News and Events
APA Web Conference - Informed Decisions: A Guide to Gathering Facts and Evidence
In a continuing effort to promote planning education, the new season of APA Audio/Web Conferences* are offered by APA-MA. In an effort to try to expand outreach of these sessions to all APA-MA members, the Chapter is experimenting with holding certain Audio/Web Conferences in various locations throughout Massachusetts. You are invited to attend the following FREE APA Audio/Web Conference:
Informed Decisions: A Guide to Gathering Facts and Evidence
(worth 1.0 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for AICP)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT
At the OCPC Offices (directions)
(Refreshments will be served and Parking will be validated)
Session Description: Good decisions are based on strong supporting facts and evidence. Learn to gather the facts efficiently on site visits, from staff reports, and through testimony. Find out when site visits are legal and advisable as well as how to effectively organize and document them. Knowledgeable presenters discuss what should be included in staff reports. Learn techniques to maximize the efficiency of hearings and recording public testimony. Staff must prepare legally sound reports and you'll learn how.
Please RSVP to Pat Ciaramella at 508-583-1833, Ext. 202 or pciaramella@ocpcrpa.org by Tuesday, February 14th, at 3:00 P.M. so that refreshments may be planned accordingly.
For a complete list of all Audio/Web Conferences that will be hosted during the 2011-2012 season, or other opportunities to further your planning education, see the Chapter's updated "APA-MA's AICP CM Opportunities" webpage. Also, free to pass this information along to others who may be interested and we look forward to seeing you on February 18th!
*Note: This session is not like a typical "webinar." It cannot be viewed over a personal computer off-site and must be attended in person. While this session is presented over the Internet, it requires purchase directly from APA and use of a specific pass code given upon purchase. MassAPA has purchased these sessions for the year in advance and is broadcasting them at CMRPC for free to assist planners and other interested persons enhance their planning education.
For more information, visit the website of the American Planning Association.Join the Discussion: MBTA Fare and Service Changes
Due to a projected budget shortfall, the T will have to make decisions in the next few months that will significantly impact fares and service. Public comments are being accepted at MBTA.com, as well as more information on how you may be affected by the changes.
OCPC Awarded Grant to Study Regional 911 Dispatch Service in Seven Local Communities
On September 26, 2011 the Massachusetts State Department of 911 awarded the Old Colony Planning Council a Fiscal 2012 State 911 Department Regional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and Regional Secondary Public Safety Answering Point and Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC) Development Grant in the amount of $175,000 on the behalf of the communities of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Duxbury, Halifax, Kingston, Plympton and Whitman for the purpose of studying the feasibility of regionalizing 911 dispatch services within each of these communities.
FFY 2012 UPWP, RTP and TIP Endorsed
The Federal Fiscal Year 2012 Unified Planning Work Program, Regional Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program have been endorsed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization and are now available at our reports page.
State Transportation Improvement Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2012-2015
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce the availability of the project listings for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Federal Fiscal Years 2012 to 2015. These listings are a compilation of roadway, bridge, intermodal and transit projects as developed by the Commonwealth's ten Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and the three non-MPOs. The STIP also includes all narratives, certifications, and source documents as required. These projects are available for review at this link. Comments and questions can be directed to Karen Pearson or by phone at (617) 973-7335.
Recreational Trails Grants Program
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications for the Recreational Trails Grants Program. More information available on our Grants page.
MassWorks Infrastructure Grants Application Available
The MassWorks Infrastructure Grant Program application is now available. The funding round will be open from September 1 through September 16 and applicants will be required to submit an electronic application. The electronic application is still under development, but municipalities may use the hard copy that is now online at this link to begin collecting information and preparing attachments. For more information, contact Pat Ciaramella at 508 583-1833.
Old Colony Planning Council Wants Your Input
The Old Colony Planning Council, as a key part of our Public Participation Process, is seeking input from citizens of the region on issues affecting transportation, mobility, and congestion. Please participate in one of our surveys and tell us your opinion!
Major Bottleneck SurveyOur informative brochure, "How Should Your Transportation Tax Dollars Be Spent?" describes the activities of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and ways in which you can get involved. The brochure is also available in Spanish: "Cómo debe ser invertido el impuesto de transportación pública?"
OCPC is reaching out on the air! Download and listen to our radio ads:
In English2011 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update Released
The most recent CEDS report, assessing and studying economic development in the region, has been released and is available here.
Strategic Regional Planning Framework Summary Report Released
The Strategic Regional Planning Framework Report has been released and is currently available on OCPC's Reports page.
