(8/2024) Residents Encouraged to Provide Feedback on Transmission Line Project
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick County Council President Brad Young urge residents to provide feedback on a proposed high-voltage electrical transmission line, which would run through Frederick County, to the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSEG proposed the line, known as the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.
"We are listening to residents who have concerns about this project and its potential impact on our community," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "It is critical for residents to make their voices heard at this – and every – stage of the process, and we urge concerned residents to weigh in with the Public Service Commission and PSEG."
The PSC announced on Friday that it established a dedicated email account for the project: piedmontcomments.psc@maryland.gov. The PSC reviews applications for authority to build high-voltage transmission lines. PSEG has not yet applied, and there is no case pending before the PSC. If PSEG applies, all comments received at the newly created email account will be added to the public comments file, so the PSC has the benefit of the public’s views. The PSC will also hold public hearings in the areas where the project is proposed to be constructed.
The PSEG conducted a pre-application public engagement process, which included town hall meetings in Frederick, Carroll, and Baltimore Counties. PSEG developed a website with information about the project, which residents can access information about the project at www.corporate.pseg.com, and is conducting a survey, which residents can access here
Program Helps Seniors Find Services, Resources
Frederick County’s Division of Aging and Independence has launched a new program to help vulnerable seniors stay in their homes. In its first few months, the Service Coordination for Seniors Program connected more than 100 residents to resources and services. The results-based approach provides seniors with a trusted person who can develop individualized plans to address what matters most to clients. The new program will be highlighted next month at a national conference on aging.
"Service Coordination for Seniors is already making a difference in our community," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "By meeting people where they are, our staff is helping seniors connect with vital services. One person didn’t realize he qualified for a veteran’s pension, and another found an apartment they could afford. By working together, we are creating a higher quality of life for our seniors."
Service Coordination for Seniors focuses on the individual. The senior is assigned a service specialist, who will work one-on-one with the person to develop a plan for their specific needs. The specialist assesses the person’s risk of falling, their sense of loneliness and isolation, and other factors that may impact their health. A support plan is designed, services with various agencies and community partners are lined up, and tasks may be managed on behalf of the senior. Needs may be long-term or immediate. In a third of all cases seen so far, urgent needs such as housing, nutrition, health care, and transportation have been identified.
During the program’s soft launch, 116 Frederick County residents aged 60 or older joined. More than 1 in 9 are veterans. Half report income below the federal poverty level. To date, these 116 residents have been provided a combined 1,286 units of service. To learn more, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Aging or call the Division of Aging and Independence at 301-600-1234.
Funds Available to Help Improve Road Safety in Towns, Cities
Frederick County Government is committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries on area roads. That is why the County has set aside approximately $225,000 to support road safety projects in Frederick County’s towns and cities. The technical assistance awards are being made available through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which was funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To be eligible, projects must support the initiatives and goals of the Frederick County Towards Zero Deaths Action Plan.
"Safe, accessible transportation is crucial to our quality of life," Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "I am grateful to our federal delegation for helping to secure this grant for our community. This award program will directly support our municipalities, making roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, so we can realize our goal of zero deaths on our roadways."
Frederick County’s Division of Planning and Permitting will administer the award program using SS4A funds. Eligible activities for technical assistance awards include, but are not limited to:
Conceptual design for transportation improvement projects that will help create safer roads for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, such as dedicated bike lanes or trails, or high-visibility crosswalks and signage.
Quick-build transportation improvement project such as planters, temporary speed humps, paint and plastic posts, and street art to experiment with temporary roadway design changes.
Improved roadway signage or pedestrian signage; mid-block crosswalk installations and/or high-visibility crosswalk markings.
Project planning and development activities, such as an assessment of the municipality’s sidewalk network or feasibility studies for trails or dedicated bicycle lanes.
The Federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program was established to support regional and local efforts to prevent roadway deaths. The goal of the program is to help local governments better understand the safety challenges in their communities and make their streets, roads, and highways safer for all.
For more information contact Mark Mishler, Transportation Engineering Supervisor, Division of Planning and Permitting at 301-600-6742.
Transit Ridership Soars 20% in One Year
Transit Services of Frederick County achieved a major ridership milestone, serving over 843,000 passengers between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. This is the highest number of riders since 2015, demonstrating the success of Transit's fare-free policy, recent service updates, and community outreach efforts. The number represents a significant increase over Fiscal Year 2023, which saw over 700,000 passengers.
"It’s exciting to see more people riding our buses," Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "Access to transportation is critical to a high quality of life, making it possible for people to get to work, healthcare, and food. I’m proud of the incredible outreach Transit is doing to show residents how convenient it is to take the bus."
"We believe transportation is at the heart of sustainable community growth, and we're thrilled to see our buses full of riders," Transit Deputy Director Jaime McKay said. "This milestone ridership is a vote of confidence from our riders who know and trust that we are delivering safe, accessible, reliable transit service. We encourage everyone to experience Transit and provide feedback on how we can best serve our Frederick community."
Transit’s Travel Training Program and community outreach efforts have also played a major role by empowering people with the skills and knowledge to use transit services independently.
The Travel Training Program offers personalized instruction to help passengers learn how to read schedules, locate stops, and use tools like Google Transit. Transit's community outreach has also connected with more potential riders. Events and marketing educate residents about route options while building enthusiasm for public transportation.
Transit staff encourages everyone in the community to take advantage of their services and provide feedback on how Transit can continue to improve.
For more information contact Mary Dennis, Communications Manager, Transit Services of Frederick County at 301-600-3543.
Successful Summer Recycling Tips For This Heat
The Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) manages one of the most extensive door-to-door programs in its curbside recycling collection. Extreme weather and heat impact this mission, as well as residents and, most importantly, contractors and county employees who support this program. DSWR reminds residents:
On extreme heat days, when highs are predicted in the mid-to-upper 90s, our contractors will work to collect as early as possible. Please have bins curbside by 6 a.m.
There is no set collection time; collection may occur earlier or later than expected.
Collectors often lift 400+ carts daily; please be mindful of cart weights.
Safety is our main concern. You may see employees and contractors take longer breaks and work at a pace and level their supervisors deem appropriate for current conditions.
Please drive slowly around collection vehicles as often you will see them before they see you.
Show off that Fredericktonian spirit when interacting with staff and contractors in your neighborhoods and at our Reichs Ford Road facility.
The Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling provides integrated waste management for the County and its residents with waste reduction, recycling, and disposal programs. More information on these and associated events can be found by calling 301-600-2960 and online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov under "Departments." For more information contact, Paul Varga, Communication Manager
FCG Division of Solid Waste and Recycling.
Board of Education of Frederick County Approves FY-25 budget
The Board of Education of Frederick County has approved the fiscal year 2025 operating budget, totaling $940 million. This marks a 3.3 increase over the current budget, aimed at addressing critical needs such as recruiting and retaining staff, accommodating rapid growth, supporting students, and managing inflationary costs.
"During this challenging budget season, our commitment remains unwavering in supporting our students and empowering our staff," said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson. "Approval of the FY 2025 budget underscores this focus. Collaborating with the Board and local officials, we will continue navigating rapid growth and inflationary pressures to ensure our community stays resilient, aiming for the best outcomes for every student."
The approved budget increase dedicates significant funding to staff recruitment and retention, crucial to meeting the increased demands of our student body. Additionally, substantial funds are allocated to address anticipated enrollment growth.
"Our priority remains steadfast in providing comprehensive support for our students while addressing critical infrastructure needs throughout our school system," stated Board President Karen Yoho. "The approval of the capital budget reaffirms our dedication to maintaining and enhancing our educational facilities for the betterment of our entire community."
The newly approved capital budget, totaling nearly $73 million, includes significant investments in building and site improvements for three school replacement projects and two limited renovations, ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for students and educators alike.
For more information on the fiscal year 2025 budget and capital improvements, please visit the Our Budget page on FCPS.org.
