Metro Briefs

DISTRICT

Millions spent on scrapped TV studio project

The District’s cable television office spent nearly $5 million on a plan to build a high-definition television studio that was ultimately scrapped.

The city’s inspector general found that the office improperly awarded a sole-source contract to a startup.

The report questions why the administration of then-Mayor Anthony A. Williams was building an HDTV studio to broadcast government and educational events in the first place. The requirement by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast in digital doesn’t include a high-definition requirement.

Mason Production Services was paid $1.4 million to design the new studio. The cable television office spent an additional $3.5 million on equipment.

The deal with Mason was scrapped after Mayor Adrian M. Fenty took office.

MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS

Registration required for recreational fishing

State officials say all Maryland recreational anglers must register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration before fishing in 2010.

The requirement is part of a federal initiative to help ensure the long-term sustainability of America’s fisheries.

Although the survey is focused on saltwater species, some ocean fish travel between salt and fresh waters, so anyone fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and coastal waters must register. Anglers must provide personal information and the regions they plan to fish.

BALTIMORE

O’Malley approves tax credit zones

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