Resources and Tools

New! MDOT and Planning Announce a Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) Toolkit for Maryland Local Jurisdictions

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Resources and Tools

by Carole Delion, P.E., Division Chief, Connected & Automated Transportation Systems Division, MDOT SHA, with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

Figure 1 – Illustration, CAV Strategic Framework.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) recognize that jurisdictions are seeking guidance on preparing, planning, and implementing practices and policies for Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies, commonly referred to as autonomous or driverless vehicles.  

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Maryland’s Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS) Summary Report Now Available 

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Resources and Tools 

by Daniel Rosen, AICP, Resource Conservation Planner, and Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Many might be surprised to learn, despite the state’s diminutive size, that wood and wood/forest products are big business in Maryland. 

In 2016, according to one measure, the forest products sector contributed 16,500 jobs and $3.86 billion to the Maryland economy (EAS Summary, page 2).  

Paradoxically, forestry—the harvesting of trees and manufacture of wood products—also promotes conservation by showing landowners that growing trees is an economically viable alternative to development. 

Unfortunately, forestry has been declining in Maryland in recent years. The closing of the 131-year-old Luke paper mill in Allegany County in 2019, with its loss of 675 jobs, shows the cost of this downward trend to rural Maryland communities.  

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DHCD Announces $25 million in Grants to Maryland Businesses: ‘Project Restore’ Accepting Applications in Early September

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Resources and Tools 

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Starting September 8, 2021, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is accepting applications for two types of grants designed to assist Maryland businesses that plan to open or expand into previously vacant spaces. 

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SHA Climate Tool Warns of Coastal Flooding

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Resources and Tools

Will some coastal towns be underwater in 2050? What can be done to rescue roads, towns, and homes from coastal and river flooding?

The Maryland Department of Transportation State highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has a powerful application to help public planners and private citizens. The MDOT SHA Climate Change Vulnerability Viewer (CCVV) is a user-friendly tool to explore areas and assets vulnerable to the risk of sea-level rise, roadway inundation, and nuisance flooding. The sophisticated web app layers climate and asset management data geospatially to show how extreme weather associated with climate change may change the Maryland coastline. Read more… 

New! Important Changes Coming to Maryland’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plans

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Resources and Tools

by Daniel Rosen, AICP, Resource Conservation Planner, with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

Are you looking for a hiking trail to relieve your cabin fever? Do you wonder where you can play this game of pickleball you’ve heard so much about?

Your county has you covered in its Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP).1 Updated every five years, the LPPRPs make counties eligible for state Program Open Space (POS) funds, which they use to buy park and recreation land, develop new parks, or renovate existing parks and recreation facilities.2 Many counties and their municipalities work together to ensure that the park and recreation needs of municipalities are addressed in the LPPRP. The next updated plans are scheduled for adoption by July 1, 2022.

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