Two-Day Traffic Restriction Planned For The
700 Block Of 4th Street NE From H Street To G Street
The 700 block of 4th Street NE – between H Street and G Street – will be closed to through traffic during daytime hours on Thursday and Friday, November 11 and 12, weather permitting, to accommodate installation of streetcar tracks across the 4th and H Streets intersection.
From 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on each of these days, the 700 block of 4th Street will be available only to local residential traffic. In the event of rain on either of these days, the 4th Street closing and streetcar work will occur on Saturday, November 13.
During these street-closure periods, the District Department of Transportation advises motorists to use 3rd Street, which is a two-way street, as an alternative to 4th Street, which is one-way south. Detour signs will be posted, and flaggers will be on hand to assist motorists and pedestrians.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, at dashboard.ddot.dc.gov under the Ward 6 Projects Link.As always, thank you for your patience and please call on us whenever you would like additional information or assistance.Margaret Gentry
Community Relations Specialist
MACTEC Engineering & Consulting
616 11th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel/Ofc: 202.544.7603
Cell: 202.320.8534
FAX: 202.544.7604
magentry@mactec.com
04 November 2010
30 October 2010
Good Citizens Keep Watch
Recently, media outlets have raised the public’s attention to an increasing, although
undefined, terrorist threat. International terrorist organizations have continued to demonstrate
their interest in conducting attacks in the U.S. Of concern for law enforcement is the possibility
that a lone individual who associates with or is inspired by extremist groups might try to stage an
attack. The threat picture we’re seeing shows an adversary that is evolving and adapting quickly,
and determined to strike us at home. We constantly remain on the alert and strive to keep the
public informed.
Fortunately, we are empowered to protect ourselves. First, as members of the community, we
are able to see things that are out of line from the norm, and then say something about it by calling
911 to report these suspicious actions and events. In many instances, it is very subtle observations
that can make the difference between interceding and stopping a dangerous act, or not.
Here are some unusual behaviors that could be indicators of terrorist planning.
• Surveillance. Are you aware of anyone recording or monitoring activities, taking notes,
using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., in your neighborhood?
• Stockpiling Materials. Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of
suspicious materials or trash, or persons loitering in your neighborhood?
• Suspicious Persons/Questioning. Are you aware of anyone who does not appear to
belong in your neighborhood or business?
Has anyone attempted to gain unusual information in person, by phone, mail, or email regarding your business or a facility nearby?
• Acquiring Supplies. Are you aware of anyone trying to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, or other dangerous materials that could be used in a terrorist act?
To that end, as you go about your daily routine,
the Metropolitan Police Department asks that
you remain ever vigilant in your awareness of
the following: (1) others who are behaving in an
unusual way; (2) strange smells that seem out of
sorts [particularly chemical odors]; (3) the delivery
of odd looking packages, machines, and devices to
you or others around your home or business; and
(4) other out-of-the-ordinary actions you happen
to see.
undefined, terrorist threat. International terrorist organizations have continued to demonstrate
their interest in conducting attacks in the U.S. Of concern for law enforcement is the possibility
that a lone individual who associates with or is inspired by extremist groups might try to stage an
attack. The threat picture we’re seeing shows an adversary that is evolving and adapting quickly,
and determined to strike us at home. We constantly remain on the alert and strive to keep the
public informed.
Fortunately, we are empowered to protect ourselves. First, as members of the community, we
are able to see things that are out of line from the norm, and then say something about it by calling
911 to report these suspicious actions and events. In many instances, it is very subtle observations
that can make the difference between interceding and stopping a dangerous act, or not.
Here are some unusual behaviors that could be indicators of terrorist planning.
• Surveillance. Are you aware of anyone recording or monitoring activities, taking notes,
using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., in your neighborhood?
• Stockpiling Materials. Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of
suspicious materials or trash, or persons loitering in your neighborhood?
• Suspicious Persons/Questioning. Are you aware of anyone who does not appear to
belong in your neighborhood or business?
Has anyone attempted to gain unusual information in person, by phone, mail, or email regarding your business or a facility nearby?
• Acquiring Supplies. Are you aware of anyone trying to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, or other dangerous materials that could be used in a terrorist act?
To that end, as you go about your daily routine,
the Metropolitan Police Department asks that
you remain ever vigilant in your awareness of
the following: (1) others who are behaving in an
unusual way; (2) strange smells that seem out of
sorts [particularly chemical odors]; (3) the delivery
of odd looking packages, machines, and devices to
you or others around your home or business; and
(4) other out-of-the-ordinary actions you happen
to see.
Halloween Tips from MPD
MPD STRESSES SAFETY, OFFERS ACTIVITIES
AT DISTRICT STATIONS THIS HALLOWEEN
To help ensure that youngsters across DC have a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween,
many of the MPD police districts are holding special Halloween events over the Halloween
weekend. Festivities include parties, haunted houses and Halloween celebrations at many of
the seven police stations. All of the events are free and designed to provide an opportunity
for Halloween fun for young people and parents who might want an alternative to trick-or treating
in the community.
For those who will be out and about on Halloween, the MPD offers a number of commonsense
safety tips to help keep young ghosts and goblins safe. For example, in selecting costumes,
bright, reflective and flame-retardant materials are a must, as are comfortable, well fitting
shoes. Instead of masks, which can restrict vision, youngsters are encouraged to get creative
with face paints. To promote their safety while walking, trick-or-treaters are reminded to stay
on the sidewalk and to cross only at the corner (never between cars). Motorists need to slow
down and be on the lookout for children. Homeowners are encouraged to turn on exterior
lights and clean up any debris near their property that children could trip on. And, of course,
youngsters should never go into peoples’ homes, talk to or accept rides from strangers, or eat
any goodies before adults have a chance to inspect them.
AT DISTRICT STATIONS THIS HALLOWEEN
To help ensure that youngsters across DC have a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween,
many of the MPD police districts are holding special Halloween events over the Halloween
weekend. Festivities include parties, haunted houses and Halloween celebrations at many of
the seven police stations. All of the events are free and designed to provide an opportunity
for Halloween fun for young people and parents who might want an alternative to trick-or treating
in the community.
For those who will be out and about on Halloween, the MPD offers a number of commonsense
safety tips to help keep young ghosts and goblins safe. For example, in selecting costumes,
bright, reflective and flame-retardant materials are a must, as are comfortable, well fitting
shoes. Instead of masks, which can restrict vision, youngsters are encouraged to get creative
with face paints. To promote their safety while walking, trick-or-treaters are reminded to stay
on the sidewalk and to cross only at the corner (never between cars). Motorists need to slow
down and be on the lookout for children. Homeowners are encouraged to turn on exterior
lights and clean up any debris near their property that children could trip on. And, of course,
youngsters should never go into peoples’ homes, talk to or accept rides from strangers, or eat
any goodies before adults have a chance to inspect them.
15 October 2010
Hacking of Digital Vote by Mail System DCBOEE Statement
October 6, 2010
Contact: Alysoun McLaughlin, amclaughlin@dcboee.org
202-727-2511 (direct)/202-441-1121 (cell)
Board Releases Statement on Hacking of Digital Vote by Mail System
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Elections and Ethics today released the following statement of Paul Stenbjorn, Information Services Director:
“On Friday, October 1, 2010, the District of Columbia’s Board of Elections and Ethics learned that its Digital Vote by Mail public examination software had developed an affinity for the maize and blue of the University of Michigan. Since no staff of the BOEE or our development partners, the Open Source Digital Vote Foundation, had attended the school, we reached the logical conclusion. Our public test had been hacked.
“Which you would think would have been an objectively bad thing for the BOEE. You’d think wrong.
“In August of 2010, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) workshop in which the academic computer science community issued a rebuke of all intermixing of votes and the internet. Election administrators were warned, in stark language, not to venture into the deep dark digital woods where perils lurked that were unstoppable and unavoidable.
“We in the election community were seeking guidance in the development of next generation election systems which would provide military and overseas voters a simplified method of receiving and returning their ballots. We know the challenges of postal mail delivery, especially to deployed men and women in uniform, and wanted to engage the best technical minds in the country in developing a framework for digital ballot delivery and return. At the UOCAVA workshop little progress was made in developing best practices, risk models, or frameworks for collaboration, so the BOEE decided to work independently with its partner organization to deploy the first in the nation, open source, online ballot delivery and return system. We vowed to publish the source code and offer a public examination period in which users would be given unfettered access to the system to determine its strength or weakness, assess its usability, and generally kick the tires.
“Fast forward to the last week in September - after delays in launching the public examination period, a hotly contested election on September 14 kept BOEE staff otherwise engaged, we launched the application and invited all comers to test and prod our system. Our goal was simple: determine if the application as developed passed muster, and if not, determine better mechanisms for security, transport and usability for future releases. The BOEE may have been the sponsor of this project, but our mission was to make this open source package freely available to all election officials. We understood the risks of making this package available for testing. But someone had to do it.
“When Alex Halderman and his students successfully hacked the system, we learned many valuable lessons about the security issues with the file upload mechanisms used in this software. More importantly, however, we achieved a collaborative engagement with the computer science community that was working with elections officials in the early stages of developing a better model for future deployment. This was our goal at the NIST workshop, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.
“We will continue this project and hope this interaction will serve as a model for future releases. We will stand up new revisions and invite the computer science community not only to attempt to hack the system, but come develop it with us. Imagine what would be possible if the best minds in the country collaborated on developing robust, open source election software.
“In response to the hacking of the Digital Vote by Mail public examination software, David Jefferson of Verified Voting stated:
“Let there be no mistake about it: this is a major achievement, and supports in every detail the warnings that security community have been giving about Internet voting for over a decade now. After this there can be no doubt that the burden of proof in the argument over the security of Internet voting systems has definitely shifted to those who claim that the systems can be made secure.”
“With all due respect to Mr. Jefferson, the lesson learned is not to be more timid, but more aggressive about solving the problem in exactly the way that we have chosen. Our task is to continue pursuing a robust, secure digital means for overseas voters to cast their ballot rather than resorting to e-mail or fax. As Thomas Edison famously said, “Nearly every man who develops an idea works at it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged.”
“The burden of proof will always rest with the election officials to ensure integrity and transparency of all voting systems, but the computer science community has a heavy burden as well. The computer science community needs to understand that this toothpaste is already out of the tube and no volume of warnings can put it back. Voters are currently casting ballots by e-mail and fax. We need to work together to find a better alternative.
Even more, voters expect that there will be a day when online voting will be as simple as paying bills or paying taxes. While there will always be citizens who choose to file their taxes on paper and there will always be voters who wish to visit their local polling place on Election Day, election officials know that voters expect, one day, to cast their ballot from their laptop.
“The BOEE’s Digital Vote by Mail application is an open source software package. We released not only the software, but also the design rationale documentation and networking schematics. We gave the hackers the keys to the store. This is critical toward enhancing the integrity of election systems. Were the BOEE to have deployed a commercial digital ballot return system, we may not have been able to discover comparable shortcomings until actual votes were involved. Furthermore, commercial software would not provide the transparency that is so critical to public trust and future technology development. This is a core value of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics and the successful hacking of the Digital Vote by Mail system proved that we were right to deploy and test an open source election system.
“While the BOEE would prefer to have a system that withstood all scrutiny and testing, we are achieving exactly what we set out to do. We are heartened by the knowledge that the digital ballot delivery system we are deploying will allow overseas and military voters to receive ballots nearly instantaneously. We are also encouraged that the partnerships we have begun to develop through this initiative will continue to build and lead to better voting systems for all voters. The University of Michigan students and faculty deserve credit for accepting this responsibility in constructive hacking, however, we all know that this does not represent the end of digital ballot transport, but a step toward a solution that will be less partisan in its Big 10 affiliations.”
Contact: Alysoun McLaughlin, amclaughlin@dcboee.org
202-727-2511 (direct)/202-441-1121 (cell)
Board Releases Statement on Hacking of Digital Vote by Mail System
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Elections and Ethics today released the following statement of Paul Stenbjorn, Information Services Director:
“On Friday, October 1, 2010, the District of Columbia’s Board of Elections and Ethics learned that its Digital Vote by Mail public examination software had developed an affinity for the maize and blue of the University of Michigan. Since no staff of the BOEE or our development partners, the Open Source Digital Vote Foundation, had attended the school, we reached the logical conclusion. Our public test had been hacked.
“Which you would think would have been an objectively bad thing for the BOEE. You’d think wrong.
“In August of 2010, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) workshop in which the academic computer science community issued a rebuke of all intermixing of votes and the internet. Election administrators were warned, in stark language, not to venture into the deep dark digital woods where perils lurked that were unstoppable and unavoidable.
“We in the election community were seeking guidance in the development of next generation election systems which would provide military and overseas voters a simplified method of receiving and returning their ballots. We know the challenges of postal mail delivery, especially to deployed men and women in uniform, and wanted to engage the best technical minds in the country in developing a framework for digital ballot delivery and return. At the UOCAVA workshop little progress was made in developing best practices, risk models, or frameworks for collaboration, so the BOEE decided to work independently with its partner organization to deploy the first in the nation, open source, online ballot delivery and return system. We vowed to publish the source code and offer a public examination period in which users would be given unfettered access to the system to determine its strength or weakness, assess its usability, and generally kick the tires.
“Fast forward to the last week in September - after delays in launching the public examination period, a hotly contested election on September 14 kept BOEE staff otherwise engaged, we launched the application and invited all comers to test and prod our system. Our goal was simple: determine if the application as developed passed muster, and if not, determine better mechanisms for security, transport and usability for future releases. The BOEE may have been the sponsor of this project, but our mission was to make this open source package freely available to all election officials. We understood the risks of making this package available for testing. But someone had to do it.
“When Alex Halderman and his students successfully hacked the system, we learned many valuable lessons about the security issues with the file upload mechanisms used in this software. More importantly, however, we achieved a collaborative engagement with the computer science community that was working with elections officials in the early stages of developing a better model for future deployment. This was our goal at the NIST workshop, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.
“We will continue this project and hope this interaction will serve as a model for future releases. We will stand up new revisions and invite the computer science community not only to attempt to hack the system, but come develop it with us. Imagine what would be possible if the best minds in the country collaborated on developing robust, open source election software.
“In response to the hacking of the Digital Vote by Mail public examination software, David Jefferson of Verified Voting stated:
“Let there be no mistake about it: this is a major achievement, and supports in every detail the warnings that security community have been giving about Internet voting for over a decade now. After this there can be no doubt that the burden of proof in the argument over the security of Internet voting systems has definitely shifted to those who claim that the systems can be made secure.”
“With all due respect to Mr. Jefferson, the lesson learned is not to be more timid, but more aggressive about solving the problem in exactly the way that we have chosen. Our task is to continue pursuing a robust, secure digital means for overseas voters to cast their ballot rather than resorting to e-mail or fax. As Thomas Edison famously said, “Nearly every man who develops an idea works at it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged.”
“The burden of proof will always rest with the election officials to ensure integrity and transparency of all voting systems, but the computer science community has a heavy burden as well. The computer science community needs to understand that this toothpaste is already out of the tube and no volume of warnings can put it back. Voters are currently casting ballots by e-mail and fax. We need to work together to find a better alternative.
Even more, voters expect that there will be a day when online voting will be as simple as paying bills or paying taxes. While there will always be citizens who choose to file their taxes on paper and there will always be voters who wish to visit their local polling place on Election Day, election officials know that voters expect, one day, to cast their ballot from their laptop.
“The BOEE’s Digital Vote by Mail application is an open source software package. We released not only the software, but also the design rationale documentation and networking schematics. We gave the hackers the keys to the store. This is critical toward enhancing the integrity of election systems. Were the BOEE to have deployed a commercial digital ballot return system, we may not have been able to discover comparable shortcomings until actual votes were involved. Furthermore, commercial software would not provide the transparency that is so critical to public trust and future technology development. This is a core value of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics and the successful hacking of the Digital Vote by Mail system proved that we were right to deploy and test an open source election system.
“While the BOEE would prefer to have a system that withstood all scrutiny and testing, we are achieving exactly what we set out to do. We are heartened by the knowledge that the digital ballot delivery system we are deploying will allow overseas and military voters to receive ballots nearly instantaneously. We are also encouraged that the partnerships we have begun to develop through this initiative will continue to build and lead to better voting systems for all voters. The University of Michigan students and faculty deserve credit for accepting this responsibility in constructive hacking, however, we all know that this does not represent the end of digital ballot transport, but a step toward a solution that will be less partisan in its Big 10 affiliations.”
Homicide at DPW Yard
News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gwendolyn Crump (202) 727-4383
October 13, 2010
Homicide in the 1200 block of W Street, NE
( Washington, DC) – Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a double shooting that resulted in a fatality.
On Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at approximately 6:25 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Department of Public Works at 1241 W St., NE, to investigate the report of a shooting at that location. Upon their arrival, they discovered two gunshot victims. Both victims are DPW employees.
Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported both victims to an area hospital. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent’s remains have been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending an autopsy. The decedent has been identified as 51-year-old Larry Hutchins of the 3400 block of Pearl Drive in Suitland, Maryland.
The second victim, whose identity is being withheld, was admitted with non-life threatening injuries.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).
Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to D.C. CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be
eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gwendolyn Crump (202) 727-4383
October 13, 2010
Homicide in the 1200 block of W Street, NE
( Washington, DC) – Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a double shooting that resulted in a fatality.
On Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at approximately 6:25 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Department of Public Works at 1241 W St., NE, to investigate the report of a shooting at that location. Upon their arrival, they discovered two gunshot victims. Both victims are DPW employees.
Personnel from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported both victims to an area hospital. One of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The decedent’s remains have been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending an autopsy. The decedent has been identified as 51-year-old Larry Hutchins of the 3400 block of Pearl Drive in Suitland, Maryland.
The second victim, whose identity is being withheld, was admitted with non-life threatening injuries.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).
Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to D.C. CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be
eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Bikeshare
Good morning, all….Thought you would enjoy the news that DDOT’s Capital Bikeshare program has come to H Street with placement of a Bikeshare station on the northeast sidewalk of the 13th and H Street intersection, next to the R. L. Christian Library site. DDOT’s Capital Bikeshare managers are considering other H Street station placements. We welcome your suggestions and comments, and we’ll keep you posted as these plans progress.
Meantime, please take a look at DDOT’s “BikeBrand Your Biz” announcement, pasted in below the picture. For H Street businesses with considerable bike use by customers and employees, this offers an opportunity that could be useful to you.
Meantime, please take a look at DDOT’s “BikeBrand Your Biz” announcement, pasted in below the picture. For H Street businesses with considerable bike use by customers and employees, this offers an opportunity that could be useful to you.
03 September 2010
90 & 92 Metrobuses Extension
Extension Of Time For The Temporary Move Of The 8th Street Bus Stops
For 90 & 92 Metrobuses To The North Side Of H Street
The 8th Street N.E. bus stops for the northbound and southbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses will continue to be on 8th Street just north of H Street – instead of the permanent locations on 8th Street just south of H Street – until approximately Thursday, September 9.
The bus stops were moved this short distance north to accommodate construction of the new 8th Street sidewalks on the south side of H Street. As shown in the photo below, the construction contractor is now proceeding to build the new bus pads in the curb lanes on the southeast and southwest side of 8th Street.
During this additional work, the 90 & 92 Metrobuses will continue to make their 8th Street stops just north of H Street at locations marked by temporary bus stop signs.
We expect the bus pad work to be completed on or before Thursday, September 9, at which time the 8th Street bus stops will be resumed at their normal location just south of H Street.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
For 90 & 92 Metrobuses To The North Side Of H Street
The 8th Street N.E. bus stops for the northbound and southbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses will continue to be on 8th Street just north of H Street – instead of the permanent locations on 8th Street just south of H Street – until approximately Thursday, September 9.
The bus stops were moved this short distance north to accommodate construction of the new 8th Street sidewalks on the south side of H Street. As shown in the photo below, the construction contractor is now proceeding to build the new bus pads in the curb lanes on the southeast and southwest side of 8th Street.
During this additional work, the 90 & 92 Metrobuses will continue to make their 8th Street stops just north of H Street at locations marked by temporary bus stop signs.
We expect the bus pad work to be completed on or before Thursday, September 9, at which time the 8th Street bus stops will be resumed at their normal location just south of H Street.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
31 August 2010
New Voter Cards
Board of Elections and Ethics to Issue New Voter Cards
to Voters in Precincts 51, 52, 129 and 136
Due to Printing Error by an Outside Vendor, Wrong Ward Was Printed on Cards
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Board of Elections and Ethics today announced that it will be sending new voter cards to voters in four precincts before the primary election.
The Board recently issued new voter cards to every registered voter in the District. The cards are not required to vote, but were issued as a convenience for the voter and to improve the speed of check-in.
Due to an error by an outside vendor that misinterpreted data provided by the Board, the wrong Ward was printed on the cards for four precincts. The error affects 7,579 voters in Single Member Districts 3G01-4 (Precincts 51 and 52 in Ward 4), 6D01-2 (Precinct 129 in Ward 2) and 3C01 (Precinct 136 in Ward 1). The first digit of the Single Member District was printed on the card rather than the Ward.
“This was an error by an outside vendor and will not cause voters to have any problems at the polls,” said Executive Director Rokey W. Suleman II. “The information in our voter registration database is correct. We apologize for the confusion experienced by voters in these four precincts.”
New voter cards will be sent before the primary election. Voters may confirm their correct Ward by checking the online registration lookup at www.dcboee.org or call the Board of Elections and Ethics at 202-727-2525.
to Voters in Precincts 51, 52, 129 and 136
Due to Printing Error by an Outside Vendor, Wrong Ward Was Printed on Cards
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Board of Elections and Ethics today announced that it will be sending new voter cards to voters in four precincts before the primary election.
The Board recently issued new voter cards to every registered voter in the District. The cards are not required to vote, but were issued as a convenience for the voter and to improve the speed of check-in.
Due to an error by an outside vendor that misinterpreted data provided by the Board, the wrong Ward was printed on the cards for four precincts. The error affects 7,579 voters in Single Member Districts 3G01-4 (Precincts 51 and 52 in Ward 4), 6D01-2 (Precinct 129 in Ward 2) and 3C01 (Precinct 136 in Ward 1). The first digit of the Single Member District was printed on the card rather than the Ward.
“This was an error by an outside vendor and will not cause voters to have any problems at the polls,” said Executive Director Rokey W. Suleman II. “The information in our voter registration database is correct. We apologize for the confusion experienced by voters in these four precincts.”
New voter cards will be sent before the primary election. Voters may confirm their correct Ward by checking the online registration lookup at www.dcboee.org or call the Board of Elections and Ethics at 202-727-2525.
Northbound 90 & 92 Metrobuses
8th Street Bus Stop For Northbound 90 & 92 Metrobuses Moves To The North Side Of H Street
For Five Days Beginning Monday, August 30
The 8th Street N.E. bus stop for the northbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses – currently located on the east side of 8th Street just south of H Street – will be moved for five days to the east side of 8th Street just north of H Street.
Weather permitting, the move will take effect at 7:00 am Monday, August 30, and will continue through Friday, September 3.
The temporary bus stop move is necessary to accommodate construction of the sidewalk on the east corner of 8th Street south of H Street.
There will be no change in the 90 and 92 bus routes. The bus shelter at the permanent bus stop on the southeast side of 8th Street will not be moved. It will be protected during construction as the new sidewalk is built around it.
The sidewalk construction activity includes re-setting the curb, excavating the old sidewalk and preparing the surface, pouring and placing the exposed aggregate concrete for the new sidewalk, preparing the sidewalk site designated for decorative pavers, and placing the pavers.
On the southwest side of 8th Street, placing the pavers is the final step in completing the new sidewalk, and this is scheduled to be done on Monday, August 30. After that, the southbound 90 and 92 buses will resume use of the permanent bus stop on the southwest side of 8th Street. During the construction work, the stop was temporarily moved to the northwest corner of 8th and H Streets.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
For Five Days Beginning Monday, August 30
The 8th Street N.E. bus stop for the northbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses – currently located on the east side of 8th Street just south of H Street – will be moved for five days to the east side of 8th Street just north of H Street.
Weather permitting, the move will take effect at 7:00 am Monday, August 30, and will continue through Friday, September 3.
The temporary bus stop move is necessary to accommodate construction of the sidewalk on the east corner of 8th Street south of H Street.
There will be no change in the 90 and 92 bus routes. The bus shelter at the permanent bus stop on the southeast side of 8th Street will not be moved. It will be protected during construction as the new sidewalk is built around it.
The sidewalk construction activity includes re-setting the curb, excavating the old sidewalk and preparing the surface, pouring and placing the exposed aggregate concrete for the new sidewalk, preparing the sidewalk site designated for decorative pavers, and placing the pavers.
On the southwest side of 8th Street, placing the pavers is the final step in completing the new sidewalk, and this is scheduled to be done on Monday, August 30. After that, the southbound 90 and 92 buses will resume use of the permanent bus stop on the southwest side of 8th Street. During the construction work, the stop was temporarily moved to the northwest corner of 8th and H Streets.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
23 August 2010
DDOT Installing More Pedestrian Crosswalk Beacons
DDOT Installing More Pedestrian Crosswalk Beacons
New Flashing Lights at Uncontrolled Intersections Improve Pedestrian Safety
(Washington, DC) – Just in time for the start of the new school year, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is installing new warning beacons with flashing lights to help pedestrians of all ages safely cross four busy, and previously uncontrolled, intersections in the District.
DDOT is installing solar-powered rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons at the following locations:
Ward 1:
New Hampshire Ave. and Otis Place, NW (This location serves students who attend a nearby school on Georgia Avenue.)
Ward 3:
MacArthur Blvd. and U Street, NW. (This location serves pedestrians accessing nearby bus stops, a grocery store and other retail.)
Ward 8:
Alabama Ave. and 15th Place, SE (This location serves pedestrians walking to a new restaurant, as well as nearby housing, shopping center and bus stops.)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Milwaukee Place, SE (This location serves children walking to and from a nearby school and utilizing nearby bus stops.)
The beacons are expected to be in place and operating next week.
The improvements at the two intersections near schools were funded through DDOT’s Safe Routes to School program, which works to make it safer for children to walk and bike to school.
Prior to entering the crosswalks, pedestrians push a button to activate the beacons. As seen in the photo above, the solar-powered beacons emit yellow LED light clusters that signal to approaching vehicles that pedestrians are waiting to cross the road at the crosswalk.
In 2008, DDOT installed the city’s first rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons at the intersection of Brentwood Road and 13th Street, NE. The use of the devices is a key recommendation of the District’s Pedestrian Master Plan and testing here and elsewhere has shown they are very effective. At locations with rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons, the percentage of drivers who yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk can be as high as 90%.
For more information about DDOT’s Pedestrian program please visit our website at ddot.dc.gov.
New Flashing Lights at Uncontrolled Intersections Improve Pedestrian Safety
(Washington, DC) – Just in time for the start of the new school year, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is installing new warning beacons with flashing lights to help pedestrians of all ages safely cross four busy, and previously uncontrolled, intersections in the District.
DDOT is installing solar-powered rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons at the following locations:
Ward 1:
New Hampshire Ave. and Otis Place, NW (This location serves students who attend a nearby school on Georgia Avenue.)
Ward 3:
MacArthur Blvd. and U Street, NW. (This location serves pedestrians accessing nearby bus stops, a grocery store and other retail.)
Ward 8:
Alabama Ave. and 15th Place, SE (This location serves pedestrians walking to a new restaurant, as well as nearby housing, shopping center and bus stops.)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Milwaukee Place, SE (This location serves children walking to and from a nearby school and utilizing nearby bus stops.)
The beacons are expected to be in place and operating next week.
The improvements at the two intersections near schools were funded through DDOT’s Safe Routes to School program, which works to make it safer for children to walk and bike to school.
Prior to entering the crosswalks, pedestrians push a button to activate the beacons. As seen in the photo above, the solar-powered beacons emit yellow LED light clusters that signal to approaching vehicles that pedestrians are waiting to cross the road at the crosswalk.
In 2008, DDOT installed the city’s first rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons at the intersection of Brentwood Road and 13th Street, NE. The use of the devices is a key recommendation of the District’s Pedestrian Master Plan and testing here and elsewhere has shown they are very effective. At locations with rapid-flashing crosswalk beacons, the percentage of drivers who yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk can be as high as 90%.
For more information about DDOT’s Pedestrian program please visit our website at ddot.dc.gov.
Q&A one day prior to the election
MEDIA ADVISORY
D.C. BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
August 22, 2010
Contact: Alysoun McLaughlin, amclaughlin@dcboee.org
202-727-2511 (direct)/202-441-1121 (cell)
Board of Elections and Ethics Schedules
Press Briefings Prior to the September Primary Election
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Elections and Ethics today released a schedule of press briefings to be held prior to the primary election on September 14, 2010.
Each briefing will consist of a short presentation and question-and-answer session. Individual interviews may be scheduled by appointment. Briefings will be held in the Board’s hearing room at 441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 280 North on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 25, 10:30 a.m.
** public test of the voting equipment
Monday, August 30, 10:30 a.m.
** first day of early voting at 441 4th Street, N.W.
Thursday, September 2, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A prior to the opening of satellite vote centers
Thursday, September 9, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A prior to the last weekend of early voting
Monday, September 13, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A one day prior to the election
In addition, a series of briefings will be scheduled throughout Election Day and until the results of the election are certified. Under District law, absentee and special ballots are included in the official results of the election but will not be counted for ten days after the election.
All events are open to the public. Individuals planning to attend should RSVP separately for each briefing to amclaughlin@dcboee.org.
D.C. BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
August 22, 2010
Contact: Alysoun McLaughlin, amclaughlin@dcboee.org
202-727-2511 (direct)/202-441-1121 (cell)
Board of Elections and Ethics Schedules
Press Briefings Prior to the September Primary Election
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Elections and Ethics today released a schedule of press briefings to be held prior to the primary election on September 14, 2010.
Each briefing will consist of a short presentation and question-and-answer session. Individual interviews may be scheduled by appointment. Briefings will be held in the Board’s hearing room at 441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 280 North on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 25, 10:30 a.m.
** public test of the voting equipment
Monday, August 30, 10:30 a.m.
** first day of early voting at 441 4th Street, N.W.
Thursday, September 2, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A prior to the opening of satellite vote centers
Thursday, September 9, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A prior to the last weekend of early voting
Monday, September 13, 10:30 a.m.
** Q&A one day prior to the election
In addition, a series of briefings will be scheduled throughout Election Day and until the results of the election are certified. Under District law, absentee and special ballots are included in the official results of the election but will not be counted for ten days after the election.
All events are open to the public. Individuals planning to attend should RSVP separately for each briefing to amclaughlin@dcboee.org.
Public Notice
"Public notice of a Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. has been uploaded to our web site at www.dcboee.org. The purpose of the meeting is to reconsider the emergency and proposed rulemaking adopted on August 12, 2010, affecting 3 DCMR §§ 500.10, 513.2 and 517.2 clarifying the treatment of changes in party affiliation status within 30 days of an election. The emergency and proposed regulations can be found at http://www.dcregs.org/Gateway/NoticeHome.aspx?noticeid=478518.
As always, please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Thanks,"
As always, please let me know if you have any comments or questions.
Thanks,"
The H Street construction contractor
Good evening, everyone….The H Street construction contractor, Capitol Paving of DC (CPDC) plans to start work tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug 24), weather permitting, to build the new sidewalk on the southwest side of 8th Street at the H Street intersection. Excavation and preparation of the surface for the new sidewalk is to be carried out tomorrow, and the exposed aggregate concrete for the new sidewalk is to be poured and placed the next day.
During the sidewalk construction period, the 8th Street bus stop for the southbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses – currently located on 8th Street just south of H Street beside the Foot Locker store – will be moved for three days to 8th Street just north of H Street beside the Bank of America building. The bus shelters at the permanent bus stop location on the south side of H Street will not be moved – the sidewalk will be built around them.
The temporary stop on the north side of H Street will be marked with a portable bus stop stand.
There will be no change in the bus route.
Weather permitting, the move will take effect at 7:00 am Tuesday, August 24, and will continue through Thursday, August 26. Notices were posted this afternoon at the permanent bus stop location on the south side of H Street and distributed to business establishments in the vicinity.
In other developments:
Ø CPDC today excavated the old sidewalk on the southeast side of 7th Street at the H Street intersection and prepared the surface for pouring and placing the concrete for the new sidewalk tomorrow.
Ø CPDC last week completed constructing the new sidewalk on the southwest side of 7th Street at the H Street intersection and worked today on preparing the designated site within the sidewalk for the placement of decorative pavers.
Ø CPDC began work last week, and is continuing work this week, on construction of the roadway surface in the south center lane of the 1200, 1100, and 1000 blocks.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
Thank you for your patience. For more information or assistance, please call on us at any time.
Margaret Gentry
Community Relations Specialist
MACTEC Engineering & Consulting Inc.
During the sidewalk construction period, the 8th Street bus stop for the southbound 90 and 92 Metrobuses – currently located on 8th Street just south of H Street beside the Foot Locker store – will be moved for three days to 8th Street just north of H Street beside the Bank of America building. The bus shelters at the permanent bus stop location on the south side of H Street will not be moved – the sidewalk will be built around them.
The temporary stop on the north side of H Street will be marked with a portable bus stop stand.
There will be no change in the bus route.
Weather permitting, the move will take effect at 7:00 am Tuesday, August 24, and will continue through Thursday, August 26. Notices were posted this afternoon at the permanent bus stop location on the south side of H Street and distributed to business establishments in the vicinity.
In other developments:
Ø CPDC today excavated the old sidewalk on the southeast side of 7th Street at the H Street intersection and prepared the surface for pouring and placing the concrete for the new sidewalk tomorrow.
Ø CPDC last week completed constructing the new sidewalk on the southwest side of 7th Street at the H Street intersection and worked today on preparing the designated site within the sidewalk for the placement of decorative pavers.
Ø CPDC began work last week, and is continuing work this week, on construction of the roadway surface in the south center lane of the 1200, 1100, and 1000 blocks.
The work is part of the District Department of Transportation’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
Thank you for your patience. For more information or assistance, please call on us at any time.
Margaret Gentry
Community Relations Specialist
MACTEC Engineering & Consulting Inc.
26 July 2010
D.C. Traffic Alert/Storm Update
***Traffic Alert/Storm Update***
Over 20 Intersections Have Traffic Signals Still Out
Over 270 Reports of Damage by Trees
(Washington, D.C.) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and emergency response crews continue to respond to downed trees and traffic signals out due to power outages throughout the District. Generators to compatible traffic signals have been placed at some intersections as well as portable stop signs installed at others providing some relief to rush hour traffic, however, over 20 traffic signals remain out due to power outages. Motorists are requested to treat traffic signals that remain out as a 4-way stop. Motorists should allow additional travel time this morning as some delays may be in effect.
Major corridors with some signals still out include:
· Benning Road, SE
· Michigan Avenue, NE
· Minnesota Avenue, NE
· Nannie Helen Borroughs, NE
· South Dakota, NE
· Connecticut Avenue, NW
· Missouri Avenue, NW
· Military Road, NW
· Wisconsin Avenue, NW
DDOT Traffic Control Officers have been dispatched to major intersections throughout the city to facilitate traffic. DDOT Roadway Operation Patrols also respond to rush hour traffic incidents in an effort to clear roadways quickly.
DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration crews have been cutting and clearing downed trees over night. Approximately 20 full large trees fell from both private and public space. Over 270 reports of downed trees or very large limbs or portions of trees causing damage were reported after the late afternoon storm that moved quickly through the region yesterday. Crews will continue to cut and clear tree debris in public space throughout the day. Areas where wires are down require coordination with Pepco. Property owners are responsible for clearing debris from private space. No trees are currently down along major commuter routes.
Residents and travelers in the District are reminded to:
· STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.
· Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.
· If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.
· If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.
· If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.
Over 20 Intersections Have Traffic Signals Still Out
Over 270 Reports of Damage by Trees
(Washington, D.C.) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and emergency response crews continue to respond to downed trees and traffic signals out due to power outages throughout the District. Generators to compatible traffic signals have been placed at some intersections as well as portable stop signs installed at others providing some relief to rush hour traffic, however, over 20 traffic signals remain out due to power outages. Motorists are requested to treat traffic signals that remain out as a 4-way stop. Motorists should allow additional travel time this morning as some delays may be in effect.
Major corridors with some signals still out include:
· Benning Road, SE
· Michigan Avenue, NE
· Minnesota Avenue, NE
· Nannie Helen Borroughs, NE
· South Dakota, NE
· Connecticut Avenue, NW
· Missouri Avenue, NW
· Military Road, NW
· Wisconsin Avenue, NW
DDOT Traffic Control Officers have been dispatched to major intersections throughout the city to facilitate traffic. DDOT Roadway Operation Patrols also respond to rush hour traffic incidents in an effort to clear roadways quickly.
DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration crews have been cutting and clearing downed trees over night. Approximately 20 full large trees fell from both private and public space. Over 270 reports of downed trees or very large limbs or portions of trees causing damage were reported after the late afternoon storm that moved quickly through the region yesterday. Crews will continue to cut and clear tree debris in public space throughout the day. Areas where wires are down require coordination with Pepco. Property owners are responsible for clearing debris from private space. No trees are currently down along major commuter routes.
Residents and travelers in the District are reminded to:
· STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.
· Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.
· If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.
· If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.
· If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.
25 July 2010
28,000 Residents Without Power
Appx 28,000 customers are currently without electrical power in D.C. due to this afternoon's severe thunderstorm. Additionally, several trees are blocking roads throught the District, and several wires are down. PEPCO, DDOT, DPW, and other agencies are aware of the storm damage, and are responding as quickly as possible. If you must travel around the city, please use the utmost caution and be alert for these hazards.
Power Outage and Response
DDOT and Emergency Response Crews Respond Quickly
Fast and Furious Storm Downs Trees and Large Branches
Traffic Signals Out Due to Power Outages
Roadway Closures Reported Throughout the City
A storm burst that came through the Washington region in the early evening has felled over approximately 70 trees and large limbs throughout the District. Power outages are also being reported in a number of neighborhoods with traffic signals out along some major routes.
The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), along with DDOT’s Traffic Operations and Safety Inspector and Oversight Division are working with the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) and the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to coordinate emergency response, secure areas with downed electrical wires, and to remove large trees that have fallen and are blocking roadways.
Residents and travelers are advised of the following:
• STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.
• Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.
• If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.
• If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.
• If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.
Trees are removed from roads first, followed by trees on houses and then those that have fallen on sidewalks. Removal of trees that have fallen near or on power lines requires coordination with Pepco. Citizens should note that it can take up to two to three weeks to get all debris and limbs cleared from public space.
Fast and Furious Storm Downs Trees and Large Branches
Traffic Signals Out Due to Power Outages
Roadway Closures Reported Throughout the City
A storm burst that came through the Washington region in the early evening has felled over approximately 70 trees and large limbs throughout the District. Power outages are also being reported in a number of neighborhoods with traffic signals out along some major routes.
The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), along with DDOT’s Traffic Operations and Safety Inspector and Oversight Division are working with the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) and the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to coordinate emergency response, secure areas with downed electrical wires, and to remove large trees that have fallen and are blocking roadways.
Residents and travelers are advised of the following:
• STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.
• Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.
• If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.
• If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.
• If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.
Trees are removed from roads first, followed by trees on houses and then those that have fallen on sidewalks. Removal of trees that have fallen near or on power lines requires coordination with Pepco. Citizens should note that it can take up to two to three weeks to get all debris and limbs cleared from public space.
17 June 2010
Construction Inspection Scheduling System
June 11, 2010
DCRA Announces New 24/7 Construction Inspection Scheduling System
Mayor Fenty and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo announce the launch of a new phone-based scheduling system that allows contractors and residents to schedule construction inspections 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The IVR system allows customers to schedule inspections, obtain inspection results within 48 hours of the inspection, and cancel inspections – all just by dialing 202-442-9557 and utilizing the easy-to-use interface. The system goes live Monday, June 14, 2010.
“DCRA, under the leadership of Director Linda Argo, continues to take advantage of new technology to make the customer experience at DCRA as quick and painless as possible,” Fenty said. “The department has come a long way under her leadership and these technological improvements are key to moving the District’s economy forward faster.”
Director Argo said the new IVR system isn’t simply a routing system that moves customers from staff to staff or from office to office.
“This system literally dips into our inspections scheduling database, picks the earliest available date, assigns an inspector, and then keeps track of that inspection until the results are available,” Argo said. “We are continuously trying to make our regulatory processes as convenient and efficient as possible for our customers.”
The IVR system is very simple:
Dial 202-442-9557
Enter your Building Permit Number;
Enter the Inspection Code;
Select the date; and
Receive confirmation number.
The IVR system is DCRA’s latest effort at leveraging technology to improve customer service. Last year, the agency launched its Postcard Permit and Supplemental Permit application system which allows customers to submit online permit applications for 50 of the most common home improvement and small construction projects. Customers can use the system from their home or office computer or at a mobile kiosk at the Home Depot located on Rhode Island Avenue, NE.
“We’re well aware that in this economic climate, time wasted standing in line or waiting on hold translates into money wasted,” said Argo. “The IVR system recognizes that our customers’ time is a precious commodity and the less time they have to deal with bureaucracy, the more time they have to spend on growing their businesses.”
For inspection codes or to download and print the informational flier, please visit dcra.dc.gov/IVR.
DCRA Announces New 24/7 Construction Inspection Scheduling System
Mayor Fenty and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo announce the launch of a new phone-based scheduling system that allows contractors and residents to schedule construction inspections 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The IVR system allows customers to schedule inspections, obtain inspection results within 48 hours of the inspection, and cancel inspections – all just by dialing 202-442-9557 and utilizing the easy-to-use interface. The system goes live Monday, June 14, 2010.
“DCRA, under the leadership of Director Linda Argo, continues to take advantage of new technology to make the customer experience at DCRA as quick and painless as possible,” Fenty said. “The department has come a long way under her leadership and these technological improvements are key to moving the District’s economy forward faster.”
Director Argo said the new IVR system isn’t simply a routing system that moves customers from staff to staff or from office to office.
“This system literally dips into our inspections scheduling database, picks the earliest available date, assigns an inspector, and then keeps track of that inspection until the results are available,” Argo said. “We are continuously trying to make our regulatory processes as convenient and efficient as possible for our customers.”
The IVR system is very simple:
Dial 202-442-9557
Enter your Building Permit Number;
Enter the Inspection Code;
Select the date; and
Receive confirmation number.
The IVR system is DCRA’s latest effort at leveraging technology to improve customer service. Last year, the agency launched its Postcard Permit and Supplemental Permit application system which allows customers to submit online permit applications for 50 of the most common home improvement and small construction projects. Customers can use the system from their home or office computer or at a mobile kiosk at the Home Depot located on Rhode Island Avenue, NE.
“We’re well aware that in this economic climate, time wasted standing in line or waiting on hold translates into money wasted,” said Argo. “The IVR system recognizes that our customers’ time is a precious commodity and the less time they have to deal with bureaucracy, the more time they have to spend on growing their businesses.”
For inspection codes or to download and print the informational flier, please visit dcra.dc.gov/IVR.
13 June 2010
H Street N.E. Construction
H Street N.E. Construction Shifts to South Side
From 3rd Street to 7th Street
New Traffic Pattern Takes Effect Friday, June 11
North Curb Lane Re-Opens for Parking in the 500 & 600 Blocks
As part of the H Street N.E. Reconstruction Project, the District Department of Transportation will implement a new traffic pattern by the end of the day, Friday, June 11, in preparation for shifting the construction work to the two south roadway lanes from 3rd Street to 7th Street.
The shift marks a milestone toward completion of the project. From 3rd Street to 7th Street, the work is substantially complete in the north curb lane, the north shared transit lane, and the north and south center lanes. (The shared transit lane includes the streetcar tracks and will be used by streetcars, buses, cars, and other motor vehicles.)
The total project – from 3rd Street to an end point just east of 14th Street – is approximately 60% complete. The target date for substantial completion of the entire project is June 2011.
In the new traffic pattern to be put in place on Friday, eastbound traffic will be guided by signs, lights, and other directional devices at 3rd Street into a single eastbound lane in the center portion of the roadway. Westbound traffic will be guided by similar mechanisms at 7th Street into two westbound lanes from 7th to 3rd Street.
Just to the west of the 6th Street intersection, the north curb lane will be marked to permit parking. A two-hour parking limit will be in place to assure turnover of the spaces within a reasonable time for customers of H Street businesses. The 300 and 400 blocks were re-opened for north curb lane parking in mid-March of this year. Implementation of the new traffic pattern on Saturday adds the 500 block and most of the 600 block to make a total of almost four blocks in which north curb lane parking has been restored.
In the south curb lane and shared traffic lane, work will begin at 3rd Street and move steadily eastward to 7th Street. The work includes the excavation and reconstruction of the existing roadway, the installation of streetcar tracks, and installation of new streetlight poles, sidewalks, and sidewalk amenities.
The south side work from 3rd to 7th Street is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
From 3rd Street to 7th Street
New Traffic Pattern Takes Effect Friday, June 11
North Curb Lane Re-Opens for Parking in the 500 & 600 Blocks
As part of the H Street N.E. Reconstruction Project, the District Department of Transportation will implement a new traffic pattern by the end of the day, Friday, June 11, in preparation for shifting the construction work to the two south roadway lanes from 3rd Street to 7th Street.
The shift marks a milestone toward completion of the project. From 3rd Street to 7th Street, the work is substantially complete in the north curb lane, the north shared transit lane, and the north and south center lanes. (The shared transit lane includes the streetcar tracks and will be used by streetcars, buses, cars, and other motor vehicles.)
The total project – from 3rd Street to an end point just east of 14th Street – is approximately 60% complete. The target date for substantial completion of the entire project is June 2011.
In the new traffic pattern to be put in place on Friday, eastbound traffic will be guided by signs, lights, and other directional devices at 3rd Street into a single eastbound lane in the center portion of the roadway. Westbound traffic will be guided by similar mechanisms at 7th Street into two westbound lanes from 7th to 3rd Street.
Just to the west of the 6th Street intersection, the north curb lane will be marked to permit parking. A two-hour parking limit will be in place to assure turnover of the spaces within a reasonable time for customers of H Street businesses. The 300 and 400 blocks were re-opened for north curb lane parking in mid-March of this year. Implementation of the new traffic pattern on Saturday adds the 500 block and most of the 600 block to make a total of almost four blocks in which north curb lane parking has been restored.
In the south curb lane and shared traffic lane, work will begin at 3rd Street and move steadily eastward to 7th Street. The work includes the excavation and reconstruction of the existing roadway, the installation of streetcar tracks, and installation of new streetlight poles, sidewalks, and sidewalk amenities.
The south side work from 3rd to 7th Street is expected to take approximately 90 days to complete.
The work is part of DDOT’s H Street Reconstruction Project. More information about the project is available on the DDOT website, http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/ under the Ward 6 portion of the “Projects and Planning” section.
17 May 2010
Washington Aqueduct Returns to Chloramine
5/14/10 -- Washington Aqueduct Returns to Chloramine to Disinfect Area Tap Water
Yearly Treatment Change Concludes
Washington, DC —Beginning May 18, the Washington Aqueducts water treatment plants will resume using chloramine (chlorine plus ammonia) for drinking water disinfection. The Washington Aqueduct treats and provides water to the District of Columbia, Arlington County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia.
Chloramine provides long-lasting protection as water flows through the District’s large distribution system and to the tap. Chloramine also lowers the levels of certain byproducts of water disinfection — known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — that are associated with potential health risks.The temporary use of free chlorine instead of chloramine, which began February 1, is a standard practice in the water utility industry. It is an annual process used to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.
As always, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) will monitor the drinking water regularly to ensure it meets or exceeds federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Customers may continue to notice a chlorine taste and odor for an additional week before the chloramine reaches the entire water distribution system. This taste may be reduced by refrigerating a pitcher of drinking water overnight.
Those people who take special precautions to remove chlorine from tap water, such as users of dialysis machines, operators of medical facilities or owners of aquatic pets should also take the appropriate precautions for removing chloramine.
Information About Lead in Water
Lead in drinking water originates from lead service lines or from internal plumbing and fixtures that contain some elements of lead. Studies have also shown that household galvanized plumbing connected to a lead service line can accumulate lead and release it into the drinking water, even after the lead service line is removed.
As was widely reported, the Washington Aqueduct’s conversion in November 2000 from free chlorine to chloramine later resulted in a substantial change in lead release in District homes with lead service lines. At the time, this disinfectant change was required to meet more stringent federal regulations limiting the acceptable concentrations of DBPs produced when free chlorine reacts with organic matter in the raw water. The addition of orthophosphate to the water treatment process in 2004 caused lead releases to decline, and this practice continues to this day.
Over the past several years, the Washington Aqueduct has changed the water chemistry to free chlorine for a temporary period each spring. Household testing has not shown elevated lead levels above the EPA’s action level as a result of this change. DC WASA will continue to sample households with lead service lines to ensure that the temporary change in treatment does not result in elevated lead levels in District homes.
In general, District residents should contact DC WASA to determine if their water service lines are lead and remove all sources of lead in the household. Pregnant women and children under the age of six should use filtered tap water for drinking, and to prepare infant formula or concentrated juices, until all sources of lead are replaced.
For additional information or questions on water quality and lead, please contact the DC WASA Water Quality Division at (202) 612-3440 or visit www.dcwasa.com/waterquality. After hours, customers may call the 24-hour Emergency Call Center at 202-612-3400.
DC WASA: 202-612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour)
DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins is available for interviews.
-END-
Yearly Treatment Change Concludes
Washington, DC —Beginning May 18, the Washington Aqueducts water treatment plants will resume using chloramine (chlorine plus ammonia) for drinking water disinfection. The Washington Aqueduct treats and provides water to the District of Columbia, Arlington County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia.
Chloramine provides long-lasting protection as water flows through the District’s large distribution system and to the tap. Chloramine also lowers the levels of certain byproducts of water disinfection — known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — that are associated with potential health risks.The temporary use of free chlorine instead of chloramine, which began February 1, is a standard practice in the water utility industry. It is an annual process used to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.
As always, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) will monitor the drinking water regularly to ensure it meets or exceeds federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Customers may continue to notice a chlorine taste and odor for an additional week before the chloramine reaches the entire water distribution system. This taste may be reduced by refrigerating a pitcher of drinking water overnight.
Those people who take special precautions to remove chlorine from tap water, such as users of dialysis machines, operators of medical facilities or owners of aquatic pets should also take the appropriate precautions for removing chloramine.
Information About Lead in Water
Lead in drinking water originates from lead service lines or from internal plumbing and fixtures that contain some elements of lead. Studies have also shown that household galvanized plumbing connected to a lead service line can accumulate lead and release it into the drinking water, even after the lead service line is removed.
As was widely reported, the Washington Aqueduct’s conversion in November 2000 from free chlorine to chloramine later resulted in a substantial change in lead release in District homes with lead service lines. At the time, this disinfectant change was required to meet more stringent federal regulations limiting the acceptable concentrations of DBPs produced when free chlorine reacts with organic matter in the raw water. The addition of orthophosphate to the water treatment process in 2004 caused lead releases to decline, and this practice continues to this day.
Over the past several years, the Washington Aqueduct has changed the water chemistry to free chlorine for a temporary period each spring. Household testing has not shown elevated lead levels above the EPA’s action level as a result of this change. DC WASA will continue to sample households with lead service lines to ensure that the temporary change in treatment does not result in elevated lead levels in District homes.
In general, District residents should contact DC WASA to determine if their water service lines are lead and remove all sources of lead in the household. Pregnant women and children under the age of six should use filtered tap water for drinking, and to prepare infant formula or concentrated juices, until all sources of lead are replaced.
For additional information or questions on water quality and lead, please contact the DC WASA Water Quality Division at (202) 612-3440 or visit www.dcwasa.com/waterquality. After hours, customers may call the 24-hour Emergency Call Center at 202-612-3400.
DC WASA: 202-612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour)
DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins is available for interviews.
-END-
13 May 2010
Fenty Administration Launches (TOPS)
Fenty Administration Launches New Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS)
Story at a Glance
•Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS).
(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS). The new intuitive, online system enables home owners, tenants, and businesses alike to apply for the specific type of public space occupancy, construction, excavation, annual or rental permit required for use of the public space within the District of Columbia from home, from conveniently placed kiosks at local Metropolitan Police Department District offices or DDOT’s Public Space Permit Office at 1100 4th Street in southwest.
“This new state-of-the-art program will provide for a more transparent and enforceable public space program,” said Mayor Fenty. “In addition, it will save residents and contractors precious time by streamlining the application process and significantly decreasing the hours formally spent at the Public Permit Center.”
DDOT’s TOPS system allows the public to go on-line to apply for any available public space permit. Whether you need to occupy metered or unmetered curbside parking, sidewalk, alley or travel lane areas for your activity or construction related work.
Once registered, the system makes it easy for the user to log into an account any time to apply for a permit, edit an application, upload plans electronically, or check the status of an application.
“We are very excited to launch the TOPS system,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People can now go to any MPD station, apply for emergency or reserved parking signs and print them right there on spot. There may be no need to go to the Public Space Permit office. The system is designed to streamline the process and provide a more convenient process for the public.”
TOPS makes it easy to apply for the type of permit you want – just follow the prompts and instructions. When you finish entering the required information just click submit. Your permit application may be approved automatically or you may receive a tracking number which may be referenced later. If you are prompted for additional documentation during the process, the documents or plans may be uploaded electronically, or submitted in person to public space staff at the DDOT Public Space Permit Center located on the second floor at 1100 4th Street, SW.
The new on-line system also prompted a redesign of the current Emergency No Parking policies and distribution. Following the mandates of a 2006 City Council law that created both an “Emergency No Parking” sign and a “Reserved Parking” sign DDOT has redesigned and reformatted the template for these signs. The law specified information to be included on the signs and provided penalties for people posting signs improperly. Under this program DDOT issues temporary Emergency No Parking (ENP) permits for uses like construction and trash containers and Reserved Parking (RP) permits for short term uses like a mobile storage container, a moving truck or non-recurring events, such as weddings.
As part of the legislation, certain information must now be included on the signs, or penalties will be enforced for people posting signs improperly and for people defacing or removing valid signs. Historically “emergency no parking” signs could be purchased at hardware stores or even printed at home. This made enforcement of the signs and verification of the posting time consuming and difficult. The old version of the sign provided little or no contact information and the purpose of the posting was unclear, whether it is for utility or construction work, or a special event or moving truck. In addition, parking was often restricted longer than necessary.
The new signs will provide inspectors with a permit number, contact name, and exact posting information allowing for stricter and culpable enforcement.
TOPS is available on the DDOT website at www.ddot.dc.gov or directly at tops.ddot.dc.gov.
Information Required on all No Emergency Parking or Reserved Parking Signs
•Duration of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Hours of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Permit or Contract Number
•Reason
•Date Posted and
•Contact name and telephone number
FINES: There are now fines for illegally posting or removing signs
•Failure to remove the sign after expiration: $25 per sign per day (+ cost of removal)
•Installation of unapproved sign: $100 per day per sign (+ cost of removal)
•Improperly removing an approved sign: $100 per sign per day sign was valid (+ cost of reproducing sign)
•Defacing or vandalizing an authorized sign: $100 per sign for the first offense; $200 per sign for the second offense; $400 per sign for the third and subsequent offenses
Story at a Glance
•Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS).
(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS). The new intuitive, online system enables home owners, tenants, and businesses alike to apply for the specific type of public space occupancy, construction, excavation, annual or rental permit required for use of the public space within the District of Columbia from home, from conveniently placed kiosks at local Metropolitan Police Department District offices or DDOT’s Public Space Permit Office at 1100 4th Street in southwest.
“This new state-of-the-art program will provide for a more transparent and enforceable public space program,” said Mayor Fenty. “In addition, it will save residents and contractors precious time by streamlining the application process and significantly decreasing the hours formally spent at the Public Permit Center.”
DDOT’s TOPS system allows the public to go on-line to apply for any available public space permit. Whether you need to occupy metered or unmetered curbside parking, sidewalk, alley or travel lane areas for your activity or construction related work.
Once registered, the system makes it easy for the user to log into an account any time to apply for a permit, edit an application, upload plans electronically, or check the status of an application.
“We are very excited to launch the TOPS system,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People can now go to any MPD station, apply for emergency or reserved parking signs and print them right there on spot. There may be no need to go to the Public Space Permit office. The system is designed to streamline the process and provide a more convenient process for the public.”
TOPS makes it easy to apply for the type of permit you want – just follow the prompts and instructions. When you finish entering the required information just click submit. Your permit application may be approved automatically or you may receive a tracking number which may be referenced later. If you are prompted for additional documentation during the process, the documents or plans may be uploaded electronically, or submitted in person to public space staff at the DDOT Public Space Permit Center located on the second floor at 1100 4th Street, SW.
The new on-line system also prompted a redesign of the current Emergency No Parking policies and distribution. Following the mandates of a 2006 City Council law that created both an “Emergency No Parking” sign and a “Reserved Parking” sign DDOT has redesigned and reformatted the template for these signs. The law specified information to be included on the signs and provided penalties for people posting signs improperly. Under this program DDOT issues temporary Emergency No Parking (ENP) permits for uses like construction and trash containers and Reserved Parking (RP) permits for short term uses like a mobile storage container, a moving truck or non-recurring events, such as weddings.
As part of the legislation, certain information must now be included on the signs, or penalties will be enforced for people posting signs improperly and for people defacing or removing valid signs. Historically “emergency no parking” signs could be purchased at hardware stores or even printed at home. This made enforcement of the signs and verification of the posting time consuming and difficult. The old version of the sign provided little or no contact information and the purpose of the posting was unclear, whether it is for utility or construction work, or a special event or moving truck. In addition, parking was often restricted longer than necessary.
The new signs will provide inspectors with a permit number, contact name, and exact posting information allowing for stricter and culpable enforcement.
TOPS is available on the DDOT website at www.ddot.dc.gov or directly at tops.ddot.dc.gov.
Information Required on all No Emergency Parking or Reserved Parking Signs
•Duration of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Hours of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Permit or Contract Number
•Reason
•Date Posted and
•Contact name and telephone number
FINES: There are now fines for illegally posting or removing signs
•Failure to remove the sign after expiration: $25 per sign per day (+ cost of removal)
•Installation of unapproved sign: $100 per day per sign (+ cost of removal)
•Improperly removing an approved sign: $100 per sign per day sign was valid (+ cost of reproducing sign)
•Defacing or vandalizing an authorized sign: $100 per sign for the first offense; $200 per sign for the second offense; $400 per sign for the third and subsequent offenses
12 May 2010
Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update
Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update
Story at a Glance
* Phase 1 of construction starts May 15
* New Traffic patterns and lane closures
* Drivers can expect additional 15 minute delays
Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making progress on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, a $30 million construction project east of the Anacostia River that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The project is on schedule and on budget. DDOT is wrapping up preliminary work and will start Phase 1 of the construction between 27th Street and Branch Avenue, SE on or about May 15, 2010. The work will include the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, which will require lane closures and a shift in the traffic patterns. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following important changes:
* The far-right eastbound lane and sidewalk will be closed and marked off with barriers, although residents and business owners will still be able to access their driveways.
* DDOT will maintain three open travel lanes at all times. A reversible lane will ensure there are two lanes for peak traffic during rush hours, and one lane for traffic in the opposite direction.
* Temporary, overhead lane-signals will be placed along the corridor to indicate the correct inbound and outbound lanes for motorists.
* Motorists are encouraged to look for the overhead signals of green ‘arrows’ and red ‘Xs’ as you travel along the roadway. This will aid in knowing what lanes are open in the direction you are traveling on the corridor.
* DDOT advises drivers to add 15 minutes to their commutes to cover the additional delays that are anticipated during the project. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use mass transit or alternate routes.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction, from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue. It will dramatically improve the physical character of the corridor and enhance transportation operations and safety for all users. The construction is scheduled to be completed in several phases over the next two (2) years.
To obtain more information about this project, you can visit our field office at 2410 Minnesota Avenue, SE. go online at www.greatstreetspennave.com or Contact DDOT’s Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649.
Story at a Glance
* Phase 1 of construction starts May 15
* New Traffic patterns and lane closures
* Drivers can expect additional 15 minute delays
Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making progress on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, a $30 million construction project east of the Anacostia River that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The project is on schedule and on budget. DDOT is wrapping up preliminary work and will start Phase 1 of the construction between 27th Street and Branch Avenue, SE on or about May 15, 2010. The work will include the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, which will require lane closures and a shift in the traffic patterns. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following important changes:
* The far-right eastbound lane and sidewalk will be closed and marked off with barriers, although residents and business owners will still be able to access their driveways.
* DDOT will maintain three open travel lanes at all times. A reversible lane will ensure there are two lanes for peak traffic during rush hours, and one lane for traffic in the opposite direction.
* Temporary, overhead lane-signals will be placed along the corridor to indicate the correct inbound and outbound lanes for motorists.
* Motorists are encouraged to look for the overhead signals of green ‘arrows’ and red ‘Xs’ as you travel along the roadway. This will aid in knowing what lanes are open in the direction you are traveling on the corridor.
* DDOT advises drivers to add 15 minutes to their commutes to cover the additional delays that are anticipated during the project. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use mass transit or alternate routes.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction, from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue. It will dramatically improve the physical character of the corridor and enhance transportation operations and safety for all users. The construction is scheduled to be completed in several phases over the next two (2) years.
To obtain more information about this project, you can visit our field office at 2410 Minnesota Avenue, SE. go online at www.greatstreetspennave.com or Contact DDOT’s Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649.
11 May 2010
WASA Credit Rating
Pamela Mooring
Two Principal Credit Rating Agencies Upgrade DC WASA Bond Ratings
May 04, 2010 -- Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three principal credit rating agencies, upgraded the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) credit ratings. Moody’s upgraded DC WASA from Aa3 to Aa2 for senior lien revenue bonds. Fitch upgraded the Authority from AA- to AA for senior lien revenue bonds. DC WASA continues to be rated with a “stable” outlook by Moody’s and a “positive” outlook by Fitch.
The upgrade by both credit rating agencies was due to their independent decision to rate DC WASA and other utilities as private enterprises, whereas in the past they were rated as government agencies.
Standard and Poor’s, performed their industry recalibration in 2008 and upgraded DC WASA at that time.
“This is the third consecutive year that DC WASA has received a rating or outlook upgrade,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Not only is this a win for DC WASA, but also for our customers—who benefit when we pay lower interest rates, since debt financing accounts for 24 percent of our operating budget.”
“In addition,” added Olu Adebo, DC WASA Chief Financial Officer, “entering this solid AA category expands our base of buyers in the retail and institutional market.” Last year, the Authority had tremendous success going to the bond market, with all $300 million in bonds sold to retail and institutional investors in one day.
About The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
DC WASA’s service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the company operates the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.
Two Principal Credit Rating Agencies Upgrade DC WASA Bond Ratings
May 04, 2010 -- Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three principal credit rating agencies, upgraded the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) credit ratings. Moody’s upgraded DC WASA from Aa3 to Aa2 for senior lien revenue bonds. Fitch upgraded the Authority from AA- to AA for senior lien revenue bonds. DC WASA continues to be rated with a “stable” outlook by Moody’s and a “positive” outlook by Fitch.
The upgrade by both credit rating agencies was due to their independent decision to rate DC WASA and other utilities as private enterprises, whereas in the past they were rated as government agencies.
Standard and Poor’s, performed their industry recalibration in 2008 and upgraded DC WASA at that time.
“This is the third consecutive year that DC WASA has received a rating or outlook upgrade,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Not only is this a win for DC WASA, but also for our customers—who benefit when we pay lower interest rates, since debt financing accounts for 24 percent of our operating budget.”
“In addition,” added Olu Adebo, DC WASA Chief Financial Officer, “entering this solid AA category expands our base of buyers in the retail and institutional market.” Last year, the Authority had tremendous success going to the bond market, with all $300 million in bonds sold to retail and institutional investors in one day.
About The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
DC WASA’s service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the company operates the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.
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