Maryland opens a new portal

The state of Maryland today unveiled Maryland.Gov, an Internet portal to an array of state information, forms and services, as well as useful commuter and home owner tips.The site, at , was designed for quick access and navigation, without elaborate, time-consuming graphics, according to an announcement by T. Eloise Foster, the state’s secretary of budget and management. But it does include maps and other graphical information.Among the features visitors can find are tax information—including forms and information on electronic filing—home energy and safety tips, weather forecasts for each of the state’s counties and a selection of kids’ pages. The portal also links to commuter reports, including accident reports that refresh every 30 seconds and lists of lane closures. Maryland CIO Linda Burek said the portal advances the state’s target of providing 80 percent of services online by 2004. The state developed the site under a contract with Accenture LLP of Chicago, which also will administer the portal.