| Focus On - Riparian Buffer Planning Tool |
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The Houston-Galveston region is experiencing a wide range of water quality issues, many of which are linked to contaminants from stormwater runoff. In an effort to improve water quality, landowners have the opportunity to protect or create riparian buffers, undisturbed vegetated buffers along waterways on their property, to naturally protect a waterway from the impact of adjacent land uses. State and federal agencies have many funding and incentive programs available to assist and encourage landowners to implement riparian buffers. However, the resources and information is widely dispersed and often difficult to obtain.
To reach a larger demographic of landowners and facilitate the planning process, H-GAC, in a collaborative effort with local agricultural agency representatives and conservation professionals, developed an online Riparian Buffer Planning Tool to house all pertinent information landowners need to implement riparian buffers.
Tabs provide a step-by-step format users can follow to learn more about riparian buffers and current water quality related issues, as well as access interactive mapping tools, information about available incentive programs, a cost share payment calculator, and contact information for agency representatives and technical professionals. Visit
www.h-gac.com/go/riparian or contact
Paniz Miesen at 832-681-2523 to learn more.
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| H-GAC to Present on Using a Geospatial Analytical Approach to Estimate Bacteria Sources |
|  The annual ESRI Water Conference will be February 9-11 in Austin. Water, wastewater, stormwater, and water resources professionals can learn best practices for emergency response, sustainable operations, capital improvement planning, and customer transparency.
Thushara Ranatunga with H-GAC will present how a geospatial analytical approach can be used to estimate potential bacteria loading from different sources, such as failing on-site sewer systems, wastewater discharges, wildlife, livestock, pet waste, and stormwater runoff.
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| Camera-Sharing Program Helps to Combat Illegal Dumping |
|  To help track and reduce illegal dumping, H-GAC offers surveillance cameras and accompanying accessories through a sharing program. The cameras can capture clear videos day or night, including license plates of cars traveling up to 50 mph.
Participation in the program is for local governments within the 13-county H-GAC region and involves specific agreements, including a commitment to only use the cameras for solid waste purpose and report results to H-GAC. To allow easier access to local governments, ownership of the cameras has been transferred to Fort Bend, Galveston, and Walker counties. To access the cameras, borrow them from one of those three counties. For more information, contact Erin Livingston at 832-681-2525. |
| Pedestrian-Bicyclist Counters Available |
|  H-GAC has temporary pedestrian-bicyclist counters available for use by local governments to count the number of people using sidewalks and/or trails, giving implementing entities and H-GAC a better understanding of the demand and use of these facilities. For information about borrowing the counters, contact Andrew Pompei at 832-681-2598. |
| Join Mailing List to Learn More About Upcoming Storm Debris Workshop Series |
|  Each year, H-GAC hosts a series of workshops to address the need for communities to perform efficient and timely cleanup of disaster debris.
New workshops will be announced in the spring.
To join the notification list, contact Erin Livingston at 832-681-2525. |
| Houston Bike Plan to Be Released Later This Month |
The City of Houston Bike Plan team has developed a draft plan to be released for public feedback later this month.
Following the release, activities designed to collect public feedback on plan recommendations
will begin online. City of Houston staff will be at outreach events and meetings in communities across the city to ask if they got it right or if there is something they missed.
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| EPA Climate Readiness Workshop for Water Utilities Begins Today |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a free workshop
regarding
Climate Readiness for Water Utilities for Region 6 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
today (February 1) and continuing
tomorrow (February 2) at the City of Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston.
The workshop is meant for utility operators, government officials, watershed planners, and water sector associates. More information, including a
registration form, is available
online.
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| Annual Vegetable Conference Set for February 4 |
 The 31st Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 4, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Buildings B&C, 4310 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg. Registration at the door opens at 7:30 a.m. Fort Bend County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service teamed up with the Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Galveston, Harris, Waller, and Wharton county offices to present this celebration of vegetable production along the upper Gulf Coast region. The event focuses on teaching sustainable practices to help producers maximize efficiencies and profitability. Afternoon breakout sessions include:
- Vegetable Disease Management
- Strawberry Project Update
- No Till and Low Till Practices
- Breeding Updates
- Irrigation for Small Acreage
- Laws and Regulations Update
- Integrated Feral Swine Management
Licensed Pesticide Applicators can earn five continuing education credits.
Lunch is included with the $25 fee. Register online, at the door, or by phone at 979-845-2604.
For more information, contact Brandy Rader at 281-342-3034. |
| Early Registration for Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference Ends February 15 |
|  The Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference will be March 9-11 at the Houston Marriott Medical Center, 6580 Fannin Street.
The theme of this conference is Future Trails: Planning Spaces, Connecting Places. This three-day statewide conference features international, national, and state experts, networking, and off-site mobile workshops and exhibits.
Early registration continues through Monday, February 15. |
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TCEQ to Host Asset Management Workshops on New Guide
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|  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is hosting free asset management workshops based on their new guide, Managing Small Domestic Wastewater Systems (RG-530).
Presenters will demonstrate how to develop an asset inventory, how to prioritize needed repairs or replacement of assets, how to prepare a budget to determine how much money is needed to support the utility, and how to ensure the system is sustainable for the long term. Operators will earn 3.5 continuing education credits for attending a workshop. Two workshops will be offered in the region:
- 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, February 23, at Robinson Road Community Center, 27434 Robinson Road, Conroe
- 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond
For more information and to register, visit TCEQ's website or call 800-447-2827. |
| KTB Accepting Proposals for Presentation Speakers at Annual Conference in Sugar Land |
 Keep Texas Beautiful is looking for a few good speakers for its annual conference June 20-22 in Sugar Land.
The three-day, multi-track format offers attendees education sessions and interactive forums. Presentations are designed for all levels of experience and cover a variety of topics. Members of the Keep Texas Beautiful Conference Committee evaluate all proposed presentations based on the following criteria: educational in nature, relevant to the KTB mission, overall quality, and speaker qualifications. All proposals are due Monday, February 29. Final selections will be made in March. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Christine Chute Canul. |
| Workshop to Focus on Energy, Water Efficiency |
 H-GAC and the Houston Area Research Center are hosting the Best Practices in Energy and Water Efficiency for Texas Cities workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at H-GAC Conference Room B, Second Floor. This workshop, open to all local governments in the Houston-Galveston region, will present the findings from two years of research and engagement with Texas cities working to identify best practices in energy and water efficiency.
Workshop participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts who have successfully implemented projects across the state.
Workshop registration is available online. For more information contact Gavin Dillingham at 281-364-6045. |
| Save the Date for the Greater Houston Environmental Summit |
 Mark your calendar for the Citizen's Environmental Coalition (CEC) annual Greater Houston Environmental Summit on Thursday, March 24. For more information, including sponsoring the event or serving on the planning committee, contact Rachel Powers. |
| Scenic City Certification Program Continues to Accept Certification Applications |
 The Scenic City Certification Program, a project of Scenic Texas in cooperation with H-GAC, Texas Municipal League, and several additional partners, will accept applications from January 1 through March 31.
The program supplies cities an objective review of existing infrastructure ordinances for public roadways and public spaces, evaluated using the Scenic City model. Assessments are points-based with every applicant receiving a detailed, scored evaluation. The Scenic City information packet with updated 2016 model standards is now available for download. A new step has been added to the Scenic City application process. All new applicant cities and re-certifying Scenic Cities will participate in a short phone orientation with staff prior to beginning the application. Email [email protected] to schedule a phone orientation. Please include two or three available dates and times.
Cities earning the highest points are certified for five years. Currently there are 58 certified Scenic Cities in Texas, including 11 in the H-GAC region: Friendswood, Houston, Magnolia, Missouri City, Nassau Bay, Pearland, Seabrook, Sealy, Sugar Land, Webster, and West University Place.
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| Mark Your Calendars for Annual Harris County Onsite Wastewater Seminar |
|  Plans are underway for the sixth annual Harris County Onsite Wastewater Seminar scheduled for Tuesday, May 3. Registration will open in April.
Forward your suggestions for topics to Danielle Cioce.
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| Deadlines Approach for Annual KTB Awards |
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB)
Governor's Community Achievement Award (GCAA) program applications are due
Tuesday, February 9. These awards recognize Texas communities with the best grassroots environmental programs. The 10 winning communities will share $2 million in landscaping awards.
The
Keep Texas Beautiful Awards
celebrate the efforts of individuals, groups, and government agencies who work to enhance their communities. The deadline to apply is
Tuesday, February 16.
The
Youth and Educator Awards
honor extraordinary students, educators, and volunteers working to improve and beautify their communities. The deadline to apply is
Tuesday, May 3.
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| Annual Workshop to Highlight Tax Law Changes for Forest Landowners |
|  The 2016 Texas Timber Tax Workshop will be from 8 a.m, to 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll. Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch, and refreshments.
This annual workshop hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association gives hundreds of foresters, landowners and other professionals training and education needed for applying new tax rules, which could prove an advantage in forest management planning.
The workshop is designed for anyone who deals with timber taxes. Participation in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630. |
| KTB Announces Registration for Great American Cleanup |
|  Plans are underway across the country for the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement program, from March 1 to May 31.
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is asking everyone planning to host a cleanup event during this time to register to gain access to valuable resources and materials for planning, promoting, and hosting the event, such as trash bags, banners, gloves, and giveaways. Also, be sure to add your event to the KTB calendar. |
| TCEQ's Take Care of Texas Seeks Entries in Elementary School Art Contest |
|  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ) and Samsung Austin Semiconductor invite K-5th grade students in Texas to submit their artwork showing how they help keep the air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. Fifteen students will win a Samsung tablet, and one grand prize winner will receive a laptop. The winning pieces will be showcased on the Take Care of Texas and TCEQ websites, newsletters, social media, and at the 2016 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference. The teacher of the student who designs the overall best artwork will also be awarded a Samsung tablet.
All entries must be postmarked on or before Wednesday, March 2.
Visit Take Care of Texas to download an entry form in English or Spanish and view the official rules. |
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Adopt-a-Beach Announces Children's Art Competition
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|  The 2016 Adopt-a-Beach Children's Art Contest is now open for K-6th grade students to illustrate how trash on beaches affects marine life and the Texas coast.
Forty students will win prizes from United Airlines, Royal Caribbean, Schlitterbahn, the Texas State Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo. Winning artwork will also be featured in the 2017 Adopt-a-Beach calendar.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday, March 2. Rules and requirements are available online. |
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Registration Now Open for Texas Big Six - Make No Small Plans Workshop
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|  Early bird registration continues through Friday, February 5, for the Texas Big Six-Make No Small Plans workshop. Hosted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and the Houston and Central sections of the American Planning Association (APA), the conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the Texas State Capitol, Capitol Auditorium, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin.
Planning directors from the six largest cities in Texas (Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio) will discuss the game changers in their cities and regions that will improve or enhance that area's transportation, housing, economic development, environment, public health, and culture. The event's keynote speaker is Steve Cover, the Director of the Department of Community Planning, Housing, and Development in Arlington County, Virginia.
Early registration is $25 for students and $55 for APA members.
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Prescription Drug Take-Back Set for April 30, Law Enforcement Encourage to Participate
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|  The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is sponsoring a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30.
Only law enforcement agencies may host a collection site as they must be present to receive the pharmaceuticals brought by the public. Law enforcement agencies interested in hosting an event can find more information online. |
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Abstracts Being Accepted for National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop
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|  Abstracts are now being accepted for the 22nd National Nonpoint Source (NPS) Monitoring Workshop August 23-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The workshop is a forum for sharing information and improving communication on controlling and tracking NPS pollution at its source and in receiving waterbodies.
Organizers are seeking enthusiastic presenters interested in sharing their experiences and lessons learned.
Technical workshops and interactive learning sessions will be offered to build knowledge and skills, transfer technology, and promote innovative monitoring and evaluation techniques. Field tours will be offered in both agricultural and urban settings.
Submittal deadline is Friday, March 4.
Successful applicants are required to provide completed presentations by Friday, July 15. In most cases, oral presentations will be limited to 20 minutes. All speakers must register in advance for the conference. For information contact Liz Hiett at 703-385-1684. |
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Three-day Conference Offers CPTED Certification Opportunity
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|  The Hildalgo County Coalition's Working on Wellness (WOW) Hidalgo grant program is hosting a free three-day conference, Community Engagement for Safer Parks and Recreation, February 3-5 at the Lark Community Center, McAllen.
Attendees participating in all three days of the conference can earn Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) certification.
Training topics include:
- Introduction to CPTED
- CPTED Definition and Strategies
- Design Out Crime Prevention
- Lighting for Safety and Security
- Designs for Walkable Neighborhoods
- Park Site Plan Review
- Traffic Calming and CPTED
More information, including registration, is available online.
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Save the Date for Texas Land Trust Council's Annual Conservation Conference
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|  The Texas Land Trust Council 2016 Texas Land Conservation Conference coming will be March 2-4 in Austin, with workshops, sessions and speakers planned.
Topics include water rights and policy, advocacy, conservation easements, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. More information about the conference, including online registration and a conference schedule, is available online. |
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2016 Safe Routes to School National Conference Set for April 5-7
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|  Registration is now open for the fifth Safe Routes to School National Conference April 5-7 in Columbus, Ohio.
The conference will bring together national bicycle and pedestrian safety experts, advocates, and health professionals involved with Safe Routes to School to network, engage in educational opportunities, and form partnerships to enhance their Safe Routes to School work.
Safe Routes to School is a national and international movement to create safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for children to safely bicycle and walk to and from school.
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Communities Nationwide to Celebrate Bike to School Day on May 4
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|  Children, parents, school officials, and community members across the country plan to celebrate the fifth annual National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 4.
Each year event registration sets new records, making 2016 the biggest anticipated celebration yet. Bike to School Day provides communities across the country with an opportunity to promote safe and healthy travel to and from school. Registration is free and provides organizers access to planning materials, including stickers, certificates, badges, and classroom activities. |
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News from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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|  EPA Survey Shows $271 Billion Needed for Wastewater Infrastructure
EPA has released a survey showing $271 billion is needed to maintain and improve the nation's wastewater infrastructure, including the pipes that carry wastewater to treatment plants, the technology that treats the water, and methods for managing stormwater runoff. The Clean Watershed Needs Survey is a collaboration between EPA, states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. To be included in the survey, projects must include a description and location of a water quality-related public health problem, a site-specific solution, and detailed information on project cost. |
 Funding Opportunities
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TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) Texas Emissions Reduction Plan program is accepting applications for
Emissions Reduction Incentives Grants designed to reduce air pollution. Owners of eligible vehicles and equipment in counties in the nonattainment or near-nonattainment areas for national ambient air quality standards are eligible for funding. The deadline to apply is
Tuesday, February 2.
NFWF Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking applications for the
2016 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program. This program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality and watersheds and the species and habitats they support. The deadline to apply is
Wednesday, February 3.
TWDB State Water Implementation Fund for Texas
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) is seeking applications for the second round of financial assistance. Eligible projects must be included in the adopted 2016 Regional Water Plans and the subsequent 2017 State Water Plan. Abridged applications are due by
Friday, February 5.
HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants Program
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Choice Neighborhood Planning Grants funding can leverage investments in public schools and education programs, early learning programs and services, crime prevention strategies, public assets, public transportation, and improved access to jobs. Eligible projects should incorporate sustainable development into their proposals, such as energy efficiency, green building, renewable energy, and public transportation. Applications are due
Tuesday, February 9.
EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applicants for a total of $1.2 million in
Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving grants. Cooperative agreements may be awarded to local community-based organizations seeking to address environmental and/or public health concerns in their communities through collaboration with other stakeholders, such as state and local governments, industry, academia, or non-governmental organizations. The deadline to apply is
Friday, February 12.
TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is accepting applications for
Fiscal Year 2016 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants. TWDB has up to $600,000 in grant funding available, with applications limited to a maximum of $150,000 per project. Eligible grant categories this year include Technical Assistance, Outreach, Education, and Demonstrations; Agricultural Water Use Monitoring Equipment; Feasibility Study for Development of a Statewide Evapotranspiration Network; and Study of Irrigation Efficiency in Texas. Applications are due
Wednesday, February 17.
TCEQ RESTORE Funding
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is accepting applications for more than $56 million in
RESTORE grant funding available for environmental, ecological ,or economic projects. Eligible projects in the Gulf Coast region include those that restore and protect natural habitats, mitigate damage to fish and wildlife, improve state parks in coastal areas, protect against coastal floods, promote tourism and/or consumption of Gulf Coast seafood, and develop the workforce and create jobs in the coastal region. Applications are due on
Friday, April 15.
TDA Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) 2016 Disaster Relief Fund
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
TxCDBG Disaster Relief Fund applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. These applications must be complete and request assistance for disaster events that were declared within 12 months of the application's submission.
TDA 2016 Small Towns Environmental Program (STEP) Fund
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will accept
STEP Fund letters of interest and applications
throughout the year until all available funds are obligated. Dates for the final round of assessment, application, and funding for letters of interest received under the 2015 Action Plan can be found on the TDA website.
EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting grant applications to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under
EDA's Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) programs. Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. There are no submission deadlines under this opportunity. Proposals and applications will be accepted
on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new funding opportunity notice.
Advocacy Advance Rapid Response Grants
Advocacy Advance Rapid Response Grants help state and local organizations take advantage of unexpected opportunities to win, increase, or preserve funding for biking and walking. Detailed guidelines, criteria, and application requirements are available
online.
Rapid Response Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
All content, including links to other 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 |
| Grant Programs H-GAC's Community Enhancement Grants are designed to help municipalities, counties, and non-profit organizations enhance public spaces, such as gateways, parks, waterfronts, and business districts. Loan Programs H-GAC's Community and Environmental Planning Department currently manages three loan programs------the Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program, the Business Loan Fund, and the Government Loan Fund.  The SBA 504 Loan Program provides long-term business expansion financing for real estate, construction and equipment purchases.
The Business Loan Fund assists small businesses in the Houston-Galveston region.
The Government Loan Fund assists local governments and school districts in the Houston-Galveston region.
Anyone interested in applying for a loan or getting more information should contact [email protected]. Mapping Applications and GIS Data  If you are looking for maps, mapping applications, or GIS data related to the H-GAC Community and Environmental Planning Department, visit www.h-gac.com/go/cegis to see the latest information, including Census, Regional Forecast, and more. Map Book provides maps in several formats for printing. Mobile applications are available.
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, Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG), and Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership.
Twitter  Find the latest information about activities around the region at H-GAC's Twitter Feed @hgaccog. H-GAC's water resources department program also offers Twitter updates on water quality issues in the region, including fish consumption advisories, @HGACwater.
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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, H-GAC will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities attending H-GAC functions. Requests should be received 24 hours prior to the function. Call the meeting organizer to make arrangements. 
H-GAC's Community and Environmental Planning Department encourages meeting attendees to bring their own mug or cup to all meetings.
H-GAC's 
Montgomery County Growth: Development Set to Stabilize in County in 2016