| Northeast-Midwest Institute Weekly Update |
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$95 Million in Planning Funds Available from HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities
| Last week, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the availability of $95 million to support sustainable local initiatives through the FY 2011 Regional Planning and Community Challenge Planning Grant Programs from HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities. Awarded competitively, both programs work to expand housing choices, improve connections between employment centers and homes, and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities. The pre-application for HUD's Regional Planning Grants is due on August 25th, 2011. Final applications from selected communities will be due on September 26th, 2011. There is no pre-application for the Community Challenge Grant; final applications are due on September 9th, 2011. To read the full announcement, visit HUD's website for the Community Challenge Grant NOFA or the Regional Planning Grant NOFA.
For more information, contact Colleen Cain, Senior Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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EPA Releases New Report on Sewage Pollution in New York and New Jersey
| Sewer overflows, especially from combined sewer systems that carry sewage from buildings and stormwater from street drains, are a major environmental problem, especially for the Northeast-Midwest region. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared a report that focuses on combined sewer systems in New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. "Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of the Public's Water" answers commonly asked questions about combined sewer overflows and raises awareness about this important water quality issue.
For more information, contact Rachel Dawson, Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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2011 Urban Water Sustainability Leadership Conference
| The Clean Water America Alliance will host urban water leaders on October 3-5, 2011 in "World Water Hub" Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the 2011 Urban Water Sustainability Leadership Conference. The conference will build on the discoveries of the 2010 Leadership Conference in Philadelphia and explore models for sustainability that feature cross-agency collaboration for green infrastructure and resource recovery. Participants will also discuss U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Stormwater Rule. Through "Sidebar Conversations" participants will strategize and tackle common barriers and opportunities, such as maintenance, finance, urban forestry, and public lands. A handful of cities, including the Midwest's Cincinnati, will be spotlighted as models of cross-agency, community, and business Leadership Teams. Register now through August 19 for reduced early-bird rates. View the preliminary agenda and register at Clean Water America Alliance's website.
For more information, contact Colleen Cain, Senior Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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American High Speed Rail Alliance Briefing on Job Creation
| The American High Speed Rail Alliance (AHSRA) will host a briefing on "Job Creation and U.S. Investment in High Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail" on Wednesday, August 3 at 11:30am in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Meeting Room South. The briefing will educate Congressional staff about the types and numbers of American jobs that can be created in the American manufacturing, supply and construction industries by investing in intercity passenger rail infrastructure. Visit the AHSRA website for the full press release.
For more information, contact Fritz Ohrenschall, Research Associate at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.
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