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News & Events 21 July 2008
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H I G H L I G H T S
Summit on Financing Waterfront Remediation and Restoration The Northeast-Midwest Institute, the Northeast-Midwest Congressional and Senate Coalitions, and the Great Lakes Congressional Task Force are hosting a Waterfront Remediation and Restoration Financing Summit on Wednesday, July 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM in Room S-115 of the Capitol Building. The summit will focus on creative financing mechanisms used to pay for costly sediment dredging, shoreline restoration, and ecosystem rehabilitation of the Great Lakes and other major waterfronts throughout North America. The summit will also investigate financing tools necessary to address ongoing pollution and sediment buildup related to aging water infrastructure in these communities. You must RSVP to attend this event. Lunch will be provided. Contact Greg Lewis at the Northeast-Midwest Institute or Joy Mulinex at the Great Lakes Congressional Task Force. Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change Briefing The Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition and the Northeast-Midwest Institute hosted a July 17 Congressional briefing on Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change. Co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Smart Growth America, and Reconnecting America, the briefing highlighted transit-oriented development, brownfields redevelopment, and historic preservation projects to illustrate the dual benefit of energy-efficient buildings in energy-efficient locations. This concept is described in the joint white paper Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change. Chris Leinberger of the Brookings Institution and Arcadia Land Development used examples of Arcadia’s development projects in Philadelphia, Albuquerque, and San Mateo to illustrate the benefits of transit-oriented development and walkable communities. Brian Leary of Atlantic Station, LLC outlined the impressive results from the massive $2 billion Atlantic Station brownfields redevelopment project. Residents now average eight vehicle miles traveled per day compared to a regional average of 30. The project exemplifies the dual energy benefit concept with 8 million square feet submitted for LEED certification. Ralph DiNola of Green Building Services, Inc. presented the Portland Armory Project, a LEED platinum historic preservation and brownfields redevelopment, resulting in a renovated theatre. The project is directly served by Portland’s streetcars and, with a “Walk Score” of 100, the Armory expands Portland’s reputation as a livable, walkable city. Geoff Anderson of Smart Growth America discussed the demographic and economic shifts that create a major opportunity to transform urban growth toward a more sustainable model. He also called attention to the following federal legislation that would contribute to the needed changes: Brownfields Reauthorization, Energy Efficient Mortgages, and improving the Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Contact Mary Cronin at the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition (202/226-6795) or Evans Paull at the Northeast-Midwest Institute (202/464-4004). Letters Support Inclusion of LIHEAP in Future Economic Stimulus Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition co-chairs Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) recently sent a letter to the Senate Majority Leader, Republican Leader, and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting that any future economic stimulus package — or any other appropriate legislative vehicle — include at least $2.5 billion in fiscal 2008 funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition is circulating a similar letter to House leadership requesting $3.12 billion for fiscal 2008. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WV) announced that the committee will markup the second economic stimulus bill on July 22. Contact Chris Hickling at the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition (202/224-0606). New Partners for Smart Growth Conference The Northeast-Midwest Institute is a co-sponsor of the 8th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference to be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 22-24, 2009. The conference is considered to be the premiere national smart growth conference. The three-day schedule includes over 100 sessions including implementation workshops, specialized training, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, coordinated networking activities, and local hands-on tours. Contact Noelle Nichols at the Local Government Commission (916/448-1198 ext. 327). The
Northeast-Midwest Calendar lists upcoming briefings and events.
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