DC Government

Photo by PoPville flickr user LaTur

From the Mayor’s Office:

“· District government will open on time Tuesday, Jan 26.

· DCPS Schools will be closed Tuesday and open on Wednesday, Jan 27.

· The Metrorail system will open at 5 a.m. tomorrow, with service on all lines except the Silver Line. Regular fares and parking rates will be back in effect. Service will operate on a modified weekday service with trains running every 12 minutes on each line.

Metrobus will begin service on a “severe” weather service plan at normal weekday service times on Tuesday, Jan 26. Please visit www.wmata.com for more info.

It is critical that we continue to keep all main routes open, so that our first responders can get to people who may need our help.

We encourage you to continue to help with the big #DCDigOut, but when shoveling, continue to do so safely. Avoid overexertion and give yourself breaks.

If you or someone you know is homeless or needs shelter, please call the shelter hotline at 1-800-535-7252, or call 311. Help is available all day and night, every day.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rob Cannon

From Mayor Bowser:

“I will declare a snow emergency effective tomorrow morning at 9:30 am. Residents will need to move their cars from snow routes before then.”

“Due to the blizzard, @dcpublicschools will be closed tomorrow and DC government will close early.”

“If you or someone you know is homeless or needs shelter, call the shelter hotline at 1-800-535-7252 or 311. Help is available 24/7.”

Update – full press release:

“Today, due to the National Weather Service forecast of an imminent, major winter storm that is approaching the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a public emergency in the District, effective immediately. As a result, DC Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 22 and the District Government will close at noon for non-essential and non-emergency personnel.

Additionally, the Mayor has declared a snow emergency that will be in effect beginning tomorrow, January 22, 2016, at 9:30 am. By declaring a snow emergency, the District Snow Team (Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation) will be able to clear snow emergency routes curb to curb. Drivers are advised to remove cars from snow emergency routes starting Thursday night. Otherwise, they will be towed. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

From a press release:

“On Tuesday, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd introduced, along with Councilmember May, the “Anti-Graffiti Amendment Act of 2016.” The legislation would, in part, increase the fines for those who willfully place graffiti on a property without an owner’s consent to $2,500.

Since taking office, Councilmember Todd has committed to ensuring ‪Ward 4 remains a safe place for residents to work, live, and thrive. Additionally, the Councilmember has made the concerns and upward development of small and local businesses a top priority. Graffiti is prevalent throughout the District, and threatens both of these areas of focus – costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Today, Councilmember Todd has taken tangible steps towards deterring would-be bad actors in the community from participating in these widespread acts of vandalism. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Lorie Shaull

From DPW:

“The DC Department of Public Works announced today that employees will continue to collect holiday trees and greenery through Saturday, January 23. Trees and greenery should be stripped of all lights, ornaments and tinsel and should not be put in plastic bags. Trees and greenery should be placed where the resident’s trash and recycling are collected. Residents also may bring their trees and greenery to the Ft. Totten Transfer Station*, weekdays between 1 pm and 5 pm and Saturdays between 8 am and 3 pm. (more…)