[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6328215,"mediaKeyId","2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98","parentId",2321406,"title","Labor Department readies workforce supports for federal‑worker transition, delays FMLA rollout and advances apprenticeship and cyber workforce work","audioSeconds",466,"startMs",5983000,"endMs",6449000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98&start=5983&end=6449","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98/thumbnail_5983000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328215/Maryland/Labor-Department-readies-workforce-supports-for-federalworker-transition-delays-FMLA-rollout-and-advances-apprenticeship-and-cyber-workforce-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328215-8e7e429f2028522eca43b7d0ebb18cd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148624&Signature=kcl42jyxtWf96PMIDjUGk8z7PJQHKe0KF-parn5aKhEtEKCE2RElheFlEOltxA4AwdApf2F2BqNAV-bhPqzHRgUgA5j0k7mZUq8pUsF817D079naLElkuHLTJrS0u9o-lNYsL0-dX5IVqMEBRjAWxJ1rWHf1yL6k9sqVBB3ziTGl3IKY8dS0TnJ5-5yuovBPZQWzw5R2B7xDiRSKwhhEMtktVJH2mIpz1tHhyfa3PCNBMUNFyLRmf696LFkKA3Uh0bG3xB8OohVb2AcRFB3PXOdz2qXXphlBBauB6j3WRkaSMwybvtgjYuHCaDuN55u4vJzxaDUUl5RJUYHtb5eaew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MGA - House Other","date","2025-02-14T00:00:00Z","article","Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu briefed the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, about preparations for possible federal workforce transitions, apprenticeship expansion, and cybersecurity workforce programs.

Wu said Maryland has a significant number of federal workers who live on the Eastern Shore and that the department is preparing services in case federal employment or contracting changes prompt layoffs or reassignments. She reported approximately 9,000 Eastern Shore residents who are federal employees and roughly 4,000 federal civilian jobs located on the Eastern Shore, and cited about $750 million in federal contract spend in the region (2023 data). The department said it runs weekly reemployment workshops, intends to expand in‑person services at job centers and is ready to host job fairs and hold targeted outreach.

On other programmatic matters, Wu said the state will seek an 18‑month delay in implementing the new state family and medical leave program to allow for responsible operational readiness and to manage impacts to businesses and workers. She also described two workforce initiatives in the governor’s package: the RAISE Act to expand registered apprenticeship with a stronger office for apprenticeship in the department and a transfer and expansion of the Cyber Maryland program to better align cybersecurity workforce strategies and funding inside state government.

Why it matters: The department framed the actions as preparation to protect workers and provide pathways to new employment in the face of federal transition risks, and as part of a broader workforce approach that includes apprenticeships and cybersecurity training to meet employer demand.

Questions during the meeting touched on apprenticeship tax credits and incentives. Delegation members asked Labor to coordinate with the General Assembly to ensure incentive programs are practical for small employers; Wu said the department is engaged with legislative partners and workforce intermediaries to make programs effective.

Ending: Labor said it will circulate resource links and workshop schedules to the delegation and stands ready to coordinate job fairs and partner with county and local employers to absorb displaced workers or to help current residents access in‑state employment pathways.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EAS Committee Session, 2/14/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","Secretary Portia Wu told the Eastern Shore delegation Feb. 14 that the Department of Labor is preparing reemployment services for a potential federal‑worker transition, delaying the state family and medical leave rollout, and expanding apprenticeship and cyber workforce efforts.","taxTitle","Eastern Shore, Delegation Committees, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15626,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328233,"MDOT presents budget plan to Eastern Shore delegation; delegates press for road funding amid transit increases",208,197000,405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98&start=197&end=405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98/thumbnail_197000.jpg","/articles/6328233/Maryland/MDOT-presents-budget-plan-to-Eastern-Shore-delegation-delegates-press-for-road-funding-amid-transit-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328233-264e7900eee211b7b54d8c9f81879374/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148624&Signature=ZrP6HPz5fCj0taFCnlsIu6c8rTtMwKfzkqs2JOCo4Na1RFMjkBKLcvJ4k4mzaN9TfY16V4TeidxlL4MhmPQU0HQZ0KRiX1M40fuDC12bUtbIyxE6HJBqeJLcLClRyVJDdqr-C7vydcHjJxlC0D~B2kC~jIthTElWqpWCgmxzLpH6iCDXUgzXyNW0Tl2y94pl5Dr-WTx1pqBYuKvAkDyLkV0mfAU-jSDuHH5~QMQeWWEzIci3pb8fqsgcIM69fc-wefIalaOObPVB2O-WN7pQy3IIDjizp4cMPOIxWzd4k12ZJUOlasUSyIqOaiEv7bqGqkf-MNfCdn0ShChzRejmjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland Department of Transportation officials briefed the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, outlining a proposed budget that would add $420 million in state transportation revenue annually and, if approved, could leverage roughly $695 million a year in new resources when combined with bonding and federal matches.

The department said the additional revenue in the proposed Consolidated Transportation Program would allow it to resume work on the Maryland 90 corridor to Ocean City, expand support for locally run transit providers such as Shore Transit and Delmarva Community Transit, and provide $3 million annually beginning in FY2026 for a regional aviation assistance program to benefit small airports including Easton and Salisbury.

Why it matters: Delegation members said Eastern Shore roads and bridges depend on those state allocations, and some members expressed alarm at what they called a near‑term reduction in State Highway funds while transit agencies receive large increases. Delegate Royce called the shifts “a clear message” that priorities may be moving away from rural roads, and asked how resurfacing and state of repair work for shore roads will be protected.

Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle said the budget proposal is intended to be balanced and to fully leverage federal funds; she told the delegation the department’s final CTP “includes maintaining operations across the department and advancing previously deferred priority projects.” Biddle repeated the administration’s request for the additional recurring state revenue, which she said is critical to unlock federal matching dollars and bonding capacity.

State Highway Administrator Will Pines outlined results already delivered on the Eastern Shore and how the CTP would be used. Pines said SHA completed about 216 lane miles of resurfacing and 147 lane miles of preventative maintenance on Eastern Shore routes in FY2024, and that the governor’s proposal adds $82 million in state funds for resurfacing (a total resurfacing program increase of roughly $143 million when combined with federal funds). Pines also confirmed the administration put Maryland 90 back on track to advance design and the NEPA process.

Delegates pressed specifics. Delegate Royce asked for a clear explanation of a $575 million figure he said represented a State Highway cut in the proposed budget; MDOT officials responded that year‑to‑year allocations shift across the six‑year CTP and that some near‑term pressure on State Highway cash flow stems from timing, formula changes for highway user revenues, and the department’s decisions to accelerate system preservation in transit where federal matching deadlines exist. The deputy secretary said MDOT will work to add federal money to system preservation projects and noted that the six‑year program shows improved outlook in later years.

Delegation questions also touched on the Purple Line, which delegates described as a large cost driver. Biddle and MDOT staff said MTA and the secretary’s offices are working to contain costs with the P3 partner as construction moves into final phases; Pines said he was aware of the percent‑complete figures raised in the meeting and that MDOT is working on cost containment.

What’s next: Delegation members asked for additional detail about the FY2026 allocations and the practical impacts for federally ineligible local routes; MDOT said staff will follow up with county and delegation offices to clarify how state dollars and federal matches will be applied to Eastern Shore resurfacing and system preservation projects.

Ending: The department framed the budget request as a step to unlock federal funds and restore deferred projects; delegates said they will press for clear, local impacts and updates on how resurfacing and rural roads will be prioritized.","Maryland Department of Transportation officials briefed the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, outlining a proposed budget that would add $420 million in state transportation revenue annually and, if approved, could leverage roughly $695 million a year in new resources.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328219,"DHCD highlights housing shortfall, new finance vehicle and ‘Housing for Jobs’ proposal",219,3537000,3756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98&start=3537&end=3756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98/thumbnail_3537000.jpg","/articles/6328219/Maryland/DHCD-highlights-housing-shortfall-new-finance-vehicle-and-Housing-for-Jobs-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328219-9b5a2f2817b6e43308187c8dde2be608/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148624&Signature=WsH5UZgx~XHmOvN1OB-GRTIsMW1jVAasFVNt9vxdUaNMxz9CNLm9CoI9Dfl2VmJ0jEXcqd0ZoP27-LzVDd6t7vlwGi04tz-lzDMiDAmtEddOCXJXL0iGt9rKUAYnF2rpI9S034243YItzQwvh7DWN2lJMk~vd7hRdzNKIBXDzQ69DGW~vvwjCV~Fl7qW7BCV5-0DM7eLA974~KUy4i5nlg0D0Q5ZE2vFY9BvetFrdlOv2VMeQFIrUtqPRD98VUfrM7W1rP15S~bZE3RZaTZNpSCRQH0WgE2NenoWuSEbVEaTYIFHYc8KWAZQc69~sUmQ5pyYTondE6U3X4q8h40gvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day told the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, that persistent housing undersupply is constraining Maryland’s economy and that the agency is pursuing several new and existing tools to increase production and investment.

Day said statewide estimates of the housing shortage range from roughly 96,000 to 150,000 units; using the lower bound, he emphasized the scale of the problem and the economic drag he said results from unmet housing demand. Day described the newly certified Maryland Community Investment Corporation (MCIC), established by last year’s Housing and Community Development Financing Act and recently certified as a community development entity by the U.S. Treasury, which allows Maryland‑focused use of New Markets Tax Credits.

Day also summarized the administration’s package of housing initiatives for the current session. He said last year’s historic housing package created new tools such as a statewide tenant opportunity‑to‑purchase right and the Housing Expansion Affordability Act to enable housing development on nonprofit, surplus and transit‑adjacent land. The proposed Housing for Jobs Act would identify jurisdictions with housing shortfalls (the department describes jurisdictions with more than 1.5 jobs per housing unit as having a gap) and require those jurisdictions to approve new housing that meets objective development regulations unless a limited set of reasons support denial.

Why it matters: Day framed increased housing production as essential to retaining and attracting workers, reducing cost burdens and restoring Maryland’s economic growth trajectory. He noted several grant and loan programs that benefit Eastern Shore communities: DHCD announced $9.5 million in revitalization awards to 49 Eastern Shore projects last cycle, with examples including a Henry Hotel preservation project in Ocean City and lead abatement in an Elkton drill hall. The department also reported a $2.1 million “Business Boost” microgrant round for small businesses on the Shore.

On homelessness, Day said the administration is reviewing shelter certification and standards and intends to work with local councils and shelter operators so that safety and quality standards are raised without unnecessarily closing providers. He said the department will coordinate with local stakeholders and the Eastern Shore council on homelessness as legislation advances.

Ending: Day asked local leaders to partner on removing regulatory obstacles and on place‑based investments to increase housing supply and economic activity on the Eastern Shore.","Secretary Jake Day told the Eastern Shore delegation Feb. 14 that Maryland faces a substantial housing shortfall and described a newly certified Maryland Community Investment Corporation to direct New Markets Tax Credit investment to in‑state projects.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328223,"MDTA and State Highway Administration report progress on Bay Bridge, signage and Ocean City safety projects",109,1092000,1201000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98&start=1092&end=1201","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98/thumbnail_1092000.jpg","/articles/6328223/Maryland/MDTA-and-State-Highway-Administration-report-progress-on-Bay-Bridge-signage-and-Ocean-City-safety-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328223-b3cb14e7222dde5d05198048d742eee1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148624&Signature=FHwhutkAYT5j3sZPJFgWFwuWYRsJhIBTyyiLw35IOskdt6uMGY-eVJQlBCWMq8SL~y3q-P4idCcTJr4pQp5U-qvUnNOtaR9zyv90jiTUwVXUnOM~wRjgXULlT6KCvqGuUyCCYmXJSNXgdOuOkyqIqEjpRVuYn3P1Vt1dPoEoz7Ek1f-C1X~izZ3Z6RLuWD9N5My1n~mYFCo2mgpVjcBgQfrp41rni5DDRgjoetXlipnegfKUlK4qTY0xCDMrKlpWEsXWYRFOY7J0hP7c3QqiyAF4kmP-KwHraQGjV8priMdPwmxV~n8412cK8SzLImswyE6r24TW08Rys5EbWoqqJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland Transportation Authority and State Highway Administration officials provided project updates to the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, including progress on Bay Bridge redecking, new RedX lane signage, local interchange work in Cecil County, and pedestrian safety planning on Ocean City’s Coastal Highway (MD 528).

MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said the Bay Bridge redecking is roughly 60% complete, with an on‑track completion expected this summer. Gartner said MDTA is recycling removed deck panels for an artificial reef program at Hackett Point and is preparing a second phase to consider additional reef locations. He also described public outreach for a multi‑tier Bay Crossing study and said MDTA is reviewing real‑time alert options and ground‑mounted RedX lane fine signage; overhead signs are expected to be installed around June.

Gartner briefed the delegation on the Belvedere interchange project in Cecil County, which began construction in early 2024 and remains scheduled through FY2026. He said Belvedere Road will be reduced to one lane for construction and that a short term complete closure for up to three months is planned for spring to install critical infrastructure, coordinated with the county. Gartner also said the Hayden Bridge painting project requires temporary lane restrictions and is expected to finish in spring 2026.

State Highway Administrator Will Pines described SHA priorities on the Eastern Shore: resurfacing, safety and multimodal projects. Pines said the governor’s proposed CTP would allow the Maryland 90 project (US 50 to MD 528) to proceed through NEPA and design so it can qualify for federal funding. He highlighted several local projects: a $12.8 million full replacement of the US 301 bridge over the Chester River (expected completion spring next year), a $16.7 million replacement of the US 13 Business bridge over the Wicomico River (target 2026), and multimodal work on Maryland 413 in Somerset County to finish a shared‑use path connecting Crisfield and Westover.

On Ocean City’s MD 528/Coastal Highway pedestrian safety project, Pines said the corridor has five times the statewide average of vulnerable‑user fatalities per mile and that SHA is evaluating a toolkit of proven safety countermeasures identified by Federal Highway (leading pedestrian intervals, pedestrian hybrid beacons, speed adjustments and other treatments) with community input from recent public workshops.

Why it matters: The updates include construction timing and traffic impacts that will directly affect commuters, freight operators and local residents. Delegates asked for follow up on closure timing and signage; MDTA and SHA said they will coordinate with county authorities and local police to provide real‑time information.

Ending: MDTA and SHA asked delegation members to continue sharing local operational concerns and said they will return with more detailed construction schedules and outreach plans for affected corridors.","MDTA and SHA officials told the Eastern Shore delegation Feb. 14 that Bay Bridge redecking is nearing completion, RedX signage and traffic notifications are being expanded, and SHA plans to advance Ocean City’s Maryland 90 and Coastal Highway safety projects if additional revenues are approved.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328228,"Port of Baltimore highlights ecological restoration, double‑stack rail and recovery progress",303,605000,908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98&start=605&end=908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321406-6610555254339e08088379a9d9f38e98/thumbnail_605000.jpg","/articles/6328228/Maryland/Port-of-Baltimore-highlights-ecological-restoration-doublestack-rail-and-recovery-progress","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328228-f54209309738fb278a04728589e56655/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148624&Signature=U1fhxI3lErTt6ueAJSCqK0Cup5A-eps0Ol89Fffh1QQvy5mPGlbLPcYwWAlC~9SvWl2SLzSx9dpeeLGVCVkgOkb0L33GpGCfvqz9WCLYMbepEAXUg06FwfDgS5fc8luQbiQQO2jpc7vN7l5IvZ34dL~ReP9PllmwGGMQE2WCd9vI9dCgxtOcpR9nZ06U0srqAdYwhpovlsFPmA7HjEthd8567vEO11ErrwrpiYJ~bwb3lg3-vhfbboKDrOmsCYTmv6eC9-V0Xt9xb15W88Dsc66WbbXIqi2ZZ6onp8-ujvjQ2prQnfFqnaf1kUHoPGjSI9Yx~mc~Vwlry8hllbSJDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels and MPA staff updated the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 14, 2025, saying the port remains a major driver of jobs and commerce while continuing large aquatic ecosystem restoration projects on the Eastern Shore.

Daniels said the Port of Baltimore supported an estimated 273,000 Maryland jobs linked to port activity and that double‑stack container rail service into the Midwest began last October on a temporary route, increasing the port’s competitiveness until the Howard Street Tunnel work is completed. He said the rail service is expected to add roughly 60,000 containers of annual capacity and generate nearly 14,000 jobs in construction and longer‑term operations.

MPA director of navigation, innovation and stewardship Holly Miller described aquatic restoration work led by the port in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Miller updated the delegation on Poplar Island (Talbot County), which serves as a beneficial‑use site for dredged material from Maryland Bay channels and has restored more than 400 acres of wetlands on the island to date. MPA said the final Poplar Island project footprint will hold millions of cubic yards of dredged material and create remote‑island habitat when complete; Poplar tour season runs March through October, and the MPA reported about 2,479 visitors to Poplar in 2024.

Miller also briefed members on the Mid‑Bay Islands project in Dorchester County, which will place dredged material on Barren and James islands to recreate wetlands and remote habitat as Poplar approaches capacity. Phase 1 work on Barren Island — stone sills and breakwaters — finished in October; Phase 2 began recently and includes containment and sill work ahead of placement of dredged material. The team said Honga River maintenance dredging is expected around 2026 and that James Island design work is expected to conclude this fall.

Why it matters: The MPA framed these projects as both ecological restoration and long‑term infrastructure planning — the beneficial use of dredge material supports navigation (maintaining channels) while restoring habitat that supports fisheries and shoreline resilience.

Questions from delegates used the update to link restoration, recovery after last year’s Key Bridge collapse, and state attention to port operations. Daniels thanked the delegation for support on federal funding that helped accelerate Key Bridge reconstruction planning and said the MPA remains engaged with community stakeholders on both restoration and port recovery work.

Ending: MPA said it will continue community outreach through newsletters, public meetings and site tours as Mid‑Bay and Poplar Island work proceeds; the agency asked local officials to stay engaged as the projects move from engineering and protective works into material placement and habitat restoration.","Maryland Port Administration leaders told the Eastern Shore delegation Feb. 14 that the port remains a key economic engine despite last year's Key Bridge collapse and wider supply‑chain disruptions, and described ongoing ecosystem restoration projects on Poplar Island and the Mid‑Bay Islands.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Labor Department readies workforce supports for federal‑worker transition, delays FMLA rollout and advances apprenticeship and cyber workforce work

MDOT presents budget plan to Eastern Shore delegation; delegates press for road funding amid transit increases

DHCD highlights housing shortfall, new finance vehicle and ‘Housing for Jobs’ proposal

MDTA and State Highway Administration report progress on Bay Bridge, signage and Ocean City safety projects

Port of Baltimore highlights ecological restoration, double‑stack rail and recovery progress