Pioneer Valley Progress Report: June 2023

JUNE 2023

Welcome back to the Pioneer Valley Progress Report.

In case you missed it, we are excited to share the video and slides from our most recent regional workshop series featuring the MA Department of Environmental Protection and US Environmental Protection Agency.

We have some good updates to share on our work in Ludlow and Chesterfield, our regional effort to help keep our waterways clean, and an opportunity to connect with Attorney General Andrea Campbell and her Springfield team this summer.

Most importantly, I want to dedicate this month's Pioneer Valley Progress Report to the memory of two incredibly impactful Valley leaders who we have recently lost. While their backgrounds and paths in public service careers may have differed, there is no doubt we are living in a far better region because of Dora Robinson and Speaker David Bartley.

We will continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and their legacies as inspiration as we relentlessly pursue a higher quality of life for each and every one of us in Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Below, please find just a sampling of the work we are proudly contributing to as your state-designated regional planning agency!

-Kimberly H. Robinson, Executive Director

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for last month’s grant workshop with the MA Department of Environmental Protection and US Environmental Protection Agency.

If you missed this session or would like to re-watch, the full recording is linked below.

WATCH HERE: DEP and EPA Grants Information Session

The following topics were covered during the DEP/EPA workshop:

State Revolving Fund for water infrastructure
Solid Waste and Recycling (Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, RecyclingWorks assistance, Green Teams for school engagement)
Electric Vehicle infrastructure
Brownfields (BIL funding, roundtable meetings in the fall, common funding sources, technical assistance)

Additionally, MassDEP's slides are available on our website here.

Please feel free to share these resources and information with your colleagues. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

PS - Below, please find even more recorded grant workshop session videos for you to watch at your convenience.

Talking Trash in Ludlow

PVPC Director of Economic and Municipal Collaboration Eric Weiss appeared before the Ludlow Board of Selectmen to discuss possible town trash collection options as the town seeks public input to find solutions to rising costs.

Eyes Peeled in Chesterfield

PVPC Senior Land Use and Environment Planner Mimi Kaplan led a public meeting in partnership with Chesterfield town officials, residents, and stakeholders to identify potential hazards to the community's people and property as part of its Hazard Mitigation Plan update.

Some Thoughts for Owners of Large Parking Lots

PVPC's Connecticut River Stormwater Committee Chair, Westfield Stormwater Coordinator Joe Kietner, and Vice Chair, Southwick Public Works Director Randy Brown, recently had an opinion piece published in BusinessWest helping owners of large parking lots in our Valley better understand the options available to them to help beautify and protect their properties, while keeping our local waterways clean.

Attorney General's Office - Springfield Office

Open House

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Valley residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to join Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and members of the AGO Springfield staff for a community Open House at their office (1441 Main Street, 1st Floor) on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.

This will be an opportunity for community partners to connect with staff from various divisions within the AGO, to learn more about their work and roles in the office.