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Welcome Back, Maryland Welcome Centers!

ANNAPOLIS, Md. –(AP) -Gov. Larry Hogan is announcing the reopening of tourist welcome centers in far western Maryland and the Eastern Shore that the previous administration closed six years ago for budget reasons.

Hogan said in a statement Thursday that the Youghiogheny (yahk-ih-GAY’-nee) Overlook center in Garrett County and the Bay Country center in Queen Anne’s County will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.

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Travel's Best Fall Foliage Road Trips 2013

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

“Head to Deep Creek Lake in Maryland to enjoy gorgeous views by car along 2 fall foliage heritage tours. Motor along Route 219 up to the Deep Creek Lake overlook in McHenry for a look at the lake, ski slopes and breathtaking autumn foliage before heading back to the visitors center as part of a 90-minute driving loop.” — Erin Gifford, Family Travel Expert, Kidventurous.com

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Interstate 68 camera for city work zone nails 5,510 speed violators

Equipment mounted on SUV captures images as scofflaws pass

From Staff ReportsCumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — More than 5,000 citations have been issued since June for work zone speed violations on eastbound Interstate 68 in the city through the State Highway Administration’s automated speed enforcement in work zones.

A speed camera situated at I-68 eastbound at Patterson Avenue logged 3,478 violations in June and 2,032 violations in July, according to the SHA and its website at www.safezones.maryland.gov. When SHA installed the camera in early June, officials said that warnings would be issued through the end of the month. As of July 1, speeders would be issued a citation.

The citations result in a $40 fine for the civil violation of exceeding the posted work zone speed limit of 55 mph by 12 miles or greater.

Violators are mailed citations with accompanying images showing and detailing alleged violations. Violators may also view the photographs on the website by entering their citation or violation number.

Violations are mailed no later than 14 days after the violation occurs for registered Maryland vehicles. Out-of-state violators are mailed citations no later than 30 days after the violation.

Failure to pay the fine or contest the violation can result in additional fees and penalties. Any alleged violation may also be appealed.

Citations are issued for alleged speed violations in the work zone even at times when no work is taking place there.

Traffic signs warn ap-proaching drivers of the speed camera’s presence and a speed trailer alerts the drivers before they reach the camera.

Work on the Kelly Road/Patterson Avenue project began in May and will be complete by fall 2014, weather permitting. SHA will remove and replace the surfaces of both bridges, rehabilitate the end supports, clean and paint the structural steel, pave the approach roadways, upgrade traffic barriers, and install new signs and reflective pavement markings.

According to the SHA, the goal of the program is to encourage change in driver behavior and to increase driver awareness of the impacts of speed-related crashes in work zones.

Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes.

Nearly one-third of all fatal crashes are speeding related, according to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data cited by the SHA.

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Deep Creek Lake Area named one of top 10 'best destinations for green travelers'

WOW! Mentioned in the same list as Fairbanks, Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii????

lake-mountainside-pic

Best Destinations for Green Travelers

by on July 16, 2013

66% of Americans plan to travel this summer, which can add up to a huge environmental impact. Travelers are looking for greener ways to explore the world. For example, more than 44% of travelers look for environmentally-friendly programs when choosing hotels, and hotels are listening. TravelNerd highlights the ten top destinations in the U.S. for green travel options. We specifically looked for cities that have initiatives to green the city as well as access to a plethora of nature and eco-friendly activities….

Deep Creek Lake Area, Maryland

The Deep Creek Lake Area in Garrett County is only a couple hours drive from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, but it feels like a totally different world. Set in the Allegheny Mountains, Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater lake and the only alpine ski resort in Maryland. Garrett County is committed to introducing energy-efficient technology for a greener county. The county even gets its students involved with projects like the Cove Run Brook Trout Restoration Project where Northern Garrett High School students participate in the restoration of Brook Trout.

Deep Creek Lake has plenty of outdoors activities for all types of travelers, from families to adventurers. Check out the full list of activity providers at the Chamber of Commerce. Deep Creek State Park holds programs like campfires, talks and hikes at the Discovery Center. Excellent hiking trails and a campsite can be found on Meadow Mountain. Take a kayaking or hiking tour with All Earth Ecotours, where all tours are family-friendly.

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