Breakfast links: Citizen scientists are testing how clean our rivers really are
Potomac River to Georgetown by Brian Allen used with permission.
“Citizen scientists” are examining how clean DC’s rivers are
How clean is the Potomac River, the Anacostia River, and Rock Creek? A group of volunteers are testing the water every week to see how safe it is for human contact and how often it meets EPA standards, and publishing their results online. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
The Dulles Toll Road is making more revenue even though fewer people use it
After a rate hike took effect in January, fewer drivers used the Dulles Toll Road yet revenue went up anyway because the trips cost more, according to a March report by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates the road. (Lori Aratani / Post)
Metro chooses two new regional headquarters in Maryland and Virginia
Metro will construct two regional headquarters in New Carrollton and Alexandria near the Eisenhower Avenue and New Carrollton metro stops, respectively. The headquarters will supplement the existing offices in L'Enfant Plaza. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP, Michael Laris / Post)
Metro will have free parking at stations with summer closures
Over the summer, large portions of the Blue and Yellow lines will be closed for track work. To help commuters, Metro plans to open up the parking lots at Franconia-Springfield, Huntington and Van Dorn Street for free throughout the work. (Max Smith / WTOP)
A federal program for low-income areas mostly goes to DC’s affluent ones
A federal program called HUBZone, or Historically Underutilized Business Zones, was supposed to help smaller firms located in less affluent areas to secure federal contracts. But an investigation shows it has instead largely benefitted businesses downtown, in Navy Yard, and in Dupont Circle. (John Harden / Post)
The K Street Transitway will now include a protected bikway
K Street, one of DC's most congested and confusing thoroughfares, is getting a mile-long stretch of bus-only lanes and will now also accomodate a protected bikeway. (Jordan Pascale and Mayowa Aina / WAMU)
Jefferson Davis Highway could soon be history
Arlington County voted to officially remove the name “Jefferson Davis” from Jefferson Davis Highway and requested that the new name be Richmond Highway. The change will need approval from the Commonwealth Transportation Board. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
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