Beginning April 1, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore will begin to impose new security fees for vessels docking and working after midnight.
The new fees are being instituted to enable the port to meet increased security demands, build infrastructure, make improvements and remain competitive with other ports, said Richard Scher, director of communications for the Maryland Port Administration.
“Since Sept. 11, security concerns have become a top priority and though the port first implemented a new fee in 2006 to meet security concerns, we now find ourselves faced with implementing another fee to meet the need for more security just as are other ports around the country are doing. Our rate increase is comparable to other Mid-Atlantic ports,” he said.
Tricentennial celebration
On Tuesday, the port unveiled a collaborative effort with the Maryland State Department ofEducation to educate Maryland students about the environmental and economic benefits of the port.
“This is the most significant undertaking we have ever done on behalf of the port,” said Helen Delich Bentley, chairwoman of The Port of Baltimore Tricentennial Committee. “This will have a tremendous impact on our kids and will tie them into the port.”
The curriculum will stretch across a number of content areas, including social studies/history, environmental science, geography, economics and career development. It will be introduced to the state?s more than 900,000 students beginning in grades 4 through 12 statewide during the 207-2008 school year.
“The Port of Baltimore has had a tremendous effect on the economies of Maryland and Baltimore for over 300 years, and it is important that our children learn about its history,” said Kevin Maxwell, Anne Arundel County Public Schools superintendent.
The curriculum is being piloted at Crofton Woods elementary in Anne Arundel County and Lutherville elementary school in Baltimore County.
“The lessons are rich and engaging and include the role of African-Americans in the port?s history,” said Peter Zimmer, principal of Crofton Woods elementary.
All Maryland teachers will receive training in the new curriculum before the fall.
