Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission

UVLSRPC

March 2012

Mascoma River-Lebanon, NH
Mascoma River in Lebanon, New Hampshire
In This Issue
Medication Take-Back Day
Mapping the 2010 U.S. Census
Recycling at Best Buy
Greenhouse Gas Maps
Commuting Costs
Transportation Health Impact
Broadband Planning Website
Ride the Bus
Playground Maintenance Workshops
Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Webinar
Don't Throw It Away!
Energy Efficiency Webinar
New Forms for LRMP Applications
NH Center for Non Profits Trainings
EPA Energy Guide
Energy Efficiency for Water Districts
Water and Watershed Conference
2012 Community Design Charrette Program
HEAL Education Awards
Local Energy Solutions Conference
2012 UNH GPS Workshops
Benefits Administrative Workshop
Grants and Opportunities
Quick Links
National Rx Take-Back Day 
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. To find participation locations or to sign up to provide a collection site, visit this website.
Mapping the 2010 U.S. Census

Browse population growth and decline, changes in racial and ethnic concentrations and patterns of housing development.  

Free Electronics Recycling at Best Buy

Best Buy will recycle just about any electronics, including TVs (some restrictions), DVD players, computer components, audio and video cables, cell phones, and more. Restrictions may apply in New Hampshire, so check the state by state list found on the website.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Data Map
Comprehensive Greenhouse gas (GHG) data are now easily accessible to the public. The information can be used by communities to identify nearby sources of GHG's and to track emissions. Access EPA's GHG .

Sticker Shock: Your Commuting Costs!

Use this link to learn about the real costs of operating and owning your vehicle.
Transportation Health Impact Toolkit  

A Transportation Health Impact Assessment Toolkit is now available on the CDC Healthy Places Website. The toolkit provides a framework for public health departments, city planners, project managers, and other stakeholders to conduct HIAs on proposed transportation projects, plans, and policies.

Broadband Mapping  

The new New Hampshire Broadband Planning and Mapping Project (NHBMPP) website has been launched with its new design and content.  In addition to the new website, an interactive map is available.

It's Smarter to Travel in Groups  

Three lighthearted reasons to ride the bus: 

To the Beach  

To the Pole

In the Forest 

 

Greetings!

 

 

Save the Date

 

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission Annual Meeting

June 6th, 2012

The Common Man Inn & Restaurant

Claremont, New Hampshire

 

 

You are invited to the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission Annual Meeting.

 

Presentation by Armando Carbonell, Senior   Fellow and Chairman of the Department of Planning and Urban Form at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. He has recently co-edited Regional Planning in America, Practice and Prospect. Building on the author's extensive experience with regionalism, the book explores the historical evolution, the regulatory and political framework, and most significantly the practice of regional planning in the United States.  

 

Contact: Chris Courtemanche at 603-448-1680 or info@uvlsrpc.org 

Or visit our website at www.uvlsrpc.org more information will be available soon.  

 


Additionally, if you are interested in the Future of Rail Transportation in New Hampshire the UVLSRPC Transportation Advisory Committee will be hosting the NHDOT to provide an update on the State Rail Plan to examine the system and make recommendations.  The Meeting will take place on March 13th from 5:00 to 6:30 at the UVLSRPC office on 10 Water Street, Lebanon, NH.


Christine Walker

Executive Director    

 

Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments  

EPA Webcasts

 

·         March 1, 2:00-3:00 PM (EST) - Using EPA's GHG Reporting Rule Data for State and Local Governments

·         March 6, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) - Community Choice Aggregation: Leveraging a Collective Procurement Model to Drive New Renewable Energy Generation

 

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

 

·         March 16, 2:00-3:15 PM (EDT) - Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager for State and Local Governments

 

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Webcasts

 

·         March 6, 3:00-4:30 PM (EST) - Financing Middle Income Energy Improvements

 

AMPO (Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization) Webcasts

 

·         March 6, 2:00-3:30 PM (EST) - Climate Change Communications

Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Planning Webinar

Date: March 14, 2012
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Program Overview:  Food systems planning has developed as an important new area; planning now addresses everything from transportation to green markets and urban agriculture to food access.  Learn how this has become a planning issue and what communities are doing to ensure safe, healthy, and appropriate food systems. Examine how the conflicts between urban dwellers and urban agriculture are resolved. Registration is available on line.  

NH Public Works Association Spring Technical Meeting

Date: March 22, 2012

Time: 8:30am - 1:00pm

Location: NH Local Government Center, Concord NH

  

The New Hampshire Public Works Association is pleased to invite you to the annual Spring Technical Meeting. Join us to learn from state leaders about recent regulatory activities and best practices in New Hampshire and around the nation that will impact you and your public works operations. Topics will include recent actions is Solid Waste Management, building Public Outreach programs, recent Road Law cases and Storm Debris Management.

 

More information: contact NH Public Works Association

NH DOT and the American Council of Engineering Co of NH sponsor 13th Annual Technical Transfer Conference

Date: April 12, 2012 - Register by April 4th
Location: Grappone Conference Center, Concord NH

The conference is designed to provide engineers, corporate representatives and public officials a forum for education, networking and professional exchange of knowledge and innovation. The program offers six (6) Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for conference attendance.


Any questions about the conference should be directed to Alex Koutroubas, ACEC-NH Executive Director at (603) 225-7397

New Land Resources Management Programs Permit Application Forms

Beginning April 1, 2012, the Land Resources Management Programs (LRMP) will no longer accept outdated permit application forms.  Going forward, all LRMP application forms will be simultaneously updated every 6 months.
All current application forms are available at their respective DES web pages and have a revision date of 01/01/2012 located within the footnote.Visit the NH DES Land Resources Management web page for more information.
NH Center for Non-Profits
Training Opportunities

Check out the current schedule of training opportunities on a variety of subjects.

 

EPA Guide to Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations

This recently published EPA guidebook describes how local governments can lead by example and achieve multiple benefits by improving the energy efficiency of their new, existing, and renovated facilities and their day-to-day operations. The guide can be reviewed here.

Energy Efficiency for Water Supply Districts 

NH Office of Energy and Planning has awarded UVLSRPC an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to promote energy efficiency for community water supply districts.  This program will  engage water supply operators to address the mechanics of energy efficiency practices in water systems and  review how municipalities can maintain long-term high-quality water supplies through Low Impact Development practices. 
Two important workshops will be hosted in March. 

  

Date: March 14, 2012
Time:
8:00-12:30

Location: Bistro Nouveau at the Center of Eastman, 6 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham, NH

Fee: Free  

Energy Efficiency for Rural Water Supply Districts
In collaboration with US EPA, NH DES, and Granite State Rural Water Association, UVLSRPC will host a workshop on energy efficiency for water supply systems including: conducting system audits, developing energy efficiency plans, and hearing what regional water supply operators have done to improve efficiency in their systems.  Operational efficiency experts from around New England will present and facilitate this event.    

Date, Time, Location: To Be Announced
Implementing Low Impact Development Techniques in the Lake Sunapee Watershed -  UVLSRPC with representatives from Springfield, New London, Newbury, and Sunapee will host a workshop on Low Impact Development (LID) storm-water management techniques.  This will be an important workshop for municipal decision makers interested in protecting community water supplies and regional water resources. 
 
 

Please check the Commission web site for more information or contact Mike McCrory.   

NH Water and Watershed Conference 2012 
Date: March 23, 2012 At
Location: Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

 

The New Hampshire Water and Watershed Conference is designed to meet the information and networking needs of scientists; educators; consultants; students; lake, river, and watershed groups; environmental organizations; volunteer monitors; municipal board and staff members; elected officials; local and regional planners; and policy makers.

 

 
  
Plan NH is currently seeking applications for the 2012 Community Design Charrette Program
Plan NH works with communities to help them identify community needs and then develops recommendations to help them move their vision forward. Towns or groups completing and submitting an application by Friday, March 16, 2012, will be considered for an intensive, two-day brainstorming session, focusing on the issue or need identified. For more information about the program and to obtain an application visit Plan NH and click on Charrettes.
 
  
HEAL Excellence in Education Award 2012  
Application Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2012

Healthy Eating Acting Living (HEAL/NH) will make the second annual award to a school in New Hampshire for creating an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity opportunities for students and staff.


Fourth Annual Local Energy Solutions Conference  
Date: March 31, 2012 
Location: Merrimack Valley High School, Penacook, NH
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM *Registration begins 7:30 AM

The NH Local Energy Working Group announced Mike Breen, Iraq War Veteran and Vice President of the Truman National Security Project will be the lunch keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Local Energy Solutions Conference on March 31st at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, NH. Don't miss hearing this insightful, experienced veteran's perspective on how addressing energy issues builds stronger communities and nations. Lunch will be included. Discounts for active military, veterans and students. 
 

UNH Global Positioning System Workshops
UNH GPS Workshops  
 To see a listing of upcoming workshops visit the UNH GPS website 

Benefits Administrator Workshops

The workshops are designed to provide benefits administrators of LGC Health Trust groups with important updates and new information regarding policies, products, programs, and services. The agenda includes information on the basics of retiree eligibility and new cost-saving medical insurance options.

Workshop Dates:  
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012 
Registration information is available here. 
2012 Local Government Seminar Telecommunications Update
Date: April 5th
Time: 9:00 am to noon
Location: NH Local Government Center, Concord,NH
Fee: no cost, but you must pre-register
Cell Tower Siting, Cable Television & Right-of-Way Management & NH Local Government

 

The NH Municipal Lawyers Association announces Telecommunications Update. Topics include:
  • Understanding the Siting of Telecommunications Facilities, including the FCC "Shot Clock Ruling"
  • Complying with State and Federal Law
  • Working with CATV Providers in the Community Interest
  • Managing and Protecting Municipal Property & Rights-of-Way
  • Practical & Legal Guidance

For more information contact Dan Crean or call 603-928-7760 or visit the NH Municipal Lawyers Association website.

Grants and Opportunities

Healthy Eating/Acting Living (HEAL/NH) Partnership for Healthy Communities 

New Hampshire municipalities (cities and towns) that are committed to developing local solutions for improving access to affordable, healthy foods and opportunities for active living can apply for grant assistance.

Letter of Intent  Was Due:  Friday, February 10, 2012  

Applications Due:  Wednesday, March 14, 2012

For more information visit HEAL/NH . 

 

 

Municipal Energy Reduction Fund 
CDFA's Municipal Energy Reduction Fund is available to help municipalities improve the energy efficiency of their municipal buildings, street lighting, water and sewer treatment facilities, and where appropriate, electrical distribution systems. The goal is to reduce energy usage and costs.

 

CDFA is currently accepting applications from New Hampshire Municipalities through our online grants management system for funding through the Municipal Energy Reduction Fund. Prior to accessing the online system, you will need a User ID and Password. If you have not registered already to receive a User ID and Password, please register here.

 

 

National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grants Available

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the guidelines for the 2012 Our Town grants. Our Town supports creative place-making projects that enhance the livability of communities by investing in creative and innovative projects.  Projects may include planning, design, and arts engagement activities that reflect a systemic approach to civic development and a persuasive vision for enhanced community vibrancy.  Pending availability of funding, grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000. NEA staff will conduct Our Town webinar Tuesday, February 7, 2012 to answer questions and walk applicants through this year's guidelines. Schedule and registration details will be posted on the Our Town guidelines webpage

   

Application Deadline:  March 1, 2012   

See Arts.gov for more information on creative place-making and to view the 51 Our Town Grants awarded in 2011.

    

Community Catalyst Fund  

Overview:  Do you work with an organization that aims to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability on a local level? If so, the Community Catalyst Fund might be for you! Some eligibility restrictions apply. For more information, visit the website or email Amanda.      

 

Community Challenge Grant  

New Hampshire Housing has been awarded $1 million through the Community Challenge Planning Grant Program, a HUD funding source that parallels the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program.  As the leader of a statewide consortium, New Hampshire Housing will use the funding to develop and facilitate a competitive grant program for New Hampshire municipalities, called the New Hampshire Community Planning Grant (CPG) Program.

 

The CPG Program will award grants in two rounds (2012 and 2013), timed to allow for preparation of regulations to present for voter adoption at annual town meetings. Grantee municipalities must provide a minimum of 25% match, at least 1/4 of which must be in cash.  

Grant application information will be posted online on April 15,  2012.

 

 

 

2013 Local Source Water Protection Grants

Project funding is available from the Department of Environmental Services to develop and

implement programs to protect existing sources of public drinking water. The grants are available to water suppliers, municipalities, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts, and state agencies. Applicants can receive up to $20,000 for projects to protect drinking water sources including watershed planning, delineation of protection areas, assessment of threats to water supply sources, implementation and source security.

 

The application packet is being made available with greater advance notice than in previous years to provide applicants ample time to obtain letters of commitment from stakeholders, which will be needed for some projects to score well in the competition for limited funds.  The importance of letters of commitment is reflected in the new application materials.  Applicants should review the application materials at their earliest opportunity.

 

Applications are available on the web. Applications are Due: November 1, 2012  

Please contact Johnna McKenna  or Pierce Rigrod if you have any questions or would like to discuss your proposal.
 

 

Funding Available for School Playground Activity Programs

Active Schools Acceleration Project Competition is now open! Applications are due April 2. Prizes range from $25,000 to $100,000. ASAP Innovation Competition is a nationwide competition designed to identify and reward innovative and impactful physical activity programs and technologies with excellent promise to motivate quality physical activity at school and beyond. Visit their website for more information.