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TIP amendments announced The public is invited to comment on projects being considered for amendment to the FY 2004-2006 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a short-range planning tool used to implement the goals, objectives, and projects of the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan. The amendment adds 85 projects to the TIP. The total cost of projects being added is $297.4 million, funded from federal, state, and local transportation agencies. Of the 85 projects being amended to the TIP, 34 improve traffic safety/operations, 13 address deficient bridges, 12 provide funding for road preservation, 11 fund nonmotorized improvements, eight provide transit capital or operating funds, six improve roadsides or other transportation enhancements, and one amends a currently approved capacity project that is increasing in cost. Projects in this TIP amendment must undergo the same scrutiny as original projects — an air quality conformity analysis, an environmental justice review, and a public comment process (details are available from SEMCOG). The TIP as amended, estimates $2.5 billion in expenditures over three years. A complete list of all projects, including amendment, is available from SEMCOG Information Services or on SEMCOG's Web site. Comments on projects should be mailed, phoned, or faxed to SEMCOG Information Services; contact information is available in the box on the reverse side. Address e-mail comments to infoservices@semcog.org. Comments can be made in person at the following meetings, all held at SEMCOG offices:
Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
RTP adoption, workshop on local government partnerships on General Assembly agenda SEMCOG's General Assembly (GA) meets on Thursday, November 4, 2004, at the Hotel Pontchartrain, 2 Washington Blvd., in Downtown Detroit, beginning at 3 p.m. An important workshop — Using Partnerships to Strengthen Local Government Services — will kick off the afternoon. This workshop, co-sponsored by the office of Mcichigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, will highlight joint public services as one way local governments can control expenses and improve services. The program will include a discussion of Governor Jennifer Granholm's commitment to increase government efficiencies through joint public services and the advantages of having the state as a partner. In addition, representatives of three innovative community partnerships will discuss what makes their projects successful. The General Assembly business meeting will begin at about 5 p.m. There, the GA will be requested to adopt the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan (RTP). The RTP calls for implementing a comprehensive set of policies, initiatives, and nearly $41 billion in transportation improvement for fiscal years 2005-2030. This plan makes the region eligible to spend over $1.5 billion annually on much-needed projects. The General Assembly will also elect a new SEMCOG Vice Chair. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Legislative Affairs Coordinator.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department announces two meeting to discuss water and sewer rates The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) will hold two more workshops with its wholesale water and sewer customers as part of the process of establishing water and sewer rates for FY 2005-2006. The two meetings, both to be held in SEMCOG's offices, are scheduled as follows:
Sewer rates information will be discussed in the morning session, with water rates issues on the agenda for the afternoon session. All of DWSD's wholesale customers are urged to attend these meetings. More information, including agenda and data to be presented, will be posted on the DWSD Web site — www.dwsd.org. Contact: Ted Starbuck, Senior Planner, SEMCOG Environmental Programs.
SEMCOG joint public services database seeking projects The new SEMCOG Joint Public Services (JSP) database will be presented during SEMCOG's General Assembly on November 4, 2004. The database is a resource and tool for governments searching for ideas on funding, planning, and implementing projects that maintain or exceed current services. It provides information on intergovernmental or public/private partnerships that have resulted in improved public safety, recreation, environment, transportation, senior services, and many other essential services. We are still accepting projects for the database. If your community or organization is involved in a successful JPS venture, please take a few minutes to download and complete the form from SEMCOG's Web site at www.semcog.org. Contact: Naheed Huq, Senior Planner, SEMCOG Community and Economic Development.
SEMCOG University to focus on financing local government services SEMCOG and the Michigan Government Finance Officers Association are pleased to team up to co-sponsor a SEMCOG University on financing local government services. The two half-day sessions will be held on Thursday, December 9 and Wednesday, December 15, 2004, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at SEMCOG offices in downtown Detroit. The first morning will be a crash course on Michigan's local government finance structure, concentrating on what every local official needs to know. The second session will focus on the challenges created by the current structure and pose some options for working within the system to provide the services that constituents demand. Local elected officials are strongly encouraged to attend these important sessions. Further information will be available at SEMCOG's General Assembly on November 4. SEMCOG University brochures will be mailed in the near future. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Legislative Affairs Coordinator.
SEMCOG co-sponsors workshop on sustainable stormwater management Sustainable Stormwater Management: Moving it forward in Southeast Michigan, a workshop co-sponsored by SEMCOG, Oakland County, and several Oakland County communities will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Troy Marriott. The workshop will focus on how sustainable stormwater practices can meet community stormwater regulations, protect water resources, and be attractive amenities to a site and community. The cost is $75 and includes lunch; pre-registration is required by November 10. Contact: Shawn Keenan, Auburn Hills, (248) 391-3777.
SEMPeople Our sympathy to the family and friends of Ernie Fisher who passed away recently. Fisher was a government official for many years, serving as city manager in Marysville and as a councilmember in Madison Heights. He was instrumental in convincing Madison Heights to join SEMCOG.
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