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Your Monthly News & Updates
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H-GAC Releases Update of Interactive
Eco-Logical Planning Tool
H-GAC recently released an update of the Eco-Logical Tool. This interactive web mapping application measures the impacts associated with future transportation projects in the early stages of the planning process. It helps users make plans to preserve critical ecological resources necessary for maintaining and improving the quality of life in the region.
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H-GAC Releases Livable Centers Call for Planning Study Partners
This is not a request for proposals from consulting firms.
All eligible partners must complete a Notice of Intent to Apply by Friday, December 6.
Final applications are due Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
The proposed study must be located within H-GAC's eight-county Transportation Management Area (TMA), which includes Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties. (Study areas adjacent to the TMA may be considered under special conditions.)
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H-GAC Honors Outstanding Projects with Our Great Region Awards
H-GAC honored six outstanding projects as part of the annual Our Great Region Awards program. A panel of expert judges, including past winners, evaluated the applications for this year's awards and selected the projects to honor across five categories: - The Connection Award honors a project that demonstrates innovative partnerships and exemplifies the interdisciplinary and partnership-building work that is critical to making our region a more vibrant place to live, work, and succeed. The 2019 recipient is Career4U Academy, Houston Community College.
- The Diligence Award honors a project that executed a creative and persistent approach to overcome challenges to implementation and demonstrates the importance of innovation and follow-through in the pursuit of inspiring projects throughout our region. The 2019 recipient is Pearland's Natural Resources Efforts, City of Pearland.
- The Reach Award honors a project that demonstrates exemplary public participation and prioritizes community outreach and engagement as a core tenet of success. This year there was a tie for this award, and 2019 recipients are Gulfton Skate Park at Burnett Bayland Park, Clark Condon, and TAAF Winter Games Hosted by the City of Pearland, City of Pearland.
- The Opportunity Award honors a project that helps overcome disparities in access to opportunity, breaks down barriers of entry into the regional economy, and improves quality of life for all residents in our region. The 2019 recipient is Southeast Houston Affordable Housing Initiative, Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement.
- The Excellence Award honors a project that addresses timely issues within our region, while helping to further the principles of the Our Great Region 2040 plan. The project demonstrates the ingenuity and strategic focus that is required for a brighter future for our region. The 2019 recipient is Exploration Green, Exploration Green Conservancy.
More information is available in the 2019 Our Great Region Awards Showcase.
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AmeriCorps VISTA Candidate Needed for Gulf Coast Economic Development District
The Gulf Coast Economic Development District is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA candidate to provide technical assistance to low-income communities in Opportunity Zones on potential investments. Candidates with a background in quantitative or financial analysis are encouraged to apply. Stipend and benefits are provided through AmeriCorps for a successful candidate.
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Oyster Creek Bacteria Reduction Meeting - December 10
H-GAC and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality invite area stakeholders to help create a plan to reduce high concentrations of bacteria found in Oyster Creek ( Basin 11) from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, at Angleton Public Library, 401 E. Cedar, Angleton.
During the meeting, participants will review and discuss a draft plan to address the bacteria in the impacted watershed.
For more information, contact Steven Johnston at 832-681-2579.
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Caney Creek Bacteria Reduction Meeting - December 10
H-GAC and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality invite area stakeholders to help create a plan to reduce high concentrations of bacteria found in the Caney Creek Watershed from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, at Van Vleck High School Cafeteria, 133 S. Fourth Street, Van Vleck.
During the meeting, participants will review and discuss a draft plan to address the bacteria in the impacted watershed.
For more information, contact Steven Johnston at 832-681-2579.
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Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable - January 28, 2020
H-GAC hosts quarterly roundtables to help local governments, chambers of commerce, and economic development interested promote the economic revitalization of downtown areas.
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Chocolate Bay Watershed Bacteria Reduction Meeting - January 30, 2020
H-GAC and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality invite area stakeholders to help create a plan to reduce high concentrations of bacteria found in the Chocolate Bay Watershed, including Chocolate, Halls and Mustang bayous. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Alvin Library, 105 S. Gordon Street, Alvin.
During the meeting, participants will review and discuss a draft plan to address the bacteria in the impacted watershed.
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Parks and Natural Areas Summit and Awards Ceremony - February 14, 2020
Save the date for the Parks and Natural Areas Summit and Awards Ceremony from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, February 14, 2020, at H-GAC Conference Room B, Second Floor. The Summit will include presentations on topics and trends related to parks and natural areas. The event will also include the annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards recognition ceremony. These projects serve as models for planning and project implementation for parks and natural areas in the region. Projects will be honored in three categories: Planning Process, On-the-Ground Projects Over $500,000, and On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000. Registration will open in late December or early January. For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo at 832-681-2507.
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Trash Bash - March 28, 2020
Every year, thousands of volunteers gather to clean up trash and debris along area waterways by participating in the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, the River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash. Join them on Saturday, March 28, 2020, for the 27th annual cleanup.
With locations across the Galveston Bay watershed, there's a cleanup location near home, work, or school. Educational areas at each site offer opportunities to learn more about protecting water quality. Participating in Trash Bash is free, with supplies, t-shirts, lunch, and door prizes provided. Scouts and students are encouraged to participate.
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Take Care of Texas Video Contest
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) invites students in 6th through 12th grades to enter the annual Take Care of Texas Video Contest. Student videos should be 30 seconds long and portray positive ways Texans can help keep air and water clean, conserve water and energy, or reduce waste. The contest deadline is Friday, December 6, and the public will have the opportunity to pick their favorite videos January 15 to 29, 2020. The middle and high school students who win first place will be invited to travel to Austin, along with their teacher, parent, or guardian, to be recognized by the TCEQ and Waste Management of Texas, Inc., at the 2020 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference.
Get Involved With Trash Free Texas
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City Efficiency Leadershp Council's Fall 2019 Roundtable
The City Efficiency Leadership Council Fall 2019 Roundtable will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at the City of Pearland Houston Room, 3523 Liberty Drive, Pearland. Cheryl Bowman from CenterPoint's efficiency programs will share information about their 2019 CitySmart program followed by open discussion of the group's energy management work.
Texas Well Owners Network (TWON) Program
The Mill Creek Watershed Partnership is hosting the TexasWell Owners Network (TWON) Program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9, at the Washington County Fairgrounds Sales Facility, 305 E. Blue Bell Road, Brenham. The free program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, helps well owners become familiar with Texas groundwater resources, septic system maintenance, well maintenance and construction, and water quality and treatment and is open to anyone interested in attending. Participants can bring well-water samples to the training for screening at a cost of $10/sample. Sample containers can be picked up at the Washington County Extension Office, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road, Suite 104, Brenham, or the Austin County Extension Office, 800 E. Wendt Street, Bellville. To register for the free event, visit http://twon.tamu.edu/training/ or call 979-845-1461.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is December 14 through January 5 each year. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this global, all-volunteer effort collects data on local bird populations. Individual counts are open to birders of all levels, and there is no fee to participate. Several events are scheduled across the region.
Galveston Bay Estuary Program's State of the Bay Symposium
Registration is open for the 11th Galveston Bay Estuary Program State of the Bay Symposium January 22 and 23, 2020, at Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from regional leaders and local experts, and connect with other leading scientists and natural resource management experts.
Citizens' Environmental Coalition's Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour
The Citizens' Environmental Coalition will host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour on January 28 and 29, 2020. This event will be at 7 p.m. each night at the River Oaks Theatre, 2009 W. Gray Street, Houston. Tickets are available to purchase online.
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Funding Opportunities
All content, including links to websites, is for informational purposes only. Users of this content are responsible for checking its accuracy, currency, and suitability.
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Community and Environmental Planning Programs
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Mapping ApplicationsLooking for interactive applications or GIS data related to the H-GAC Community and Environmental Planning Department? Visit H-GAC's interactive applications web page.
Facebook
H-GAC has a Facebook page where information about current and upcoming events is posted. Please visit and like H-GAC's page. While there, visit other H-GAC pages on Facebook, including Recycling, Trash Bash, Regional Data Lab, Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG), West Fork Watersheds Partnership, and Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership.
Find the latest information about activities around the region at H-GAC's Twitter feed @HouGalvAreaCog. H-GAC's water resources program also offers Twitter updates on water quality issues in the region @HGACwater. |
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Would you like us to consider featuring your municipality, program, or regional photo on the C&E Planning Update banner? Just forward Andrea Tantillo your picture, along with some information about the subject and the photographer, and you might see it in a future month's newsletter. |
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