Business Survey Launched: WestCOG has launched a Business Survey to streamline input from the business community for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The survey results will provide a clearer understanding of the major strengths and weaknesses of the Western Connecticut Region as a place to start and operate a business. Follow this link to access English and Spanish versions of the survey. The survey will be open until December 31, 2016.

Application for CIRCA Grant: WestCOG submitted  an spplication for CIRCA’s Municipal Resilience Grants Program. The grant, if awarded, would fund concept designs for equipment and processes used to restore coastal wetland. Coastal wetlands are an important barrier against storm surge for coastal communities.

GIS Training in Sherman: On October 17, WestCOG provided GIS data and training to the town of Sherman for use in wetlands enforcement. The data included federal and state wetland data, as well as 1-foot contour data. Municipalities interested in gaining access to the data or similar training, contact Mike Towle, Associate Planner at mtowle@westcog.org

Emergency Management Training: WestCOG staff joined CEOs and municipal staff at the “TEEX Emergency Management Training for Municipal Officials” on November 3. CEOs from WestCOG and NHCOG discussed challenges and best practices in response to an emergency situation in the context from the CEO perspective, which provided useful context for COG staff for future Emergency Management Planning.

Economic Advisory Group: The EAG met on November 3 to discuss the next steps in the CEDS process. Minutes can be found on the group's webpage.

WestCOG Presents at Stormwater Conference: On October 19, WestCOG presented MS4 mapping challenges at the at the COST Stormwater Conference.  WestCOG is working with DEEP and UConn CLEAR to develop the methods necessary to properly map MS4 infrastructure within our region.

Agenda for the Upcoming MPO Meetings: SWRMPO Available here. HVMPO Available here.

DECD is accepting applications for its latest round of grants under the CT Brownfield Remediation Program. Awards may be used for a range of brownfield assessment, remediation and redevelopment activities. Eligible applicants for grant funding include municipalities and economic development agencies. Applications are due November 16, 2016

DEEP is accepting proposals for Connecticut's Recreational Trails Program Grants. Pending availability of funds during 2017-2018, grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Applications will be accepted through December 15, 2016. 

EPA has announced a new request for proposals for its Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Grant.These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). The proposal submission deadline is December 20, 2016.

DEEP is accepting applications through February 2, 2017 under its Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program, which includes its Urban Green and Community Gardens Program. This grant program provides financial assistance to municipalities and non-profit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space that will enhance local outdoor recreation, protect unique geographical features, or conserve wildlife habitat, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply. property.