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e-NEWS and NOTES: A Biweekly Bulletin
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In This Issue:
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July 7, 2003
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STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
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GRANTS, FUNDING, & RFPS
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NEWS, REPORTS, AND PUBLICATIONS
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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
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FAPA/AICP NEWS, INFORMATION & UPDATES
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FAPA MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS
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FEDERAL ACTION ON AMTRAK RENEWAL & RIDE 21
June 25: The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved legislation authorizing funding of up to $2 billion annually for Amtrak, H.R. 2572, which would fund the first three years of a five-year capital plan.
June 25: The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the "Railroad Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century" (RIDE 21), H.R. 2571, providing financial support, including tax-credit bonds and tax-exempt financing, to states for investments in high speed passenger rail services and assistance to freight rail providers for certain capital improvements.
June 26: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved legislation, "The Surface Transportation Safety Reauthorization Act of 2003", that addresses TEA-21 safety issues under the jurisdiction of the panel, and by amendment, authorized $2 billion annually for a six-year reauthorization for Amtrak. The bill also created a non-profit corporation to issue bonds to develop high-speed rail.
For information on the Committee's action on Amtrak renewal (H.R. 2572) and RIDE 21 (H.R. 2571), visit www.house.gov/transportation/. For a description of the Senate Committee action, visit commerce.senate.gov/newsroom/printable.cfm?id=205587.
(Source: STPP)
MULTIMODAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
On June 26, H.R. 2615, the "Rebuild America Act of 2003," was introduced as an economic recovery package, which would create millions of jobs through multimodal infrastructure investments and related infrastructure. If passed, H.R. 2615 would provide $50 billion in infrastructure investment, including $5 billion for highways, $3 billion for transit, $14 billion for high-speed rail, $7.5 billion for passenger and freight rail, and $2.5 billion for port security. The package would cost the Treasury $34 billion over ten years, coming from $4.5 billion from changes in the tax code and $29.5 billion from the general fund. An additional $10 billion in surpluses from the highway, aviation, and water resource trust funds would finance a portion of the package. For more information on the bill, including a state-by-state analysis, visit www.house.gov/transportation_democrats/#RebuildAmerica.
(Source: STPP)
MORE SPECIAL SESSIONS ON MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
In letters last week to Speaker Byrd and President King, Governor Bush outlined his intentions to call legislators back up to six more Special Sessions if an agreement on medical malpractice could not be reached; the first of which is scheduled to begin Wednesday July 9, 2003.
MONEY FOR COASTAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY RESTORATION
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently granted DEP $2.8 million to increase protection for Florida’s coastal resources and revitalize coastal communities, to be administered through the Florida Coastal Management Program. This latest grant received from NOAA will be used to continue funding projects that maintain and preserve Florida’s pristine coastal communities. For more information on the Florida Coastal Management Program, including information on applying for local grant funding, visit www.floridadep.org/secretary/legislative/coastal/index.htm.
$100 MILLION BONDED FOR CLEAN WATER THROUGH DEP’S REVOLVING FUND
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), through an affiliated financing corporation, closed on $100 million in bonds to finance low-interest loans to local governments for stormwater, wastewater and water reuse projects. The funding expands the capacity of DEP’s State Revolving Fund to protect and enhance Florida’s water resources. In 2000, the Legislature authorized DEP to “leverage” funds in the State Revolving Fund by issuing bonds based on its existing, and growing, billion-dollar loan portfolio. Over the last three years, this practice increased the program’s funding capacity by 50 percent, providing an additional $150 million in low-interest loans to communities throughout Florida. The new $100 million bond issue, which received the highest ratings by Standard & Poors, Fitch and Moody’s, reflects the program’s financial strength and fiscal management. The State Revolving Fund issues bonds through a financing corporation, when necessary and appropriate, based on local government need, favorable market conditions, and careful management by state and independent financial experts. The new funding cycle begins July 1. Watch www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff/index.htm for announcements and further information.
EARL DURDEN ELECTED CHAIR OF THE FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Earl Durden was elected Chair of the Florida Transportation Commission during its June meeting in Ft. Lauderdale. Governor Jeb Bush appointed Durden, Chairman and CEO of Rail Management Corporation located in Panama City, to the Commission in 1999. He succeeds David Brown of Orlando, who served as Chairman from 2001 through 2003. Other officers elected were James Holton, Vice Chairman, and Janet Watermeier, Secretary. Holton, an attorney and commercial real estate developer, is the President of MHH Enterprises, Incorporated, and lives in Madeira Beach. He was appointed to the Commission in March of 2000. Watermeier is President of the Florida Gulf Coast Group, a private consulting and development resources firm and lives in Ft. Myers. She was appointed to the Commission in December of 2001.
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EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Earned Income Tax Credit may be a better tool for providing affordable housing than federal housing supports, according to a new discussion paper by Michael Stegman, Walter Davis, and Roberto Quercia (Brookings Institution). The paper finds that using the Earned Income Tax Credit to improve housing affordability would reduce housing cost burdens for thousands of households and help achieve other policy goals for the working poor. The paper may be viewed or downloaded at www.brookings.edu/urban.
U.S. EPA'S DRAFT REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The U.S. EPA's Draft Report on the Environment is a report that describes current national environmental conditions and trends using existing data and indicators. The report identifies data gaps and research needs, and discusses the challenges government and its partners face in filling those gaps. The report covers five theme areas: Cleaner Air, Purer Water, Better Protected Land, Human Health, and Ecological Condition. For more information or to download or order a copy of this report, visit www.epa.gov/indicators.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS: SMART GROWTH ALLIANCE
A June 11, 2003 Boston Globe article by Anthony Flint, reported that in Massachusetts, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Citizens Housing and Planning Association, the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, the Boston Society of Architects, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and the Conservation Law Foundation formed the Smart Growth Alliance to ensure that Governor Mitt Romney acts on his campaign promises to change development rules and curb urban sprawl. According to the article, Metropolitan Area Planning Council Executive Director Marc Draisen stated that the alliance would oppose all proposed projects and guidelines that do not promote smart growth. In addition to submitting a white paper to Governor Romney that details smart growth suggestions, the alliance will push for dense, low-cost housing near public transportation; pressure the administration to revamp state zoning rules; and sponsor educational programs to gain public support for smart growth.
SMART GROWTH MAY BE IN PERIL
When Maryland Governor Ehrlich dismissed the top officers of the Governor's Office of Smart Growth this month, it signaled to many the end of the groundbreaking land protection strategy that has earned Maryland a national reputation. In this article, Governor Ehrlich defends his actions as government streamlining. See www.sunspot.net/bal-md.growth23jun23,0,3737523.story.
OTHER NEWSPAPER ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
“Coalition Pushing Energy Standards” from the Tampa Tribune www.tampatribune.com/FloridaMetro/MGA7OQWBLHD.html
“Breaking up is Hard to do in Lee County” from the Orlando Sentinel
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-loccapecoral05070503jul05,0,3549392.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
“County Growth Plan's Changes Upheld” from Stuart News
www.tcpalm.com/tcp/the_news_local_news/article/0,1651,TCP_1028_2082110,00.html
“Volusia County May Challenge Annexed Land” from the Orlando Sentinel
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-loccfbriefs25062503jun25,0,4518612.story?coll=orl-home-headlines
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The American Planning Association’s website includes links to requests for proposals and requests for qualifications. You may access this information at www.planning.org/rfp-rfq/.
NEW FAPA LISTINGS:
The City of Cedar Key, Florida, will receive Statements of Qualifications until 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 11, 2003, to select a firm for PLANNING SERVICES TO PROVIDE AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN. Services may include community wide goal setting or visioning process to determine the aspirations of the people of Cedar Key; complete analysis of the existing comprehensive plan elements and community redevelopment plan to determine its effectiveness toward attaining community goals; establishment of urban design guidelines for future development; preparation of plan for fiscal management of CRA funds for the life of program; an evaluation of the redevelopment area boundaries; an evaluation of the projected increase in redevelopment area land values and tax increment revenues; an evaluation of the Plan’s goals, objectives and policies, and recommendations for redevelopment programs. The planning services will include the preparation of an updated comprehensive plan and community redevelopment plan and implementation guidelines in compliance with State Statutes, Chapter 163, FS, Parts II & III. The City has contracted with the University of Florida to prepare base information to be used by the selected consultant. The base information will include GIS mapping system, census/demographic data, current land uses, vacant lands, parcel data, current permitted land uses, environmental and coastal data, utilities, housing data and traffic data. Professional services firms responding to this request should include firms specializing in planning; specifically but not limited to land use, urban design, economic development, and redevelopment. Five (5) signed copies of your qualifications should be submitted in one package, clearly marked on the outside "City of Cedar Key Comprehensive Plan and Community Redevelopment Plan Update” and addressed to: Ms. Frances Hodges, c/o City Clerk’s Office, 490 Second Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625-0339, 352-543-5132. To obtain a complete copy of the RFQ, send a request to LFJ@bellsouth.net. For more information concerning this request, please contact: David Coffey, City Attorney, Haile Village Center, 5346 S.W. 91st Terrace, (352) 335-8442, (352) 376-0026 fax, coffeypa@bellsouth.net. Contact by email or fax is preferred.
The Florida Coastal Management Program announces an application period under its Coastal Partnerships Initiative for funding of innovative coastal projects. The Coastal Partnerships Initiative is intended to inspire community action and promote the protection and effective management of Florida’s coastal resources by seeking applications in four specific initiative categories: Working Waterfronts, Access to Coastal Resources, Remarkable Coastal Places, and Community Stewardship. The Coastal Partnerships Initiative may provide technical assistance, training, and/or financial assistance as reimbursement grants of no more than $25,000, except for small capital improvement or construction projects, which may not exceed $50,000. The funding cycle will begin July 1, 2003 and end June 30, 2004 . All projects must be initiated and completed within the funding cycle. The total amount of funding available for the Coastal Partnerships Initiative is not known at this point, but may be approximately $600,000 to $1 million, based on past awards from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, governs all aspects of the Florida Coastal Management Program’s Coastal Partnerships Initiative. The rule describes the four initiative categories; the required project proposal and application information; the format in which it is to be submitted; the submittal procedures to be followed as part of the application process; and the criteria and procedures by which applications will be evaluated and ranked. There is no specific application form. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Tuesday, October 1, 2002 . For eligibility criteria and a copy of Rule 62S-4, F.A.C., go to www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/legislative/coastal/62S-4.pdf or contact Debbie Skelton at (850) 245-2161; or by e-mail at: debbie.skelton@dep.state.fl.us.
REPEAT LISTINGS:
The BETTER WAKULLA VISIONING PROCESS COMMITTEE requests proposals from qualified firms or individuals for the provision of facilitation services, meeting management and reporting responsibilities related to the COMMUNITY VISIONING PROCESS. Specific experience in southern rural planning processes is preferred. A copy of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee by contacting Pam Portwood, P.O. Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326; PHONE (850) 926-0909, FAX (850) 926-0941, or E-MAIL pportwood@mywakulla.com. All questions should be directed to Pam Portwood at the same address. Sealed Responses will be received by the Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee c/o Wakulla County Grants Department, 3093 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida 32327, or Post Office Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326, ATTENTION: Pam Portwood until Monday, July 14, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Responders to this RFP must be available for interviews by the committee. Selection of Firm(s) or Individual(s) for interview will be made by July 25, 2003; Interviews with ranked firms or individuals between August 1-8, 2003; and Selection of Firm(s) or Individual(s) by August 15, 2003. A public opening and recording of the Responses will be held at the Wakulla County Grants Department located at 3093 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida 32327 on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. Sealed Bids should be clearly marked and mailed to: Proposal Number: 0001, Better Wakulla Visioning Process Committee, c/o Wakulla County Grants Department, Post Office Box 309, Crawfordville, Florida 32326; or deliver to 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, Florida 32327.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of FY 2003 funding opportunities, through the BROWNFIELDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (BEDI). For more information, go to www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa/grpecond.cfm. Application deadlines are July 16, 2003.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE: The Bureau of Historic Preservation of the Florida Department of State announces the availability of forms for application for designation as a 2003 FLORIDA MAIN STREET COMMUNITY. A maximum of three communities will receive Florida Main Street Designation in 2003. Complete applications must be delivered to the Florida Main Street Program, R. A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250, no later than 5:00 p.m. or postmarked and mailed or submitted (with evidence) to an express mail service on or before 12:00 midnight, July 25, 2003. Applications are available by contacting Miss Laura Lee Corbett, Florida Main Street Coordinator, at the above address or by calling 1(800)847-7278.
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ONLINE TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) DATABASE
According to the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, their “Online TDM Encyclopedia” is the most comprehensive source of information available anywhere in the world concerning innovative management solutions to transport problems. The Encyclopedia provides detailed information on dozens of TDM strategies, plus chapters on their planning, evaluation and implementation. The “Online TDM Encyclopedia” is created and maintained by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative and practical tools for solving transport problems. Go to www.vtpi.org/tdm/ for further information.
WEB SITES OF INTEREST PASSED ON TO FAPA BY ITS MEMBERS:
The AFFORDABLE HOUSING DESIGN ADVISOR is described as a tool, resource, idea bank and step-by step guide to Design in affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Design Advisor brings together experience and ideas from successful affordable housing projects all over the country, and the people who developed, designed and built them. Visit the Affordable Housing Design Advisor at www.designadvisor.org/.
THE NEW RULES PROJECT, created by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, is a comprehensive resource for policymakers, organizations, and activists looking for innovative public policies enacted around the world that can be used to make communities vibrant and strong. Visit www.newrules.org/index.htm.
IF YOU HAVE WEBSITES OR INFORMATION TO SHARE, E-MAIL IT TO fapa@floridaplanning.org.
JOB MART ADVERTISEMENTS Posted since June 23, 2003:
Transportation Planner (Nassau County)
Planner II – Zoning (Palm Beach County)
Senior Planner – Zoning (Palm Beach County)
Planner I – Entry Level (St. Lucie County)
Senior Planner III – Transportation (St. Lucie County)
Associate Planner – (Broward County)
Manager – Planning Services (City of Panama City)
Planner I (Flagler County)
Staff Specialist IV – Planner II (Brevard County Planning & Zoning)
Visit www.floridaplanning.org/jobs2.asp for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements, and application deadlines.
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FAPA AND SECTION EVENTS:
July 18, 2003: Broward and Gold Coast Sections’ presents, “The Future of South Florida’s Barrier Island Communities: How High is Too High and How Dense is Too Dense?” This luncheon meeting will provide an overview and analysis of the array of issues facing local government and the private sector in dealing with coastal development. Moderated by Frank Schnidman, Senior Fellow, Catanese Center, the panel includes an outstanding pool of speakers. Go to www.floridaplanning.org/calendar/calendar.asp for more information.
July 31, 2003: Sun Coast Section Presents a Special “Dinner-and-a-Movie” featuring a private screening of “Sunshine State,” which follows quirky characters as they decide the fate of their two fictional towns near Jacksonville. Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Avenue, Downtown St. Pete Beach. Dinner and popcorn will be served. The cost is $15/person. RSVP by July 28 by calling or e-mailing Theresa Goodman at (727) 464-8250 or tgoodman@co.pinellas.fl.us.
September 3, 2003: Executive Committee Meeting and Legislative Policy Committee Meeting in conjunction with the FAPA Annual Conference.
September 3-6, 2003: FAPA Annual Conference at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Go to www.floridaplanning.org/conference/index.asp for conference information.
OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS:
July 9-11, 2003: FLORIDA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE AGENCIES, INC., 2003 ANNUAL CONFERENCE; Tampa, FL. For more information, call 1-800-544-5678 or log onto www.flghc.org/.
July 15-16, 2003: PRE-SCHOOL FOR FLORIDA CHAMBER’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL—In depth look at the federal and state wetland permitting programs and prospects for consolidating programs; Marco Island Marriott; $235/members and $265 non-members; to register or for further information, go to www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html.
July 16-18, 2003: FLORIDA CHAMBER’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL—Provides basic and advanced instruction on federal, state, and local environmental regulations; Marco Island Marriott; $485/members and $525 non-members; to register or for further information, go to www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html.
July 16, 2003: the first STAKEHOLDER FORUM FOR THE FLORIDA ENERGY PLAN will be held in Tallahassee at City Hall from approximately 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For further information or to confirm start time, go to www.floridaenergyplan.net.
July 24 or 25, 2003: MIAMI DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS WORKSHOPS at 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 350, Miami. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $225 at time of sign-up or $249. This is a small, hands-on workshop that will teach you to analyze, extract and present 2000/1990 Census (focusing on long form SF3 data), American Community Survey and Census Supplemental information. To register or for more detailed info go to www.smartgirltechnologies.com. Space is limited to 16 participants each day.
July 31-Aug 3, 2003: AIA FLORIDA ANNUAL CONVENTION, LIVING ON THE EDGE—THE FUTURE IS NOW; Ritz Carlton Hotel, Sarasota, Florida. Convention registration includes 24 hours of CE seminars, general sessions, trade show, continental breakfasts and breaks, and more beginning at $175 (AIA members). For more information, contact Eileen Johnson at (850) 222-7590 or ejohnson@aiafla.org, or go to www.aiafla.org/index.cfm?pageID=58.
Sept. 24-26, 2003: Florida Department of Transportation’s TRANSPLEX 2003; TRANSPLEX is short for “Florida’s Transportation Planning Exchange,” a conference created as an open forum for those in the transportation planning community to share ideas, best practices and the latest developments on key issues affecting planning activities. Renaissance Resort at Sea World, Orlando, Florida $99/night. $125 conference registration includes all sessions, continental breakfasts, lunch and breaks. To register or for more information, go to www.transplexfl.com or contact Renee Cross at (850) 414-4800 or e-mail renee.cross@dot.state.fl.us.
October 9, 2003: Save the Date--NATIONAL SMART GROWTH CONFERENCE: State of the States on Smart Growth; Radisson Hotel, Burlington, Vermont. For information on the conference go to www.vtsprawl.org/Initiatives/sgcollaborative/VSGC_main.htm.
October 15-18, 2003: FPZA STATE CONFERENCE; The Inn of Fifth (www.naplesinn.com); $125/night; mention “FPZA” to get the discounted price; call 239-403-8777 for reservations; conference schedule and registration information coming soon.
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