TPB to Evaluate HOT Lanes
This April, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) voted in favor of evaluating HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes along with other projects to determine how they would affect the area’s air quality. The HOT lanes project would add four new toll lanes to the Capital Beltway on the Virginia side, which has not been widened since the mid-1970s. The TPB also approved a set of goals for a system of variably-priced lanes to help guide transportation leaders as the region moves forward with plans for HOT lanes and other similar projects.

Water Districts Train for Emergency Response
A group of representatives from the agencies, commissions and organizations that handle the region's drinking water came together for incident response training at COG. The one-day session included training in incident command systems and the Environmental Protection Agency's response protocol. Water district representatives will also take part in an emergency response staged exercise at COG in May.

COG Featured at Equity International's Homeland Security Showcase
National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Council Chair Bruce Williams joined senior Congressional leaders, top Department of Homeland Security officials, and leading business executives at Equity International's Capitol Hill Homeland Security Technology Showcase. Williams discussed the EPC's latest developments and projects with Charles McQueary, DHS Under Secretary for Science & Technology, and Steve Cooper, DHS Chief Information Officer.