looking to dispose of these items at the Landfill, will once again be directed to the scales for weights and payments. The cost to dispose of C&D debris at the Landfill is $4.00 per 100 pounds for cabinets, shingles, drywall, lumber, fencing and carpet and $5.00 per 100 pounds for stone, brick, block, soil and other materials generated by construction or demolition.
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Maryland State Highway Administration
MD 103 Roadway Surface Improvement State Highway Project
Cones, signs, barrels and arrow boards will be in place to alert motorists of the road work and guide them through the work zone. Flagging operations will also be in place as lane shifts can be expected.
SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.
For more information about this project, click HERE and/or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.
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State Highway MD 32 Resurfacing Project
Additionally, as previously shared, SHA has also begun a resurfacing project on MD 32 at Dorsey Run Road in Annapolis Junction, to improve the driving surface, enhance safety on the roadway and the exit ramps and upgrade area drainage by installing new underdrains. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Electronic message boards, signs, barrels and cones are in place to alert motorists of the work and guide them through the work zone. SHA crews will work both daytime and overnight hours to complete the project, resulting in occasional overnight single-lane closures on MD 32 between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Dorsey Run Road will also experience day and overnight single closures. Finally, SHA will close one ramp at a time to perform work that will require a total ramp closure until work is completed. The eastbound MD 32 ramp to Dorsey Run Road will be the first ramp closure starting this week.
Again, SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.
For more information about this project, click HERE and/or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.
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Department of Recreation and Parks |
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Blandair Regional Park’s State-of-the-Art, “Play-for-All” Playground is NOW OPEN!
On Friday, I joined our Recreation & Parks Director and county, state and local representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the third phase of Blandair Regional Park in Columbia, which includes a state-of-the-art, “play-for-all” playground. The fully fenced playground follows a universal design to encourage children of all ability levels to play together, while accommodating cognitive, communicative, social/emotional and sensory disabilities. It consists of six unique themed areas: a farm/barn area for zero to two year olds, a dinosaur area for two to five year olds, an outer space area and a second play area designated for five to 12 year olds, and a free notes musical area and a treehouse area designed for all ages. The playground also includes two non-verbal communication boards donated by the Howard County Autism Society and offers accessibility items compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Finally, the play space features sun shades, picnic tables and benches.
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Recreation & Parks Issues Revised COVID-19 Restrictions
In alignment with the Governor's and County's orders on capacity limitations, here is the latest from our Department of Recreation and Parks regarding its facilities and programs.
Recreation & Parks Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Robinson Nature Center, B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Firehouse Museum, Patapsco Female Institute, Ellicott City Colored School Restore, Worthington Dog Park, park pavilions, parks and outdoor programs are all open at 100 percent capacity without restrictions. Additionally, the Belmont Manor & Historic Park, Waverly Manson and Kiwanis-Wallas Hall are also open, but by appointment only. Outdoor tournaments at Recreation & Park facilities may also resume at 100 percent capacity without restrictions.
For Recreation & Parks’ indoor youth programs and childcare, all participants and instructors over the age of five are required to wear a face-covering when participating in the department’s youth indoor camps, classes or childcare programs.
Recreation & Parks’ headquarters at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia remains closed to the public at this time. Lastly, it is recommended those not vaccinated should continue to wear a face-covering when visiting our Recreation & Parks facilities.
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Hero Hustle Fitness Course at Gary J. Arthur Community Center
Calling all kids, have you stopped by our Recreation & Parks’ Hero Hustle training course at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center? Available through next Monday, May 31st, children of all ages are invited to jump, climb and crawl through the various stations set up along this one-mile course. trail! For a printable course map and more information, including a printable Certificate of Completion, visit our Gary J. Arthur Community Center website and look for the “Hero Hustle” tab.
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Come Celebrate Our North Laurel Community Center’s 10th Anniversary on June 2nd
All are invited to join our Recreation & Parks next Wednesday, June 2nd for a birthday extravaganza to celebrate our North Laurel Community Center’s (NLCC) 10th Anniversary. The fun will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and all who stop by (while supplies last) will receive a FREE grab and go "Birthday Goodie Bag." The goodie bag will be filled with various treats to celebrate our beloved NLCC. For questions and/or more information, please free to call the NLCC at 410-313-0390.
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“Lead the Way Service Day” Volunteer Opportunities
Earlier this month, Recreation & Parks held its latest “Lead the Way Service Day” volunteer event. A group of 12 teen volunteers spent the day weeding and laying wood chips along the ropes course at Terrapin Adventures in Savage. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteer opportunities with our Department of Recreation & Parks, I encourage you to visit our HoCo Volunteers website today.
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Office of Transportation
Change Your Routine. Take the Bike, Instead of the Car
Pssst, have you heard? Howard County Bikeshare has launched a Car-to-Bike Challenge. Through the end of this month, Howard County Bikeshare is challenging you to switch up your routine and instead of hopping in your car to get to your destination, hop on your bike (or ours) instead. And when you get to your final destination, be sure to take a picture of your bike there and post it to social media using the hashtag #CarToBikeChallengeHC to be entered to win some awesome prizes.
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