H-GAC COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE
Manager's Welcome
This is the May issue of the Houston-Galveston Area Council's (H-GAC's) Community and Environmental Planning (C&E) E-newsletter. We hope this monthly newsletter will keep you up to date on the wide variety of community planning, economic development and environmental planning programs going on at H-GAC. We want this information to be useful and are very interested in your feedback! If you have any questions about any of our programs, please feel free to contact me at 713-993-4560 or Jeff.Taebel@h-gac.com. To unsubscribe, add another subscriber or offer any comments on the e-newsletter, please e-mail cep_news@h-gac.com. To view the current and past editions of the e-newsletter, please visit:
www.h-gac.com/CEeNewsletter
Please click on the links below to view information regarding each topic.
IN THIS ISSUE
May is American Wetlands Month
Earth 911 and G4 TV Join Forces to Promote E-waste Recycling
USDA Rural Development Announces Funding Availability for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements
Free Environmental Management System Training
Discover Galveston Bay from the Sea
EPA's Hotline -- A Decade of Activity
2035 Regional Growth Forecast Brochure Now Available
Trash Bash® Volunteers Not Daunted by Mother Nature
2007 Regional Recycling & Conservation Guides
Plant Trees During May!
Fair Housing, It's Your Right
Congratulations Sarah Metzger
H-GAC MEETING NOTICES
Natural Resources Advisory Committee
Texas APA Planning Commissioners Training Workshop
H-GAC Pedestrian-Bicyclist Subcommittee
Regional Recycling Roundtable
The Clean Rivers Program Regional Monitoring Workgroup Meeting
FHWA Pedestrian Safety Planning and Design Training Workshop
Smart Growth Initiative
Storm Debris: Role of FEMA, State and Local Governments in Funding Debris Removal
Storm Debris: BMP's and Upcoming Federal and State Policy Changes
IN THIS ISSUE
May Is American Wetlands Month
American Wetlands Month is a wonderful opportunity to conserve wetlands and help educate others about their importance. Join thousands of Americans each May in celebrating the uniqueness, beauty and importance of wetlands. In 2007, the theme is Alien Invaders: Invasive Species and Wetlands. Because they are alien to North American wetland landscapes, species like Elephant Ear, Chinese Tallow, and the Apple Snail affect water quality by displacing and killing plants and animals that are native to our wetlands. Every year, thousands more of these invasive species are introduced into our waterways, potentially costing us billions of dollars in economic losses and causing irreversible damage to some of our most beautiful and valuable landscapes. For more information about American Wetlands Month visit the Izaak Walton League of America. For additional information about invasive species and Texas wetlands please visit http://www.galvbayinvasives.org/ and http://www.texaswetlands.org/.
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Earth 911 and G4 TV Join Forces to Promote E-waste Recycling
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates Americans now dispose of more than 3.2 million tons of e-waste every year. In an effort to raise awareness of the harmful environmental impact of e-waste, G4, the plugged-in Cable TV network for guys 18-34, and Earth 911 have joined forces to create "Gcycle," a multifaceted e-waste recycling campaign. The site was officially launched on Earth Day (April 22, 2007). The "Gcycle" campaign emphasizes the importance of electronics recycling and provides viewers with details regarding local recycling locations for items including computers, computer monitors, cell phones, gaming equipment and consoles and batteries. Through extensive on-air promotion and widespread integration throughout G4's programming and special events, "Gcycle" offers consumers access to simple, location-based e-waste recycling guides online at Gcycle.org, powered by Earth 911. To check out the "Gcycle" campaign visit http://www.gcycle.org/. For more about this campaign visit the Earth 911 Press Room.
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USDA Rural Development Announces Funding Availability for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements
In March, USDA Rural Development State Director Bryan Daniel announced the availability of $176.5 million in loan guarantees and $11.4 million in competitive grants to support investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements by agricultural producers and small rural businesses. Renewable energy systems utilizing wind, solar, biomass, geothermal or hydrogen sources may be purchased. Energy efficiency improvements may include retrofitting lighting or insulation, irrigation, grain dryers, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficient units in existing or new replacement facilities.
Loan guarantees cover up to 50 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. These loan guarantees and grants are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.97 metric tons, replace 821 million barrels of foreign oil and generate almost 2 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. USDA has funded more than 400 loans and grants since the renewable energy program began in FY 2003.
Applications for grants must be completed and submitted to the Texas USDA Rural Development, Attention Business Programs, 101 S. Main, Suite 102, Temple, TX 76501, postmarked no later than May 18. The deadline for submitting loan applications as well as for loan and grant combinations is July 2. USDA Rural Development strives to see that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy by providing technical assistance, funding, and other programs that help rural Americans build strong economies to improve their quality of life. For further information regarding this program contact the USDA at (254) 742-9780 or visit the website at http://rurdev.usda.gov/tx/.
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Free Environmental Management System Training
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is offering a series of free work sessions about operating more efficiently, saving critical resources, and meeting environmental regulations and addressing local environmental issues. Staffers from local governments and any other interested organizations in the Houston/Galveston/Beaumont areas are invited. Class will run from about 9:30 am to 3 pm on May 17, May 29, June 21, July 23, and August 9. For information or to register, contact Deanna Koelzer at Culture Technologies, Inc. at (512) 934-4760 or deanna@culturetechnologies.com or visit http://www.culturetechnologies.com.
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Discover Galveston Bay From the Sea
Texas A&M Sea Grant Extension's 57' teaching vessel, R/V Karma, will be providing Galveston Bay discovery cruises from its temporary berth at the Houston Yacht Club from May 15 -31. These learning adventures are primarily intended for student and youth development groups from the Houston-Galveston Area. However, several opportunities for adult groups and the general public have been built into this lengthy visit of the Karma and its crew of marine educators. For information, call (979) 863-2940, e-mail floatingclassroom@ag.tamu.edu or visit http://floatingclassroom.tamu.edu.
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EPA's Hotline – A Decade of Activity
Since March 1997, the hotline in EPA's regional office in Dallas has rung more than 130,000 times, and—at a time when automated voice mail systems and call centers are the norm—each call is answered by an experienced person who is able to quickly respond to the callers' questions.
Over the past ten years, callers have sought timely information about a wide range of environmental issues, such as the safety of the drinking water in their homes or the air quality in their neighborhoods; how to properly dispose of used oil, batteries and waste tires; how to prevent exposure to asbestos, lead and other toxic substances; and, many other environmental concerns.
The Public Information Center hotline (800-887-6063) is staffed weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and is toll-free to callers from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. After hours and on weekends, callers may leave a message with their phone number, and staff will respond to their calls on the next business day.
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2035 Regional Growth Forecast Brochure Now Available
A 20-page easy-to-use publication is filled with colorful maps and charts which are tied together by dense, yet insightful narrative. The publication gives an overview of the forecast development process, summarizes major results, and presents some interesting findings. The hard-copy publication is available at H-GAC offices, at H-GAC-sponsored meetings, and by request (forecast@h-gac.com), or you can view the electronic .pdf here: PDF
Forecast Trivia:
What percent of total regional population in 2035 will live within 2 miles of major highway?
(Answer--80%)
The increase in our region's growth by 2035 will be equivalent to adding a population the size of what major city?
(Answer—Los Angeles)
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Trash Bash® Volunteers Not Daunted by Mother Nature
Despite torrential rain, crashing lightening, gusting winds, and rising water, over 1,000 faithful but somewhat soggy volunteers showed up to participate in the annual River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash® on Saturday, March 31, 2007. Trash Bash® , which has always operated under the motto of "Rain or Shine," had to be canceled at several of the 16 locations for the first time in its 14 year history. The operational sites were able to conduct their educational activities and a few of those picked up trash when and where it was safe to do so.
Preliminary totals indicate approximately 200 tires and more than 14.5 tons of trash were pulled from area waterways in spite of Mother Nature. Unfortunately, a lot of the litter that would have been picked up on a dry day, was washed downstream into the bay. As usual, there is always more to do as we continue working toward our two goals of educating the public regarding proper waste disposal/litter control and cleaning up area waterways. After a short break, site coordinators will reconvene to begin planning next year's event. To get more information or volunteer for next year's event scheduled for March 29, 2008 call 281-486-9500 or visit our web site at www.trashbash.org.
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2007 Regional Recycling & Conservation Guides
The 2007 Regional Recycling and Conservation Guide contains community specific information about recycling and conservation. This attractive, bi-lingual guide also contains fun facts and graphics that grab the reader's attention and make it a valuable publication for any environmental outreach program. On April 22, 2007 the guide was distributed throughout the region in the Houston Chronicle. To see the guide in electronic format visit /HGAC/Programs/Solid+Waste/2007+Recycle+Guide.htm. For additional copies or more information please email swinformation@h-gac.com.
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Plant Trees during May!
Many people celebrated Texas Arbor Day on April 27th by planting a tree. Properly planting trees on your property can reduce utility bills, provide habitat for wildlife, and increase property values. Although Arbor Day only comes once a year, there is still time to plant trees before the onset of summer. Make plans to plant a tree in your yard, at your business, or school during the month of May. Native trees are more resistant to disease, pests, and drought – and many can provide essential habitat for wildlife. Consider planting a Mexican Plum or Texas Red Bud to add color to your local landscape. Or maybe plant a Burr Oak to provide shade over your entire backyard. To learn more about Texas trees check out the new online tree planting guide at www.texastreeplanting.tamu.edu. To find out more about Arbor Day visit the Texas Forest Service at www.txforestservice.tamu.edu. Great information on local tree ordinances, proper planting techniques and educational projects can be found at www.houstonareaurbanforestrycouncil.org. Many trees native to Texas can be purchased at local nurseries.
H-GAC has local development corporation grants available to help local governments plant trees on public property. The Community Trees Program provides reimbursement of up to $2,000 to offset the cost of purchasing trees. Applicants must be a local government, economic development corporation, chamber of commerce, or non-profit community organization. To learn more about the Community Trees Program or for information about Urban Forestry in the H-GAC region, contact Chuck Wemple at cwemple@h-gac.com.Back to Top www.h-gac.com. For additional questions you can contact H-GAC's Housing & Economic Development Coordinator, Chuck Wemple, at cwemple@h-gac.com.
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Fair Housing, It's your Right
During the month of April, the Houston Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Board passed a resolution reaffirming its ongoing commitment to promote fair housing practices by recognizing April as "Fair Housing Month". The amended Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in housing and declares it a national policy to provide for fair housing within the United States. The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) urges that all citizens of the Gulf Coast Region become aware of and support the Fair Housing Law. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, is ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, a Housing Complaint Form is available for you to download from their website (www.hud.gov) or complete online. You may write HUD a letter, or telephone the HUD office at 2111 Norfolk, Suite 200, Houston Texas. Their phone number is 713-313-2274, extension 7001. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD. H-GAC has developed other resources to assist communities in meeting their residents' housing needs. H-GAC's Housing Assistance Guide describes all the housing grant and finance programs available in the thirteen county H-GAC region. The Housing Assistance Guide and other housing information are available on H-GAC's web site at www.h-gac.com. For additional questions you can contact H-GAC's Housing & Economic Development Coordinator, Chuck Wemple, at cwemple@h-gac.com.
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Congratulations Sarah Metzger
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will recognize 12 projects across the state with Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, the state's highest environmental achievement. These awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations with successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. H-GAC congratulates Sarah Metzger from Pasadena, winner in the 'Individual' category. TCEQ commissioners will present the awards at the annual banquet on Wednesday May 2, 2007, at the Austin Convention Center as part of the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference.
For more information about the awards program, or to nominate a project for next year's awards, go to www.teea.org or contact Dana Macomb, awards coordinator, at (512) 239-4745 or awards@tceq.state.tx.us.
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H-GAC MEETING NOTICES
Natural Resources Advisory Committee
Thursday, May 3, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For more information contact Carl Masterson @ 713-993-4561 or cmasterson@h-gac.com.
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Texas APA Planning Commissioners Training Workshop
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact Jeff Taebel @ 713-993-4560 or jtaebel@h-gac.com.
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H-GAC Pedestrian-Bicyclist Subcommittee
Thursday, May 10, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room B
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
10:00 a.m. - noon
For more information contact Dan Raine @ 832-681-2525 or draine@h-gac.com.
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Regional Recycling Roundtable
Thursday, May 17, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information contact Kelly Freeman @ 713-993-4566 or kfreeman@h-gac.com.
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The Clean Rivers Program Regional Monitoring Workgroup Meeting
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room B
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
For more information contact Jean Wright @ 713-499-6660 or jwright@h-gac.com.
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FHWA Pedestrian Safety Planning and Design Training Workshop
Monday -Tuesday, May 21-22, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room C
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
For more information contact Dan Raine @ 832-681-2525 or draine@h-gac.com.
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Smart Growth Initiative
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room C
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
noon - 1:30 p.m.
For more information contact Jeff Taebel @ 713-993-4560 or jtaebel@h-gac.com.
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Storm Debris: Role of FEMA, State and Local Governments in Funding Debris Removal
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact Kelly Freeman @ 713-993-4566 or kfreeman@h-gac.com.
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Storm Debris: BMP's and Upcoming Federal and State Policy Changes
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
H-GAC Conference Room A
3555 Timmons, 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77027
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information contact Kelly Freeman @ 713-993-4566 or kfreeman@h-gac.com.
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