Circulator bus in motion by Ed Carley used with permission.

Mayor Bowser proposes housing and transportation cuts, sales tax increase to help offset DC’s $700 million deficit

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled a $21 billion budget proposal aimed at addressing a daunting $700 million deficit. The plan includes a reduction in funding for the Housing Production Trust Fund (one of her key initiatives) and the elimination of the DC Circulator. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded at $20 million, while Bowser proposes $63 million in downtown tax incentives to convert vacant office space to productive uses. Proposed revenue generators include a sales tax increase and new hotel fee; the mayor expressed reticence to increase income, residential, or commercial property taxes. (The Washington Post article is behind a paywall)  (Scott Gelman / WTOP, Post)  

Maryland budget deal increases multiple vehicle fees to shore up Transportation Trust Fund

Maryland lawmakers have reached a budget agreement to increase vehicle fees, which is expected to generate approximately $320 million to $350 million annually. The increased revenue will support the state’s cash-strapped Transportation Trust Fund. Among the fee increases: increased registration fees particularly for heavier vehicles due to increased wear and tear on roads; an added fee on rideshare trips; and a fee for electric vehicles because those drivers don’t pay the gas tax. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Post)  

Metrorail opens early for Cherry Blossom run under new guidelines

WMATA announced that the Metrorail will open at 5 am on Sunday, April 7, for the 2024 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. This initiative is enabled by new guidelines allowing Metro to provide additional service for events with over 10,000 attendees. Normal service on all lines will commence at 5 am, ensuring convenient access to the race starting at the Washington Monument grounds.   (Jordan Young / NBC 4 Washington)  

Construction underway on new pedestrian bridge to replace flood-damaged bridges at Arlington’s Lubber Run

The main section of a new pedestrian bridge arrived earlier this week at Lubber Run in Arlington, to replace two bridges destroyed by flash flooding in 2019. Construction began in February at 300 North Park Drive and is slated for completion between July and September. The project was greenlit by the Arlington County Board with a $360,000 contract last June.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)  

Fairfax to host public meetings in April on road paving and restriping program

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host online meetings from April 8 to 23 to discuss plans for their 2024 paving and restriping program. Collaborating with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the program aims to enhance transportation safety through infrastructure improvements, including proposed bicycle lanes and crosswalk enhancements in McLean.   (Gazette Leader)  

Key Bridge collapse prompting more scrutiny on state of Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 has invited greater scrutiny of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The bridge lacks adequate protection surrounding its piers, leaving it vulnerable to collapse if similarly struck. MDOT is already undertaking a re-decking of the four-mile span, built in 1952, but the steep cost of installing pier protections in the 50-foot-deep waters is likely why the effort hasn’t been pursued up to this point. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Ben Conarck / Baltimore Banner)  

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