Message from
Council Member Turner
Welcome to the February 2021 edition of the 4th District Legislative Email Newsletter. As we celebrate Black History Month, and the historic firsts taking place in our country, this is also a time to reflect on how far we have come and the long journey towards “more perfect union”. Please see important updates on COVID-19, transportation and other important matters.
ABC7 Feeding the DMV Live Town Hall
I am pleased to be participating with the Capital Area Food Bank as a panelist on a live televised town hall discussion about the intersection of food insecurity and racial equity, which will be hosted by ABC7/WJLA today, Thursday, February 18th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Please watch live on WJLA 24/7 News, via streaming live by clicking this link and Facebook - WJLA for important regional community conversation tonight.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Vaccination Efforts
According to approved Center for Disease Control (CDC) and State of Maryland guidelines and plans, there are three (3) phases of vaccine distribution. Each phase targets certain sectors of the community. Phase 1 has three (3) tiers – A, B & C. Based on estimates from the County’s Office of Emergency Management, the County has approximately 25,000 people in Phase 1A, 95,000 people in Phase 1B, and 150,000 people in Phase 1C. That is an approximate total of 270,000 people in Phase 1. Due to the current limited supply of vaccines, it will take some time for the County to move through all of Phase 1, and vaccine appointments in the coming weeks will be made available as vaccine supply allows. The graphic above explains each of the phases, who is covered and the current timeline, dependent of vaccine supplies and any other Federal or State changes.
The County moved into Phase 1C of its vaccine distribution plan on January 25th for pre-registration only. Eligible County residents MUST fill out the pre-registration form. As a reminder, pre-registering with the County Health Department only puts you on the waiting list for an appointment at our Health Department’s clinics. The clinics operated by the State (Six Flags in the County), local hospitals, or pharmacies in the County have separate registration processes. For State listing of facilities, please click here.
Phase 1C includes seniors 65 years and older adults (age 65-74), health and human service workers and public safety workers not covered in Phase 1A, and essential workers at high risk of exposure, including food and agriculture workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and postal service workers. We encourage all Prince Georgian to pre-register for your COVID-19 vaccine.
New COVID-19 - Vaccine Registration Hotline
A new Prince George’s COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline is now available by dialing 311 and pressing #. Hotline staff will assist seniors and others who have trouble accessing the internet with completing the pre-registration and will also follow up later to schedule appointments via phone as appointments become available. If you are able to complete the pre-registration form online by yourself, please do not call the hotline so it can be available for those who need assistance.
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COVID-19 Vaccinations Are Free
COVID-19 vaccines are free for anyone who lives or works in Prince George’s County, and any information you provide will remain private and confidential. County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter has stated that the COVID-19 vaccine will be 100% free for County residents, regardless of immigration status. Residents should bring their health insurance card if they have one, but this does not mean that you will be charged. Insurance information is simply needed by the County and State for their records.
We thank you again for your patience and understanding as the County implements this complex mass distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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SCMaglev Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Released for Public Comment
 On January 22nd, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) released the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed SCMaglev High Speed rail line between the District of Columbia and Baltimore City for public review and comment. This proposed magnetic rail system travels through Prince George’s County and the study is being Federally funded through FRA and MDOT based on Governor Hogan’s request.
In addition to the direct and lasting community impacts along the proposed routes, including Greenbelt in the 4th Council District, there will be irreversible damage affecting Patuxent Research Refuge, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), and National Park Service properties, as well as at county and local parks. In addition to Prince George's County, communities in Baltimore, Washington DC, Anne Arundel and elsewhere along the alignment will also endure long-term negative impacts.
To learn more, please click here and use the drop-down menu near the top of the page to view and/or download the various sections of the statement. The appendices are available in a separate drop-down menu. The deadline for public comments on the DEIS has been extended to April 22, 2021. The County Executive and County Council sent a letter in January to MDOT and FRA requesting an additional 90-day extension for public comment period for a total of 180 days. For a copy of the letter, click here.
Now, we must all get involved by doing the following:
1. Submit official comments on the DEIS to support the "No Build Alternative". Submit your comments online here.
2. Email your Maryland State representatives and let them know of your position on the project and ask them to support these bills: SB 188/HB 63 by Senator Pinsky and Delegate Williams to prohibit State appropriations to this project and HB 704 to prohibit the project from being sited on certain property.
3. Email the entire Maryland congressional delegation and request that they prevent any future federal funding of this project.
Thank you for your advocacy on this critical project.
Majority Leader Hoyer and Congressman Brown Join County Council for Federal Updates
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 During the February 2nd and 16th County Council sessions, we received federal briefings from House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Anthony Brown, who represent Maryland's Fifth and Fourth Congressional Districts in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Hoyer and Congressman Brown discussed a wide range of issues and concerns impacting Prince George’s County and the nation. Topics included updates on the new Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress, as well as the January 6th attacks on the U.S. Capitol; COVID vaccine disparities; the economy; transportation; and relocating the FBI headquarters to Prince George’s County. To view the sessions, please click here.
Also, please click here to view coverage in Maryland Matters on the briefing.
Greater Washington Partnership Releases Prince George’s TOD Study, Including Greenbelt Metro Station in 4th District
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On February 2nd the Greater Washington Partnership released Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) studies for Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. The Prince George’s study – “Unlocking the Potential for Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development in Prince George’s County” – examines four Metro stations in the County, including the Greenbelt Metro Station, for focused development opportunities. To view the reports, please click here. Also, to read the Washington Post's article, please click here.
As always, please reach out to my office for any assistance you may need as we are operating remotely at this time. For more up-to-date information on the County’s response to COVID-19 and activities, please follow me on my official Council Facebook page.
I am Sincerely Yours in Service,
 Hon. Todd M. Turner
Council Member
4th Council District |
