Government

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and several local home improvement store are teaming up to provide Springfield and Branson residents with free information, tips and literature to prevent and lessen damage from disasters.

EPA Region 7 reached a settlement with Franklin County, Kan., that requires the county to resolve its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit violations under the Clean Water Act. As part of the settlement, the county is required...

Aid is still available to residents of Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Little River, Perry, Sebastian and Sevier counties who suffered disaster-related damage. They are encouraged to register for assistance with FEMA befor...

A joint federal/state disaster recovery center is open in Jackson County to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding Dec. 26, 2015 – Jan. 22, 2016.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro today announced $157 million will be awarded to South Carolina communities for disaster recovery efforts following significant rainfall and flooding in October 2015. The funds will help to meet remaining unmet housing, economic development, and infrastructure needs that resulted from thousands of homes and small businesses being damaged or destroyed.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today an agreement with First Federal Bank of Kansas City to resolve allegations of ‘redlining’ against African American mortgage applicants.  HUD and two fair housing organizations claimed the lender’s designated service area effectively excluded African American neighborhoods, limiting residential mortgage lending to persons based upon their race

Joint federal/state disaster recovery centers will open Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Jackson and Little River counties to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding Dec. 26, 2015 – Jan. 22, 2016

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, released the following statement after a bill he cosponsored with Energy and Power Subcommittee Ranking Member Bobby Rush (D-IL) to improve energy and manufacturin...

At today’s Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition Awards Luncheon, two New Hanover County projects received Outstanding Stewardship Awards for innovation and environmental awareness: the newly-renovated 320 Chestnut Street building in downtown Wilmington and New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum Park at 814 Market Street.

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, announced almost $2 million in federal funding to support affordable housing in North Dakota for those lacking a safe place to live.

After a ten-month criminal investigation into drug trafficking activities in and around the Veterans Memorial housing complex in Woonsocket, the Woonsocket Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the RI DEA Drug Task Force, and Attorney G...

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa now generates over 31.3% of its energy from wind. According to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iowa is now the first and only state in the United States that...

Providence, R.I., –The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and SmartPower today announced the results of their Fall 2015 Solarize Rhode Island campaign across the communities of Barrington, Foster, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and South Kingstown. The successful 14-week program, which ended on February 15, resulted in 250 solar contracts being signed by local residents and businesses totaling more than 1,700 kW of new clean energy capacity. "Increased adoption of clean energy solutions offers homes, businesses, and the public sector the opportunity to support local job growth, reduce energy costs and protect our environment," Governor Gina M. Raimondo said. "The continued success of this community-driven program is one of many programs and initiatives now underway to expand economic growth in our clean energy industries, while stabilizing energy prices and shrinking our collective carbon footprint." Solarize Rhode Island seeks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity in participating communities through a competitive tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more homeowners sign contracts. Now in its third year, Solarize Rhode Island has resulted in nearly 390 residents and business owners signing contracts for small-scale solar electricity systems, while educating hundreds more about the economic and environmental benefits of solar electricity, energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies. "Community-based adoption of solar energy presents tangible energy, economic, and environmental benefits for Rhode Islanders and the cities and towns in which they live," said State Energy Commissioner Marion Gold. "Solarize Rhode Island is helping local residents and businesses reduce their net energy consumption from the grid, while supporting new investment and job growth opportunities for our local clean energy economy." Along with the Towns of Barrington, Foster, and South Kingstown, the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission submitted a joint application on behalf of Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth to participate in Solarize Rhode Island's Fall 2015 campaign. Community interest in solar energy was significant, with 1,300 residents registering for more information about solar for their homes. Of this number, 676 residents received in-home solar assessments from the pre-selected solar installer working with their municipality. "Once again, the success of Solarize RI is showing how we can both build a more sustainable Rhode Island while at the same time lowering energy costs for homeowners and small businesses," said Darin Early, President of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. "This represents not only a new opportunity for green business in the state, but also frees up resources that can be deployed to foster economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island." "Solar just makes sense for Rhode Island," said SmartPower President Brian F. Keane. "And Rhode Island residents and communities are leading the way with Solarize Rhode Island. We're showing our friends and neighbors – indeed New England and the nation -- that together, solar is simple and affordable." Solarize Rhode Island and its community-centric model will be expanded in the coming months. A new application round for interested municipalities is already underway, and community selections will be announced on March 15. For more information on the Solarize Rhode Island program, please contact Shauna Beland of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at (401) 574-9111. About Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources - The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the lead state agency on energy policy and programs. OER's mission is to lead Rhode Island to a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future. OER works closely with private and public stakeholders to increase the reliability and security of our energy supply, reduce energy costs and mitigate price volatility, and improve environmental quality. www.energy.ri.gov. About Rhode Island Commerce Corporation - The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is the official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. The Commerce Corporation's mission is to work with public, private and non-profit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state's long-term economic health and prosperity. The corporation manages the state's Renewable Energy Fund, which provides grants and loans for renewable energy projects with the potential to make electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner, while stimulating job growth in the green technology and energy sectors of Rhode Island's economy. www.commerceri.com. About SmartPower - SmartPower is the nation's leading non-profit social marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Named the "Best Non-profit Marketing Firm in the US," SmartPower's mission is to help Americans make smart energy choices by creating on-the-ground campaigns that engage the public and generate measurable energy actions. www.smartpower.org.

At the Administration’s Monday morning press conference today, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that six communities are receiving grants for the State Innovation Model (SIM) Initiative. These six communities spanning 20 counties will engage in broad-based health care system and payment reforms over the next three years that will lead to better health outcomes and lower costs.

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate leaders, including Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, announced an agreement to move forward on a package of emergency funding to help Flint, Michigan with its water crisis and to help other cities across the country avert similar crises by investing in repairs and replacements for crumbling water infrastructure.

Under Article VI of the Housing Code, The City of Atlanta’s Code Enforcement Section of the Atlanta Police Department requires that all vacant properties be registered. Owners have 60 days from the date in which the property becomes vacant to registe...

The Community Services Department - Building and Safety Division is currently accepting applications for the Intermittent (hourly) Building Inspector position. The intermittent hourly Building Inspector will work on an as needed basis and with no guar...

Washoe County Treasurer Tammi Davis would like to remind property owners that Mon Payments will be accepted without penalty through March 17, 2016.

The capital budget proposal released today by the House invests $312 million into Washington state’s infrastructure – creating jobs and supporting the needs of our local communities. Rep. June Robinson (D-Everett) successfully requested funding for...

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah joined Sen. Jeff Merkley in Oregon today to pledge their support for a new biorefinery in the state.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing titled “The Impact of International Regulatory Standards on the Competitiveness of U.S. Insurers: Part II.”

Clark County Public Health is advising that people and pets should avoid water contact in and around Lacamas Lake. A spill occurred near 4700 NW Pacific Rim Blvd. in Camas and the leak was repaired early this afternoon.

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, announced $3,055,000 in federal funding to make infrastructure improvements to the town of Elgin’s and Arthur’s water and sewer system.

Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) urged transportation agencies in Washington’s 6th Congressional District to apply for a new round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grants. First established in 2009, TIG...

Now situated much closer to the heart of downtown Auburn, the company's improved accessibility to Clients and Realtors® alike is more important than ever, as business has grown remarkably and staff has jumped from 17 to 28 team members since last year

Ohio EPA received another round of test results from homeowners in the village of Sebring who asked to have their tap water tested and 28 of the 29 most recent samples were below the federal allowable limit for lead. Ohio EPA ordered the village of Seb...

U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted New Mexico an immediate extension of REAL ID compliance deadlines to allow the state to implement a law passed last week by the legislature. In a letter sent last week, the lawmakers urged DHS to grant the extension to ensure New Mexicans can continue to access federal facilities and airports.

Mayor Chris Beutler today said passage of a proposed stormwater bond issue would fulfill the City's duty to protect the health, welfare and safety of citizens. The City Council will hold a public hearing and take a vote Monday on the proposal to place ...

The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants to fill two positions on the Clark County Board of Equalization. One is a regular position and one is for an alternate.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) urged transportation agencies in Washington state to apply for recently announced Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grants. The grants available, totaling $500 million, are awarded on a...