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Executive Committee meets December 7 SEMCOG's Executive Committee will meet on Friday, December 7, 2007, at 1 p.m. in SEMCOG's downtown Detroit office. Action items to be considered are:
Ted Wahby, Macomb County Treasurer, and Jerry Moffit Macomb County Chief Deputy Director, will discuss the foreclosure problem in Michigan and how their county has addressed the tax foreclosure component of the issue. Contact: Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG Deputy Director.
SEMCOG releases report on funding protection of Southeast Michigan’s environment Since 2000, Michigan General Fund allocations to support environmental protection efforts have declined by 65 percent according to Funding Environmental Protection in Michigan: The Need for Change, a report released by SEMCOG. The purpose of this report is to summarize the status of funding sources for environmental protection programs in Michigan and to stimulate discussion on possible changes to address problems with the existing structure. These environmental funding sources impact Michigan’s long-term economic viability, which hinges on a competitive business climate, protection of its unique natural resources, retaining its current population, and enticing others to work and raise their families in Southeast Michigan. The complete report, is available from SEMCOG Information Center, or can be downloaded in PDF from SEMCOG's Web site — www.semcog.org. Contact: SEMCOG Information Center.
TIP amendments announced The public is invited to comment on projects being considered for amendment to the FY 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a short-range planning tool used to implement the goals, objectives, and projects of the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan. Projects must appear in the TIP in order to receive federal transportation funding. The amendment adds 63 projects to the TIP and removes two projects. The net cost of projects being added is $222.9 million, funded from federal, state, and local transportation agencies. Nineteen projects provide funding for almost 25 miles of roadway preservation; 19 rehabilitate or replace 39 bridges; 13 involve roadsides; eight add capacity; and four improve safety/operations. As amended, the TIP estimates $3 billion in expenditures. A complete list of all projects, including the amendment, is available from SEMCOG Information Center, (313) 961-4266, or on SEMCOG’s Web site at www.semcog.org. Comments on projects should be mailed, phoned, or faxed to SEMCOG Information Center; contact information is available in the box on the back. Address e-mail comments to infocenter@semcog.org. Comments can be made in person at the following meetings, all held at SEMCOG offices:
Contact: SEMCOG Information Center.
Fall issue of SEMscope focuses on Millennials and the opportunities local governments must embrace for the future economy The Fall issue of SEMscope, SEMCOG's quarterly magazine, has been mailed. The focus of this issue is devoted to our future economy’s dependence on Millenials (those currently between 22 and 30 years old) and what our region can do to both retain and attract these younger, higher-educated workers. This special issue asks important questions on what Millennials seek in a place to live, work, learn, and play; what other regions across the country are doing to make their communities desirable; and what we can do in Southeast Michigan to create communities that are attractive places for all. Please contact us for additional copies for distribution to the public at city or township halls, local libraries, or schools. SEMscope is also available in PDF on SEMCOG’s Web site to link to your Web site. Additionally, we are interested in your feedback and examples from your community on this important issue. Contact: SEMCOG Information Center.
2007 TIP surveys due December 28 SEMCOG is conducting its annual survey of projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This survey covers fiscal year 2007 and includes projects scheduled by cities, villages, transit agencies, county road commissions, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the year, as well as ongoing projects from previous years. Surveys are used to track progress in implementing projects and gather cost information. Data are reported to SEMCOG committees and the public. Survey results also assist in determining long-term transportation needs in our region. Communities or agencies with projects in the survey have been notified by letter. SEMCOG is requesting completed surveys by Friday, December 28, 2007. Contact: Steve Brudzinski, SEMCOG Transportation Programs.
Training opportunities from SEMCOG
Fire prevention and safety grants available Applications for Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (through the Federal Emergency Management Agency) are due November 30, 2007 at 5 p.m. (EDT). These grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations, firefighter safety, and mitigate high incidences of death and injury. Contact: www.firegrantsupport.com for details.
Final DWSD meeting to be held on December 10 The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will hold the last in a series of four meetings with its community customers on the 2008-2009 sewer and water rates on Monday, December 10, 2007, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at SEMCOG’s downtown Detroit offices. The Capital Improvement Program for the DWSD Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Systems will be presented. To RSVP, contact George Ellenwood (313) 964-9460 or ellenwood@dwsd.org. Please refer to the DWSD Web site — www.dwsd.org — for background materials.
Emerald Ash Borer tree restoration assistance announced The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting applications from local governments, nonprofit organizations, and agencies interested in serving as a Local Partner for the 2008 Restoration of our Trees (ROOT) program. The program is open to homeowners who live in SEMCOG's seven county region. Local partner applications and additional ROOT program information is available at the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrucf. Contact: Kerry Gray at 517-241-1833 or grayk@michigan.gov.
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