The State Highway Administration is inspecting the Spa Creek Bridge in downtown Annapolis this week and will close single lanes between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. tomorrow and Tuesday.

The Spa Creek Bridge was built in 1946. The two-lane bridge connects downtown Annapolis and Eastport; the draw span is raised an average of 3,800 times each year.

Hardesty & Hanover, LLP of Annapolis is conducting the routine inspection.

Democrats plan rally Friday

Annapolis-area Democrats gearing up for the Feb. 12 Maryland primary will hold a "Get Out The Vote Rally and Party," sponsored by the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Democratic central committees, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Sarles Boatyard, 800 Boucher Ave. in Eastport.

Free refreshments, light snacks and music will be provided.

"Every voter we get to vote in the primary significantly increases the likelihood they will turn out in the general election," organizer Chuck Weikel said. "In fact, voting in the primary election is the strongest single indicator of general election turnout."

The event does not support a particular candidate but encourages general Democratic voter turnout in the primary the following Tuesday.

Grants available for nonprofits

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold is accepting grant applications from nonprofits seeking county support in the fiscal 2009 budget. The application deadline is noon Feb. 14.

"Every bit of support and funding that nonprofits receive can significantly help their programs and their impact on the communities and groups they serve," he said.

The Grant Review Committee will consider grants to nonprofits that:

Have quantifiable outcomes.

Provide reasonable plans for continuing activity without the county's financial assistance beyond the funded fiscal year.

Represent a cooperative effort among the applicant, the community and other private or public partners.

Display creative ways of helping people help themselves.

Provide activities in support of the county's goal of providing a system in which all "residents have access to services that sustain and enhance the quality of life and are equitable, effective, accountable, and responsive to changing community needs."

Grant applications are available at www.aacounty.org. Look for WHAT'S NEW and click on FY09 County Executive Community Support Grant.

Five copies of the application should be submitted by mail or in person to the office of the county executive, attention grants administrator Maria Casasco, 44 Calvert St., Suite 330, Annapolis 21401.

Information: 410-222-1879.

Percolation tests being postponed

The county Department of Health will delay starting wet-season percolation testing this year due to low groundwater levels. Wet-season percolation applications are being accepted.

Properties in areas of the county that typically have high water tables require wet-season testing. The highest water table is usually experienced during February, March and April.

Monitoring wells in the county indicate that groundwater levels are still below the wet-season average. Testing assesses a septic system's ability to work in all seasons. The information provided by site evaluation and percolation testing is used to determine the size and type of septic system that can be installed on a lot.

Information and applications are available at www.aahealth.org or by calling 410-222-7193. Send completed applications to the Anne Arundel County Permit Application Center, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis 21401.