Keeping you up to date on the community planning, economic development,
and environmental planning programs at H-GAC.
Your Monthly News & Updates
Upcoming Events
H-GAC Seeks Feedback on Hurricane Harvey Funding Draft Method of Distribution

H-GAC is seeking input on the draft method of distribution of $241 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery funding to counties and local jurisdictions for buyout/acquisition and infrastructure projects associated with Hurricane Harvey. The allocation includes $111 million of recovery funds for a local buyout/acquisition program and $130 million for local infrastructure projects in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, Walker, and Wharton counties. 

Written and oral comments will be taken at four public planning meetings and two public hearings. Times, dates and places are posted online.

The Draft Method of Distribution will be posted on Thursday, June 21, at www.h-gac.com/harvey/cdbg-disaster-funds . H-GAC will accept written comments through 4 p.m. Friday, July 6. Comments can be made online, mailed to H-GAC (Attention Jeff Taebel), or hand-delivered. More information about the comment period and methods for delivering comments will be published online.

Clean Waters Initiative Logo
CWI Workshop - June 20

The next Clean Waters Initiative  (CWI) workshop will be from 2 to 4 p.m. June 20, at H-GAC Conference Room B and C, Second Floor. 

The topic for this workshop is Water Quality and Public Health. It will include presentations on various diseases that may be caused through contact with contaminated water, and high-resolution mapping to identify standing water from failing septic systems as a potential source of mosquito breeding areas. 

The CWI program offers workshops helping local governments, landowners, and residents develop effective strategies to reduce water pollution.  

Registration is requested. For more information, contact Kathy Janhsen at 713-993-2423.

Parks and Natural Areas logo
Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable Field Trip - July 9

The next  Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable will be  from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, at H-GAC Conference Room A, Second Floor.
 
Speakers will include Marlon Conley with the Trust for Public Land, and Tim May, with Halff Associates, Inc. The group will discuss changes to the annual PNA awards timeline and recognition event. A roundtable discussion will follow the presentations.
 
The Parks and Natural Areas Roundtable serves as a forum for discussion of parks and natural areas in the H-GAC region and is open to anyone who would like to participate. 

Registration is requested. For more information, contact Andrea Tantillo at 832-681-2507.

Bringing Back Main Street Logo
Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable - July 24

H-GAC's next Bringing Back Main Street Roundtable will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 24, West Columbia Civic Center, 512 East Brazos, West Columbia.

Jaimie Masterson, Associate Director of  Texas Target Communities,  will discuss planning and technical assistance services available to small and rural communities.

Registration is requested. For more information, contact Clint McManus at 832-681-2513.

blueprint background housing for the future logo
Housing for the Future: A Regional Conversation - August 17

Join H-GAC for  Housing for the Future: a Regional Conversation   from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 17, at H-GAC Conference Rooms B&C, Second Floor. 

This summit will bring together housing experts and local officials from across the region to discuss a broad vision for the region's housing and the specific strategies that can be used to increase housing availability, quality, and affordability across rural, suburban, and urban communities. 

Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m.  Registration is requested. For more information, contact Amy Combs  at 713-993-4544 or Clint McManus at  832-681-2513

Announcements
screen shot from flood map of h-gac region
H-GAC Updates Regional Flood Information Application with FEMA Blockgroup-level Data

H-GAC has updated the Regional Flood Information Application with new FEMA Block-Group Level data on Housing Individual Assistance related to Hurricane Harvey.

To access this layer
  1. Go the Regional Flood Information Application,
  2. Click on the clipboard icon at the bottom of the application,
  3. Select the layer "FEMA Blockgroup-level Individual Assistance Housing,"and 
  4. Click on any block group on the map for additional information
user guide  is available with instructions on accessing the features of the application.

For more information, e-mail cegis@h-gac.com.

west fork watersheds partnership logo
H-GAC Seeks Comments on West Fork Watershed Protection Plan

H-GAC released the draft Watershed Protection Plan for the West Fork San Jacinto River and Lake Creek watersheds. The draft is available at www.westforkwpp.com under the project documents tab.

This planning document, based on scientific analysis and local knowledge, identifies water quality priorities and provides a list of voluntary solutions to improve water quality in the area.

H-GAC will accept comments through Friday, June 15. For more information or to provide comments, contact  Justin Bower at 713-499-6653.

Regional Data Lab logo
H-GAC Launches Regional Data Lab Facebook Page

The H-GAC socio-economic modeling program recently launched a new Facebook page: H-GAC Regional Data Lab to update the community about new and updated data-based applications, news, and events.

The H-GAC program  produces a variety of data-driven products and applications, such as
  • the Regional Growth Forecast, an essential tool used by local governments in long-range planning, and 
  • Interactive Web Applications, easy to use tools focusing on community planning, demographics, economics, environmental planning, land use, and water quality.

Partner Announcements
Resource Recycling Conference Grant Available
Resource Recycling Conference logo
The Steve Thompson Memorial Grant provides free travel, accommodations and registration for the 2018 Resource Recycling Conference to more than 40 winners. The grant includes conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $500. The 2018 Resource Recycling Conference will be October 22 to 24 in St. Louis, Missouri. Apply online by Monday, June 4. For more information, contact Tricia Tiedt.

Strengthening Coastal Counties Resilience Challenge
national association of counties logo
The National Association of Counties, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and the Coastal States Organization launched the Strengthening Coastal Counties Resilience Challenge. Coastal counties from the Gulf of Mexico region with populations of less than 250,000 are invited to form teams to apply to receive technical assistance to help them identify ways to strengthen existing and implement new local plans and policies to increase resilience to extreme weather and climate-related hazards. Applications are due Friday, June 15. Learn more and apply online.

2018 EPA Region 6 Outstanding GI/LID Project Competition
EPA Logo
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 is seeking abstracts for outstanding Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development projects to be highlighted at the EPA Region 6 Stormwater Conference August 19-23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Students and professionals are invited to submit abstracts by Monday, July 9. The call for project abstracts and competition rules are available online. For more information, contact Nichole Young at (214) 665-6447 or Suzanna Perea at (214) 665-7217.

NADO Innovation Awards
NADO Innovation Award Logo
Each year, the National Association of Development Organizations recognizes member organizations that demonstrate innovative approaches to regional economic and community development through the Innovation Awards program. Previous award-winning projects have showcased innovative efforts in a variety of program areas including business and economic development, community health initiatives, emergency planning, brownfields, sustainability, technology, transportation, and workforce development. Applications are due Friday, July 20. For more information, contact Brett Schwartz or Laurie Thompson.

Texas Main Street Designation Application
Texas Historical Commission Logo
The Texas Historical Commission is accepting applications from cities interested in becoming designated  Main Street Communities . Each year, the Texas Historical Commission may select up to five cities for official Main Street Designation. Communities selected this year will enter the program in January 2019. Main Street is an economic development program focusing on small business development, using reuse of historic properties and historic preservation as primary tools. Full applications are due Tuesday, July 31. Main Street communities in the region are Bay City, Huntsville, Rosenberg, and Sealy.

STAR Summit Exhibitor, Sponsor Packets Available
STAR Logo
State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) 2018 Summit exhibitor and sponsor packets are available for the annual conference set for October 28-31 in Galveston. Approximately 200 to 300 professionals representing private sector companies, government, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and trade associations attend the summit each year. The summit features educational sessions, equipment demonstrations, round table discussions, and training opportunities. Early exhibitor prices are good through Friday, June 15, and include discounted conference registrations. Various levels of sponsorships are available, and the deadline to guarantee sponsorship benefits is Wednesday, August 1.

Texas Sea Grant Community Resilience Collaborative
Community Resilience Collaborate logo
Texas Sea Grant is increasing its efforts to help communities increase their resilience by launching the Community Resilience Collaborative (CRC). This research- and extension- based program provides planning assistance to communities that suffered impacts from Hurricane Harvey. One of the resources available through CRC is the Texas Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Natural Hazards, including  general information about tropical storms and ways to build or retrofit a home to make it more resistant to wind and rain.

Trust for Public Land ParkServe
The trust for public land logo
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) launched ParkServe, a comprehensive GIS database for park access, available free online. The tool, part of TPL's national campaign to ensure every person in America has access to a quality park, analyzes current access to parks in cities towns and communities nationwide.
More Upcoming Events
USDOT BUILD Grant Webinars
USDOT Logo
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program , formerly known as TIGER, is now open. To provide technical assistance to a broad array of stakeholders, USDOT will host a series of webinars during the grant application process. A webinar on how to compete for BUILD Transportation grants for all applicants will be held on Thursday, June 5 ; a webinar for rural and tribal applicants will be held on Wednesday, June 6 ; and a webinar on how to prepare a benefit cost analysis for a BUILD application will be held on Wednesday, June 13 . All webinars will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be recorded and posted on the website for later viewing. The BUILD application deadline is Thursday, July 19.

Keep Texas Beautiful logo
Keep Texas Beautiful Conference
The  51st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference will be  June 11-13 in Georgetown. This three-day, multi-track format offers attendees a variety of education sessions and interactive forums. Presentations are designed for all levels of experience, and KTB looks for a wide variety of topics.

build healthy places network logo
The Build Healthy Places Network is hosting a free webinar at noon on Tuesday, June 12.  How to Get into the Partnership Game: A Healthcare Playbook for Community Developers lets participants learn how three cross-sector leaders are building effective partnerships across the community development and healthcare sectors. Registration is required.

TDA TxCDBG Workshop
Texas Department of Agriculture Seal
Texas Department of Agriculture will host a TxCDBG 2018 Implementation Manual workshop in Huntsville at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the Walker County Storm Shelter, 455 Highway 75, Huntsville. Participants will receive their 2018 TxCDBG Administrator certification. Registration is required. 
Funding Sources
APA Foundation logo
APA Foundation Harvey Recovery Grants for Planners

The American Planning Association Foundation issued a Disaster Recovery Request for Proposals to help economically challenged and disaster-devastated communities affected by hazards such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.  Planners in communities affected by 2017 disasters are invited to apply for grants to assist them in efforts to help their communities recover.

More information, including details about eligibility, qualified activities, and other requirements is available online. Applications will be accepted through Monday, June 18, by email to Foundation@planning.org.
 

Texas Water Development Board logo
Texas Water Development Board Flood Protection Grants

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has posted a request for applications (RFA) for $1.8 million in grants for flood protection planning, flood early warning systems, and flood response strategies.
 
Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. The TWDB anticipates announcing the recipients of the grant funding in September 2018.
 
All political subdivisions in Texas with the authority to plan for and implement projects related to flood protection are eligible to apply. The TWDB will review applications and award the grants based on criteria outlined in the RFA.
 
The full RFA is available on the TWDB's website .
 
For additional information, please contact Ivan Ortiz at 512-463-8184 or Ivan.Ortiz@twdb.texas.gov

H-GAC Septic System Repair/ Replacement Funding Program

H-GAC has funding available for the repair or replacement of failing traditional or aerobic on-site sewage facilities (septic systems) in the H-GAC service region. 

Funds are available to homeowners who meet certain income restrictions. No cost sharing is required. For more information, contact Will Merrell at 713-993-4594.

US Economic Development Administration logo
EDA Harvey Recovery Grants

The U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Austin regional office received $129,119,000 in supplemental funding for disaster relief and is actively seeking projects to help communities in the Houston-Galveston region recover from Hurricane Harvey. 

The recently released Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the requirements, which include the following:
  • Projects require a 20 percent match, which can include in-kind
  • Typical projects will range from $1-$2.5 million
  • First round of 14-15 applications anticipated to be funded by September 2018, with 1 or 2 subsequent rounds of funding
  • Must demonstrate a nexus to Harvey, in terms of economic recovery or resilience
  • Eligible applicants include governments, nonprofits, and universities
For more information, contact Robert Peche of the EDA.

Tree with $ Money
H-GAC has compiled a list of local, regional, state, federal, and private funding sources for local governments and other organizations. H-GAC also maintains a list of ongoing funding opportunities for parks improvements.

If you know of a funding opportunity, forward it to Andrea Tantillo .

All content, including links to websites, is for informational purposes only. Users of this content are responsible for checking its accuracy, currency, and suitability.
Community and Environmental Planning Programs
GIS Globes
Mapping Applications
Looking for interactive applications or GIS data related to the H-GAC Community and Environmental Planning Department? Visit H-GAC's interactive applications web page to see the latest information, including Census, Regional Forecast, and more.
 
Facebook
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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 LabBacteria Implementation Group (BIG), West Fork Watersheds Partnership, and  Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership.

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Twitter
Find the latest information about activities around the region at H-GAC's Twitter feed  @hgaccog. H-GAC's water resources program also offers Twitter updates on water quality issues in the region  @HGACwater.
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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