Old Colony Planning Council

Hazard Mitigation Grants Available

December 21, 2012 - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are announcing an opening of the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This post-disaster mitigation grant funding is available as a result of the federal disaster declaration for the October 29-30, 2011 Snow Storm event. This HMGP funding is available to all communities in the Commonwealth that meet the sub-applicant and project eligibility requirements. For more information, visit our Grants page.

2012 Major Bottleneck In-Depth Analysis and Action Plan Released

November 29 - The 2012 Major Bottleneck In-Depth Analysis and Action Plan, a study of two areas of high congestion, has been released and can be downloaded at our reports page. The study analyzes Route 104 in Bridgewater from South Street to the Raynham town line, and Route 138 in Stoughton from Brock Street to the Canton Town Line. For past Major Bottleneck studies and more information on the project, visit our Bottleneck Project Page.

2012 CEDS Report Issued

November 21 - The 2012 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report is now available for download here or at our reports page. For more information about the CEDS Committee or OCPC's Economic Development planning initiatives, email Bruce Hughes or call 508-583-1833.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft Released

The Old Colony Planning Council is proud to release the Draft Old Colony Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review and comment. The Plan's mission is to identify risks and ways to minimize damage caused by natural disasters. This comprehensive resource document will serve many purposes such as enhancing public awareness, creating a decision tool for management, promoting compliance with State and Federal program requirements, enhancing local policies for hazard mitigation capability, and providing inter-jurisdictional coordination. The Plan was released for public review on Monday, September 24, 2012 and will remain available for public review and comment until Friday, December 7, 2012. Download the Draft Plan here.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Funding Available Now

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are pleased to announce the availability of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. Visit our Hazard Mitigation or our Grants page for more information.

Old Colony MPO Endorses FFY 2012-2015 TIP Amendment, FFY 2013-2016 TIP, and FFY 2013 UPWP

The Federal Fiscal Year 2013 Unified Planning Work Program and Transportation Improvement Program have been endorsed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization and are now available at the following links:

USDOT Releases Faces of Distracted Driving Video

Faces of Distracted Driving is a video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and using cell phones while driving by sharing the stories of families who have been affected by this deadly epidemic. In 2010, over 3,000 people died in crashes related to distracted driving. The series is part of Secretary LaHood's ongoing efforts to raise greater awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Visit Distraction.gov for more information and to take action.

Own a Home in Easton!

The Town of Easton Affordable Housing Trust is making financial assistance available for first-time home buyers. For more information, visit the Town of Easton's Homebuyer Assistance Program, or view the flyer here.

Career Opportunity at OCPC

Old Colony Planning Council is currently seeking an experienced Transportation Planner. For more information on this job opening, visit our Employment page.

For Your Information and Consideration: Air Quality Conformity Determination of the Proposed FFY 2013-2016 TIPs and STIP

September 28, 2012 -- The Boston Region MPO has added design funding for the Red Line/Blue Line Connector project to its FFY 2013-2016 TIP, and has amended its Long-Range Transportation Plan. These actions have not changed the projected emissions for the Eastern Massachusetts Ozone Non-Attainment Area and allows the existing air quality analyses (prepared for the 2013-2016 TIPs in Eastern Massachusetts as amended by the Boston 2013-2016 TIP amendment, and the 2012 Regional Transportation Plans in Eastern Massachusetts as amended by the Boston Long-Range Transportation Plan amendment) to be used for determining transportation conformity. The air quality analysis satisfies conformity's motor vehicle emission budget test. Specifically, the following conditions are met:

The VOC emissions for the build scenarios are less than the 2009 VOC mobile source emission budget for analysis years 2016 through 2035.
The NOx emissions for the build scenarios are less than the 2009 NOx mobile source emission budget for analysis years 2016 through 2035.
The CO emissions for the build scenarios are less than projections for analysis years 2016 through 2035 for the nine cities in the Boston CO maintenance area.

After evaluation and response to comments, the MPOs and Regional Planning Agencies in Eastern Massachusetts will make a conformity finding and submit their determination to U.S. DOT (Federal Transit Administration Region 1, and Federal Highway Massachusetts Division) via MassDOT. For more information please visit the Boston Region MPO's website.

MassDOT Kicks Off Statewide Transportation Conversation

September 21, 2012 -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will kick off a series of statewide public meetings next week, engaging with residents, community leaders and business owners to discuss the future of transportation in the Commonwealth. Legislation passed in August requires the Department to host at least six public meetings in advance of developing a long-term financing plan for the state's transportation system next year. To ensure that all regions of the Commonwealth are represented, MassDOT will hold 15 meetings.

"Every person in the Commonwealth has a stake in our transportation system", said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "Whether someone drives, walks, takes public transit or rides their bike, there is rarely a day that goes by that they don't interact with the system. These statewide discussions are intended to allow the users of our system to share their ideas, thoughts and proposals for improving and paying for our transportation network for many years to come."

Representatives from each division of MassDOT: RMV, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA/Rail and Transit - will be available to answer questions and provide information.

The first meeting will be held in Springfield on Thursday, September 27th, for which this informational website will be made available. More information about these events is available on the meeting flyer.

BAT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal

June 28, 2012 -- The Brockton Transit Authority has announced the establishment of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation Goal in accordance with US Department of Transportation Regulations. For more information on the DBE Goal, view the legal notice.

OCPC Holds 45th Annual Dinner at the Shaw's Center in Brockton

May 17 - Old Colony Planning Council held its 45th Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 17 at Brockton's Shaw's Center. Mr. Stephen Crosby, Chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, was the keynote speaker. The full story is available on our Press Releases page.

OCPC at the Brownfields Forum

Old Colony Planning Council co-sponsored the Brownfields Forum, Assessment to Redevelopment and Everything in Between. It was held at the Shaw's Center in Brockton on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 8:30 AM to noon. Over 170 people attended. Highlights of the forum included two case study presentations from the cities of Attleboro and Taunton along with a resource panel featuring representatives from Mass DEP, MassDevelopment, MA Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, MA Department of Revenue and US EPA. Welcoming speakers were OCPC Council President Robert Moran Jr, City of Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti and MA Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. We'd like to thank everyone who attended for their participation in this important forum.

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.

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.

State Transportation Improvement Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2012-2015

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!

Our 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 MP3 format:

2011 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.

May 2012 --- OCPC Holds 45th Annual Dinner at the Shaw's Center in Brockton

Old Colony Planning Council held its 45th Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 17 at Brockton's Shaw's Center. Mr. Stephen Crosby, Chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, was the keynote speaker. The full story is available on our Press Releases page.

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.

Brockton Area Transit Buses Get "Heroic" Names

April 17, 2011 --- BAT's three new hybrid buses were named after local heroes on Wednesday, April 13. Brockton Public Schools, the Brockton Area Transit Authority, and HarborOne Credit Union sponsored an essay contest among the city's elementary schools honoring those who have helped or inspired them. The three finalists will have one hybrid bus named after their hero. BAT's Administrator, Reinald Ledoux, said, "What we found when the essay contest was complete was a tremendous statement about the gratitude children have for those who give their time and energy to them, and the pride they feel in helping others." Read the full story at boston.com.

Press Release: Brockton Area Transit Launches New Automated Fare Collection

March 28, 2011 --- Reinald G. Ledoux, Jr., Administrator of the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT), is proud to announce that BAT launched a new automated fare collection system on March 28, 2011. The new system was designed to fully integrate with the MBTA Charlie Card system and provides expanded discount pass options for BAT riders. "Although our fares will increase slightly for the first time in nine years, our new automated fare collection system allows us to offer more ways for our riders to save money," Ledoux said. "In addition, the overall experience will be more convenient, as our riders will experience increased speed of service and provide a better experience overall."

FFY 2010 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects

December 2010 --- OCPC is making the Annual Listing of Projects available for Public Review.

Brockton Area Transit Press Release

December 17, 2010 --- Brockton Area Transit announces the launch of three new environmentally-friendly Hybrid Buses.

Sysco Boston plans to relocate to Plympton

December 16, 2010 --- From the Patriot Ledger: Sysco Boston LLC has signed a sales agreement to purchase 121.5 acres of land in the Plympton industrial park.

Stoughton's Ikea plans to add solar panels

December 15, 2010 --- The Brockton Enterprise reports that Ikea, the home furnishing retail store, has announced plans to add 79,000 square feet of solar panels to the roof of their Stoughton store.

Eight Towns Get OK on Tax Credits

December 5, 2010 --- From the Boston Globe: Eight south-of-Boston communities have received a new arrow in their quiver of incentives for attracting businesses and jobs, after the state approved their application to join together as an Economic Target Area.

Press Release: Creation of Old Colony Regional Economic Target Area

November 23, 2010 --- Old Colony Planning Council Executive Director Pasquale Ciaramella today announced that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) has approved the creation of the Old Colony Regional Economic Target Area.

Eldon Moreira of West Bridgewater will serve on the Old Colony MPO

November 2010 --- Chairman of the West Bridgewater Board of Selectmen Eldon Moreira has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Old Colony Metropolitan Planning Organization. Read more details at the Brockton Enterprise.

Eight OCPC Towns Apply for Economic Target Area Designation

October 2010 --- The Halifax-Plympton Reporter reports on Plympton's efforts, along with seven other towns in the OCPC region, to be designated an Economic Target Area and attract businesses to the community. The other communities applying for ETA status with Plympton are Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanson, Kingston, Pembroke, and Whitman.

OCPC Awarded Grant to Study Regional 911 Dispatch Service in Seven Local 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.