| Northeast-Midwest Institute Weekly Update |
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Senate Environment and Public Works Hearing on Infrastructure Bank
Transportation undersecretary for policy, Roy Kienitz, will return to Capitol Hill for the second time in as many weeks to testify in front of a Senate panel on the concept of a national infrastructure bank. Last week the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee convened a hearing on creating a national bank to fund large scale infrastructure projects, a topic briefly discussed by President Obama in his Labor Day speech. In the absence of a bill to authorize federal surface transportation policy-which expired 362 days ago- state and local planners are looking for new ways to fund infrastructure projects. Proponents are confident that an infrastructure bank would fill this funding gap, provide jobs and stimulate the economy, while leveraging $30 of infrastructure investment for every $1 of federal funding.
Along with Kienitz, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Stephanie Kopelousos, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation; and David Seltzer, principal for Mercator Advisors LLC on Tuesday, September 28, at 10 a.m. in 406 Dirksen.
For more information contact Greg Lewis at the Northeast-Midwest Institute, 202-464-4005. |
USGS Comprehensive National Analysis of Nutrients in Streams and Groundwater
On September 23, the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program released its national assessment on nutrients in streams and groundwater. The assessment information includes two USGS publications (Circular 1350 and Fact Sheet 3078), along with a briefing sheet prepared for a September 24 congressional briefing, a Frequently Asked Questions sheet, supporting technical information (graphics, maps, tables and data), and related links.
According to the USGS, "The information describes nutrient concentrations in the Nation's water resources, key sources of nutrients, factors affecting nutrient concentrations, potential effects on humans and aquatic life, and changes in concentrations since the early 1990s. Implications of the findings touch on many environmental issues, including those related to (1) developing nutrient criteria for surface water bodies, (2) reducing nutrients to receiving waters, (3) setting realistic expectations for water-quality improvements following nutrient reduction strategies, and (4) managing elevated nutrients in drinking water from surface-water intakes and wells."
Questions and requests for more information can be referred to Pixie A. Hamilton (pahamilt@usgs.gov; (804) 261-2602 (office), (804) 301-3869 (cell)).
For more information contact Mark Gorman at the Northeast-Midwest Institute, 202-464-4015. |
House to Convene Hearing on Green Infrastructure
More and more communities are embracing green infrastructure as a means to manage stormwater. Increased tree canopies and strategically placed greenspace contribute to the cleanliness of water supplies by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff and erosion, as well as the frequency of sewer overflows. Along with reducing the need for many costly erosion control structures, greening projects stimulate economic activity; not only does greenspace increase the esthetic value of a community, recent studies have proven that trees, parks, and gardens dramatically increase residential and commercial property values and provide many short and long-term employment opportunities. With these factors in mind, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources will convene a hearing on the effects of green infrastructure and low-impact development on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. in 2167 Rayburn.
For more information contact Greg Lewis at the Northeast-Midwest Institute, 202-464-4005.
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September Update on Mississippi River Basin Issues Released
The September Update from the Northeast-Midwest Institute on Mississippi River Basin issues is now available to download or read online (PDF file). This month's Update contains River Basin news and notes, announcements of upcoming conferences, events and workshops, legislative updates, and an update on the status of appropriations.
For more information contact Mark Gorman at the Northeast-Midwest Institute, 202-464-4015. |
Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, Oct 13-15, in Cleveland
Help your community realize its potential by participating in the Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference! This year's conference will be held in Cleveland, October 13-15 at the historic Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.
Join hundreds of your peers from communities from the Sunbelt to the Rustbelt, to learn about the policies, tools, and strategies to catalyze long-term, sustainable revitalization. Share your experiences and insights, and become a part of the only national network focused on building the knowledge, leadership, and momentum to reclaim vacant and abandoned properties to foster thriving neighborhoods.
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