Governor Martin O'malley: Press Release
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Governor Martin O'Malley: Press Release http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080702.asp Home News Speeches First Lady Lt. Governor Videos Contact Governor O'Malley, Board of Public Works Approve Wetlands License for Maryland Broadband Cooperative BALTIMORE, MD (July 2, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today the approval of a wetlands license for the Maryland Broadband Cooperative, a public/private partnership that promotes economic development through universal, open access to broadband services via fiber optic networks serving rural Maryland. The wetlands license was approved today at the Board of Public Works by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Treasurer Nancy Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot, and will help in bringing broadband network capability to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “By working together with partners in the private sector, we are able to complete one of the largest economic development projects in our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “Broadband access will help strengthen our economy and improve the lives of all Marylanders on the Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland.” Last summer, Governor O’Malley joined Senator Barbara Mikulski and Senator E.J. Pipkin in celebration of the of the broadband project, and announced an advance of $2 million to continue installation of the Rural Broadband Initiative from Salisbury to the Bay Bridge, to bring fiber optic lines to the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. “Witnessing this project come to fruition is very exciting and promising for the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” said Worcester County President Virgil Shockley. “This is a major step toward improving the quality of life for our residents and we are thankful for the support of the State and Senator Mikulski.” The approval of the wetlands license today will enable the Cooperative to install 16,508 feet of optic fiber cable over and under State tidal wetlands from Wallops Island, Virginia to the Bay Bridge in Queen Anne’s County. The Board of Public Works today also approved waiving the licensing fees to move the project forward. The Rural Broadband Communication bill (SB 753) was signed in May 2006 to bring access to fiber optic lines to the nine counties on the Eastern Shore and the three counties in Southern Maryland. An Internet Point of Presence (POP) will be located in each county along this new fiber line, focusing on connecting business and industrial parks. The need for broadband on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland was a key finding in the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s (TEDCO) 2003 report. Despite the fact that Maryland ranks above most states in both the deployment and usage of information and communication technologies, the report found that households and businesses in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore lag behind other areas in their rate of access and usage of high-speed communications. The first recommendation in the final report was to create a statewide Task Force to address these disparities. During the 2003 General Assembly session, the Task Force for the Deployment of Broadband in Rural Maryland was established. The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) along with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore and the Mid-Shore Regional 6/6/2014 11:41 AM Governor Martin O'Malley: Press Release http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080702.asp Council partnered on this effort, which resulted in the passage of the Rural Broadband Communications bill. Additional Press Releases Receive E-Newsletter Email a Friend Event Photos Video Clips Audio Segments Related Links One Maryland E-Newsletter Documents, Reports and Executive Orders Base Realignment & Closure (BRAC) Biography of Governor O'Malley StateStat BayStat Go to content | Section links | Related links | Search | Home page | News | Speeches | Terms and conditions | Contact Us | Accessibility 6/6/2014 11:41 AM Governor Martin O'Malley: Press Release http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080703.asp Home News Speeches First Lady Lt. Governor Videos Contact Governor O'Malley's Urges Marylanders to Celebrate July 4th Safely ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 3, 2008) — As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with traditional holiday activities, Governor Martin O’Malley is urging Marylanders to keep safety first and foremost at all times over the 3-day weekend. “We are blessed to enjoy the legacy of democracy, justice and prosperity passed down 232 years ago by our Founding Fathers, whose spirit, faith, courage and compassion lives in the heart of each of us,” Governor O’Malley said. “As we celebrate those values that make America a great nation and Americans a great people, let us remember to do so safely, and with courtesy and respect for our fellow citizens, our wildlife and our natural resources,” the Governor said. Whatever folks have planned for the holiday weekend, following simple, common sense rules can make the difference between a fun, safe event or one that ends with a trip to the emergency room. Citizens traveling – whether on our roadways or waterways – are reminded to obey speed limits and other traffic laws, avoid use of alcohol, and operate their boat or motor vehicle safely. Boaters should make sure they are equipped with required safety gear and personal floatation devices. Motorcyclists must wear helmets and motorists must wear seatbelts. It’s the law. Outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in State Parks or other natural areas should come prepared, with adequate food and water supplies, sun block and insect repellent, and remember there’s safety in numbers. Resource users are asked to be courteous of like-minded souls they meet along the way, practice Leave no Trace ethics, and leave wildlife alone. Backyard chefs are reminded to grill responsibly, cooking in well-ventilated areas, using long-handled utensils, wearing safe clothing; grills should never be left unattended. And in preparing weekend feasts, Marylanders are encouraged to buy local. Buying fresh, healthy, local agricultural products from Maryland farmers strengthens the state’s family-owned businesses and farms, preserves our rural open spaces and boosts our rural economy. Don’t forget food safety during long weekend picnics, by following tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citizens should also know that most types of consumer fireworks are illegal in Maryland without approval from a local fire department. “For the big finale, I am asking everyone to take advantage of one of the many approved public fireworks displays in cities, towns and communities across our great State,” said the Governor. “Leaving the fireworks to the professionals is the best way to enjoy a safe, memorable display.” Finally, in honor of the Fourth of July, Governor O’Malley has proclaimed that day Take Me Fishing Day™, encouraging all Marylanders to use the Independence Day holiday to enjoy the final free fishing day of the summer. Free Fishing Days allow those 16 and over to catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters of the State for recreational 6/6/2014 11:42 AM Governor Martin O'Malley: Press Release http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080703.asp purposes without an angler's license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the State. Fishermen of all ages are encouraged to go out and enjoy Maryland’s waterways this Fourth of July holiday. Additional Press Releases Receive E-Newsletter Email a Friend Event Photos Video Clips Audio Segments Related Links One Maryland E-Newsletter Documents, Reports and Executive Orders Base Realignment & Closure (BRAC) Biography of Governor O'Malley StateStat BayStat Go to content | Section links | Related links | Search | Home page | News | Speeches | Terms and conditions | Contact Us | Accessibility 6/6/2014 11:42 AM Governor Martin O'Malley: Press Release http://www.governor.maryland.gov/pressreleases/080707.asp Home News Speeches First Lady Lt. Governor Videos Contact Governor O'Malley Celebrates Enactment of Health Care Expansion; Encourages Families to Enroll New Maryland Law Provides Coverage to More than 100,000 Adults and Children BALTIMORE, MD (July 7, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch to celebrate landmark legislation to expand medical coverage to more than 100,000 uninsured Marylanders and encourage eligible families to enroll in the expanded program. The Governor was also joined by Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John Colmers, Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald, state and local lawmakers, and members of the HealthCare for All Coalition and the AARP. “Over the last year, the State of Maryland took a major step forward in expanding healthcare coverage to our working families, our small businesses, our seniors, and our children,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I want to thank Speaker Busch, Chairman Hammen, Senator Middleton, and all the members of the General Assembly, as well as Vinny DeMarco with the Healthcare for All Coalition and the AARP for helping us pass this legislation.” “Healthcare is not a privilege - it is a right. The Working Families and Small Business Coverage Act provides healthcare coverage to some of our neediest residents as well as reduces the burden on the insured, who pay to cover the costs of the uninsured,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “I commend Governor O’Malley, Chairman Pete Hammen and the entire General Assembly for making tremendous strides in providing quality healthcare for all Marylanders.” “For too many Marylanders, a life without health care means a life of suffering and isolation,” said AARP Maryland Senior State Director Joseph DeMattos, Jr. “With this legislation, Maryland has taken the first steps towards relief for our neighbors who have struggled without care.” Prior to the legislation, Maryland had almost 800,000 residents who were uninsured, and was ranked 44th in providing healthcare for parents through Medicaid.