Montgomery County, MD - Office of Public Information - Press Releases

Leggett Joins Governor at Bill Signing for Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act; O’Malley Hails Leggett’s Role as Consistently Strong Advocate

16 May 2013 10:33:00 EST

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today joined Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch at the bill signing for the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013. Leggett has been an outspoken advocate for an increase in transportation funding revenues.

“The Washington region has the dubious distinction of being rated number one in the nation as having the worst traffic congestion and that is why Montgomery County’s number one priority for more than 10 years has been to obtain more transportation funding,” said Leggett. “For six years, I have strongly advocated for an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, which hasn’t risen since 1992 when George Bush Sr. was President. Since then, I have testified at every hearing on this issue and have been relentless in its support.”

“This historic transportation bill allows us to m ...more

County to Test Displaying Ads in Four Parking Garages

16 May 2013 08:47:00 EST

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Division of Parking Management (DPM) will begin a six-month pilot project to test ad-based marketing opportunities in County parking garages. Ads should be posted in the garages by early June. The test will help DPM evaluate business demand for the ads, revenue potential for the County, the types and sizes of displays that are attractive to businesses and ways to ensure that garage signage continues to be clear and visible.

The four test garages are:

• Garage 61, 801 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring;

• Garage 7, 8530 Cameron Street, Silver Spring;

• Garage 57, 4841 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda; and

• Garage 11, 7730 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda.

Montgomery County operates public parking lots, garages and on-street parking meters with about 12,000 parking spaces in four areas of the County: Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills.

Public Invited to Comment on Plan to Improve Accessibility at Recreational Facilities and Parks

15 May 2013 11:08:00 EST

Montgomery County’s Commission on People with Disabilities and the County-Wide Recreation Advisory Board invite residents and community groups to attend a public meeting to help develop a multi-year plan to improve accessibility for people with disabilities at recreational and park facilities throughout the County. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the Executive Office Building, Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe St., Rockville.

The U.S. Department of Justice issued revised Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for state and local governments that went into effect in March 2012. Recreational facilities in Montgomery County affected by these regulations include swimming pools, recreation centers, whirlpools, saunas and exercise rooms operated by the Recreation Department, and parks, playgrounds, ball fields, campsites, pi ...more

Annual Summer Concert Series Kicks Off on July 11 in Downtown Silver Spring

14 May 2013 17:02:00 EST

Montgomery County Recreation announces this year’s line-up for the long-running Silver Spring Summer Concert Series, presented by Discovery Communications. The free concerts will be held on Thursday evenings, July 11 – August 1, from 7 to 9 p.m., on Veterans Plaza at the Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. Performances are canceled due to weather only if it is raining at 7 p.m.

Concerts feature a raffle with prizes for children and adults. Attendees can bring a picnic or enjoy food from one of the many nearby restaurants.

Following is a schedule of concerts:

July 11 – Bruce Ewan, The Red Harmonica King (Blues)

July 18 – David Bach (World Jazz)

July 25 – Elliott Levine (R&B, Funk)

August 1 – Second Wind (Rock & Roll)

For more information, call 240-777-6821.

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Residents Invited to Participate in Live Online Discussion with County Executive Ike Leggett

14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett will hold a “virtual” Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, May 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. County residents will be able to ask questions of the County Executive before or during the chat at Live Discussion with Ike Leggett.

Questions and answers will be posted both during and after the chat.

For more information, call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507.

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“Give and Ride” Program Helps Feed Area’s Neediest Families

14 May 2013 10:54:00 EST

This year, Montgomery County’s annual “Give and Ride” food drive campaign successfully collected enough donated food to feed 115 needy area families. County residents donated canned and non-perishable food on the County’s Ride On buses. In exchange, donors were able to ride the bus for free. All donated food was given to Manna Food Center.

“This year, Ride On passengers donated over 8,161 pounds of food,” said Rev. Angela M. Whitmal, interim executive director of Manna Food. “We truly appreciate the generosity of both those who donated food and the Ride On drivers and employees who gave of their time to help their neighbors in need.”

“During these tough times, our community has rallied to help others in need,” said Carolyn Biggins, general manager of Ride On. “Ride On is not just a bus service – it’s a family of caring individuals who reach out to make a difference in the lives of others. ...more

County Recognizes National Transportation Week

13 May 2013 10:30:00 EST

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Council President Nancy Navarro have designated the week of May 12 through 18 as Transportation Choices Week to recognize the County’s comprehensive and balanced transportation program.

National Transportation Week (NTW) is sponsored by the National Defense Transportation Association to promote greater awareness and appreciation of the transportation industry and celebrate transportation professionals who keep the country on the move. The theme of this year’s NTW is “Transportation - The World is Right Next Door” to recognize how advances in transportation are influencing globalization.

In Montgomery County, more than 67 million passenger trips are made annually on Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC and Ride On. County commuters travel by carpool, vanpool, bicycling, walking and telecommuting each day, reducing greenhouse gases and improving the environment.

Leggett and Navarro thanked res ...more

County Executive’s Youth Advisory Committee to Hold Teen Forum

13 May 2013 10:12:00 EST

Young people will have an opportunity to share their experiences, insights and solutions to problems with County Executive Ike Leggett, members of the County Council and representatives from Montgomery County Public Schools at a Teen Forum to be held on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring.

The free event is being organized by members of Leggett’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) that provides Montgomery County teens the opportunity to develop leadership skills while serving their communities. Appointed by the County Executive, YAC members from across the County work to strengthen students’ voices in the schools through “speak outs” and contact with County government. Another part of the committee’s mission is to help eliminate violence, alcohol and other drug use, and help fight racial discrimination through multicultural education.

The forum will ...more

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Earns Prestigious Congressional Fire Service Industry Excellence in Fire Service-Based Award

10 May 2013 12:46:00 EST

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service received the Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS award at the 25th Annual Congressional Fire and Emergency Services dinner this week. The award is designed to recognize best practices and highlight innovations in the delivery of emergency medical services.

Established in 1989, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute that works with members of Congress in promoting fire and life safety issues. Working with other national fire service organizations, the Institute focuses its attention on issues that benefit all first responders. Members of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the largest caucus in Congress, look to CFSI for guidance and information to enhance their level of understanding about the challenges and needs of the nation’s fire and EMS communities. Each year, CFSI and the MedicAlert Foundation honor and recognize departments that have made outstanding contri ...more

County's Department of Permitting Services Marks Building Safety Month; Free Deck Maintenance Inspections Offered

10 May 2013 12:19:00 EST

In observance of May as Building Safety Month, the County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is educating residents about building safety and sustainability issues and sharing ideas for making structures more energy efficient and durable. Building Safety Month is an international celebration of safe and sensible structures.

Each week, DPS is focusing on a different theme:
• Week one, May 6-12 -- Fire Safety & Awareness
• Week two, May 13-19 -- Disaster Safety & Mitigation
• Week three, May 20-26 -- Backyard & Pool Safety
• Week four, May 27-31 -- Energy & Green Building

Information on any of the themes is available online at www.iccsafe.org/BSM or at the DPS office, 255 Rockville Pike, 2nd Floor, Rockville.

Also as part of National Building Safety Month, DPS is once again offering free deck maintenance inspections – throu ...more