Time is money in this slow economy

A marine contractor group wants the state to provide a special license and faster permits because bureaucratic delays are sinking their business.

The Maryland Marine Contractors Association is continuing lobbying efforts it began last year to require the Maryland Department of the Environment to license and regulate people and firms that provide or solicit marine contracting services in the state.

On average, wetland and waterway permit applications take eight to 10 months before approval, said Brandon Weems, the president of the MMCA, and that is causing problems in a bad economy.

"Our members … are...