In this issue:
Federal Policy Update
EPA Requests Proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants
Transit Ballot Initiative Webinar Series
Two new livability resources from FHWA
Federal Policy Update
Super Committee Does Not Pass a Debt Reduction Plan – The Super Committee was not able to approve a plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by at least $1.5 trillion over the next ten years. As a result, automatic across-the-board cuts totaling $1.2 trillion over ten years will take effect in January 2013, with a heavy emphasis on discretionary spending.
Appropriations – In November, Congress passed a minubus appropriations bill that included three of the twelve annual appropriations bills. Specifically, the legislation included the Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, and Science as well as the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. The legislation also included a Continuing Resolution to fund the rest of the government through December 16th. As December 16th approaches it looks like Congress will pass another short term Continuing Resolution as the Senate and the House negotiate the remaining nine appropriations bills.
Tax Extenders – Last week the Senate considered two proposals to extend the payroll tax cut for another year. However, Democrats and Republicans have differing ideas on how to pay for an extension of the payroll tax cut. As a result of these differences neither proposal secured enough votes to pass the Senate. It is likely that debate will continue in Congress for the next couple of weeks on how to extend the payroll tax as well as a few other tax provisions that end with the calendar year.
EPA Requests Proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants
The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents.
Two webinars will be held about this funding opportunity: December 14, 2011 and January 5, 2012. For more information about the RFP and webinars, visit the EPA’s Urban Waters Small grants website.
Transit Ballot Initiative Webinar Series
The Center for Transportation Excellence (CFTE) and the National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates presents their second free, six-part webinar training series to provide advocates and transportation organizations with the necessary tools to take a transportation ballot measure from an idea to a success at the ballot box. Visit CFTE’s website for more information.
Two new livability resources from FHWA
The first resource is the Creating Livable Communities booklet, which provides strategies on how to effectively consider and incorporate livability objectives in transportation investment decisions. The second is a series of livability-focused videos that discuss the six livability principles of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The videos provide brief testimonials from rural, local, and regional agency staff on how the livability principles have been incorporated in their area. For more information, visit the FHWA’s livability website.