Breakfast links: Pepco to pay $57 million to clean up Anacostia River
Nesting Pier on the Anacostia River by Emma K Alexandra licensed under Creative Commons.
DC reaches settlement with Pepco over toxic dumping
Pepco will pay $57 million—the largest settlement in the District of its kind—for the dumping of toxic chemicals into waterways including the Anacostia River. Most of the funds will go toward cleanup at some of the most polluted points of the river, while $10 million was leveled at the utility for civil penalties. (Jacob Fenston / DCist, Justin Wm. Moyer / Post)
Baltimore water cleared from parasite, weekly tests to continue
Tests on water in the Druid Lake Reservoir came back negative for the parasite cryptosporidium on Tuesday, but officials still encourage high-risk residents to boil water, filter water, or use bottled water. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works will continue to test the water for toxins and aims to move the reservoirs to new underground tunnels by the end of 2023. (This article is behind a paywall). (Hugo Kugiya / Baltimore Banner)
DC Attorney General launching antitrust investigation of company suggesting rent prices to landlords
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb is investigating a company that helps property managers set rental prices for antitrust violations. The company is currently facing lawsuits in other states and jurisdictions for similar charges. (Alex Koma / City Paper)
Maryland wins grant to plan for connecting MARC lines, electrify three Port of Baltimore locomotives
Maryland’s Department of Transportation was awarded $20.4 million in federal funds for rail improvements. The funds include $8.8 million to planning and engineering studies to bridge the Penn and Camden lines serving Baltimore, and $11.6 million to replace three high-emission locomotives with battery-electric alternatives at the CSX Curtis Bay rail terminal. (Christian Olaniran / CBS News Baltimore WJZ)
DC taxpayers to cover cost of Nationals scoreboard, lights replacement
Events DC negotiated an agreement with the Nationals to replace their scoreboard and some lighting using public funds. DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson said the new scoreboard’s cost is estimated to be between $20 million and $22 million. (This article is behind a paywall) (Drew Hansen / Business Journal)
Fairfax County Park Authority proposes $8 million budget for next fiscal year in face of request to trim costs
The Fairfax County Executive asked all departments to trim general fund requests by 7% for fiscal year 2025. The Fairfax County Park Authority proposed an $8 million budget including plans to improve several parks, but in this scenario several items from fiscal year 2024, the current year, remain unfunded. (Fatimah Waseem / FFxnow)
Developer releases renderings for power plant redevelopment in Alexandria’s Old Town North
The developers of the old GenOn Power Plant site in Alexandria’s Old Town North have released renderings of their multi-phase project. One of the modern buildings has a sharp corner that designers say is intended to evoke New York City’s Flatiron building. The renderings will be discussed at next week’s Old Town North Design Review Board meeting at Alexandria City Hall. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.