HCPC News Blast

Municipal Uses of GIS Workshop

Join our upcoming workshop to gain a thorough understanding of the ways in which you can effectively utilize GIS technology. There will be time to ask any questions you may have regarding available GIS resources and further learning opportunities.

Date & Time: Wednesday November 29th, 6:30pm

Location: Ellsworth City Council Chambers, with a Zoom option

View the Agenda and Zoom Link Here

If you have any questions, please email Greg Piduch, gpiduch@hcpcme.org. A Zoom option will be provided for those unable to attend in person.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is seeking applications for the Municipal Stream Crossing Program to provide competitive grants that help fund the upgrade of municipal culverts at stream crossings with the goal of improving fish and wildlife habitat and community safety.

This grant program was formerly implemented by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the same name. Eligible project sponsors include local and tribal governments, counties, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts, and private nonprofit organizations. Applicants may request up to $200,000 for projects that include scoping, design, and construction and must include a minimum of $5,000 of local match. Applications must be received by January 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. local time to be considered.

Training and technical assistance opportunities are available in support of project proposals with The Nature Conservancy and Maine Audubon. For more information, please visit https://maineaudubon.org/projects/stream-smart/ and/or reach out to Christian Fox, christian.fox@TNC.ORG, or Sarah Haggerty, shaggerty@maineaudubon.org

Please refer to the “Municipal Stream Crossing Grant Program” Request for Applications (RFA) posted on MaineDOT’s grants page.

Any and all questions should go to Taylor LaBrecque at MunicipalStreamCrossing.MDOT@maine.gov

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Community Sparks Grant: Community Spark Grants support the growing number of local grassroots changemakers and organizations nationwide working to improve their communities through better bicycling with $1,500 mini-grants. Any nonprofit organization or public agency can apply to receive this funding. The goal is for organizations to propose projects that spark change by expanding capacity for local leaders and creating inclusive coalitions that help build more Bicycle Friendly Communities. Learn more about project eligibility here.

In 2024, 15 Community Spark Grants will be awarded. Generous support for these grants comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative, which aims to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. Generous support for the grants also comes from General Motors (GM). Of the 15 organizations to receive awards, 7 must be in GM home communities.

2024 Community Spark Grant Timeline

Application Opens: November 20, 2023

Application Closes: February 1, 2024 at 5pm ET

Applications Reviewed: February 2024

Applicants Selected and Notified: March 2024

Project Execution: March-December 2024

Final Reports Due: End of December 2024

You can get more information about the program and past winners here.

HCPC Ordinance Development Workshop held October 18th

View this recorded workshop to learn about ordinance development and site plan review.

Click here to view the agenda.

Click here for YouTube Video of presentations (Starts after 1 minute)