Volume 44, Issue 11
DVRPC to Lead Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Planning Efforts
Earlier this spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first phase of the new $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act. Split into two phases, EPA will first award $250 million in planning grants by formula, and then competitively award $4.6 billion in implementation grants. Under Phase One, EPA will directly award up to $1 million to each of the 67 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the country to develop a climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their MSA. DVRPC will serve as the lead entity for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA – the sixth largest in the country.
By preparing a climate action plan for the MSA, local governments and DVRPC will be eligible to apply for the $4.6 billion dollars in competitive implementation grants available nationally under Phase Two, which is scheduled to launch in late 2023.The resources available under the CPRG program will provide an unprecedented opportunity to develop and implement strong, local, greenhouse gas reduction strategies that will also advance environmental justice, increase energy security, and improve air quality throughout the region.
Learn more about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and DVRPC’s work in this area.
Air Quality Awareness Week Kicks Off Ozone Season
National Air Quality Awareness Week is May 1–5, 2023. The week marks the beginning of the ozone season, when the Greater Philadelphia region typically starts to experience poor air quality from increased levels of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone, when mixed with high temperatures, harms healthy lungs, makes people more susceptible to lung infections, and makes it more difficult for people with an existing respiratory condition to breathe. Although poor air quality impacts everyone, communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to be affected.
The bright side is that helping to prevent air pollution is a simple step everyone can take to help preserve their community’s health. National Air Quality Awareness Week jump starts efforts to decrease summertime air pollution by raising awareness and encouraging actions people can take to make a positive difference. Each day of the week, the Air Quality Partnership will be focusing on a different theme:
May 1: Be aware of the air quality forecast
May 2: Asthma and your health
May 3: Drive less; try other modes of transportation
May 4: Climate change and air quality
May 5: Take care of family, friends, and neighbors
To decrease air pollution, reconsider how you travel and try other modes of transportation. Active transportation, like walking or biking, benefits the air, your health, and your bank account. If you need to drive, small changes–like combining errands–can make a huge impact. Also, stop fueling when the gas pump clicks (don’t “top it off”) to reduce emissions and save money and gas. For more tips, to see the daily air quality forecast, and sign up for alerts, visit www.airqualitypartnership.org/.
Dust off your Helmet and Pedals: Bike Month is Here!
The League of American Bicyclists has deemed May 2023 National Bike Month. This year’s Bike Month will focus on individual and community wellbeing. Throughout Greater Philadelphia, organizations and advocates will participate in Bike Month, National Ride-A-Bike Day on May 7, Bike-to-Work Week May 15-21, and Bike-to-Work Day on May 19. In honor of Bike Month, DVRPC suggests trying to take a trip with a bicycle instead of a car if you're able. If you are unsure of a good bike route, consult Ruti, DVRPC’s text-message based trip planning tool.
At DVRPC, we’re committed to making biking simpler and safer. We see bicycles as a form of transportation, as well as an amazing type of recreation. We support local bicycle planning efforts by collecting data, planning projects, and determining best practices, and we collaborate with our county and municipal partners to move planned projects to implementation and construction. Some planning projects DVRPC is currently working on include Burlington County Downtown Access for Bicyclists and Pedestrians, Our Streets: A Trenton Bike Plan for All, and Vision Zero: Hunting Park Avenue.
DVRPC is also dedicated to safety, and, as a region, has set a Vision Zero goal to end all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2050, while increasing safety, mobility, and health for everyone. During Bike Month and throughout the year, we encourage drivers to abide by our region’s safe passing laws. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, drivers must provide at least 4 feet of space when passing a cyclist, regardless of the type of lane the cyclist is using. When driving, it’s important to remember that cyclists always have the right to ride in the travel lane unless they are specifically told otherwise.
Check out DVRPC’s social media during May for events, resources, and other information about bicycling in the DVRPC region.
Tell Us What You Think at an Upcoming Event
Our Streets: A Trenton Bike Plan for All - Do you bike, walk, roll, or drive around Trenton? We want to make getting around safer. Join the Our Streets: A Trenton Bike Plan for All team at a community event on Sunday, May 7, from 1:00-3:00 pm, at Samuel Naples Community Center, 611 Chestnut Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611 to share your feedback on a proposed bike network.
In addition to sharing your feedback, enjoy free food and Mister Softee ice cream, take part in family-friendly art activities hosted by ARTWORKS, and enter to win bikes and grocery gift cards. You can also bring your bike in for a free tune-up by Trenton Cycling Revolution and test out a protected bike lane. These events will also include information about Trenton Vision Zero work and the Trenton Trails Plan. Spanish language interpretation and translated materials will be available. Learn more at www.drvpc.org/ourstreets.
Can't attend the Our Streets event in person? You can leave online feedback about the draft bicycle plan using our interactive digital tools from May 8 - June 11, 2023.
Burlington County Downtown Access for Bicyclists & Pedestrians - DVRPC wants to improve bike and pedestrian safety in Maple Shade, Marlton, and Columbus by making roads safer for all users. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback at our April event in Maple Shade. There are two more opportunities to join us to view our recommendations and share your thoughts in May:
- May 11, from 4:30-7:30 pm, at Evesham Library (984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton, NJ 08053)
- May 12, from 12:00-6:00 pm, at Lexylicious Ice Cream Cafe & Columbus General Store (190 - 266A Atlantic Ave, Columbus, NJ 08022)
If you’re unable to attend these events in person, you can view the recommendations and let us know what you think online until May 12, 2023. Learn more at www.dvrpc.org/burlingtonco.
Recent Publications and Resources
Indicators for Potential Disadvantage Web Map Update - The 2021 ACS 5-year Indicators of Potential Disadvantage (IPD) dataset for the DVRPC region has been released and incorporated into the IPD web map. This is an updated version of the IPD using the most recently available ACS 2017-2021 5-year estimates as the data input.
Funding Improvements to Water Infrastructure - Reconnaissance Study on Challenges and Opportunities in Southeastern Pennsylvania - This report investigates how municipalities and utilities currently approach infrastructure needs and funding programs, examining why they choose to pursue certain programs and how access to funds for infrastructure improvements could be expanded.
The State of the Practice: A Study of DVRPC’s Peer Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ Long-Range Plans - This whitepaper examines the state of the practice in long-range planning among 14 of DVRPC’s peer Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Selected based on jurisdiction, agency capacity and structure, and work relevant to DVRPC, the agencies were sent a survey and interviews were conducted with staff. The report covers four primary sections–Financial Plan, Key Issues, Forecasts and Land Use, and Process and Implementation–and concludes with recommendations to inform DVRPC’s update to Connections 2050.
Trenton Air Quality & Health Study - This study analyzes existing health, air quality, and transportation data to quantify incidences of respiratory disease and identify sources of pollution that may be contributing to poor respiratory health outcomes in the City of Trenton. It details the process that DVRPC and the city undertook to convene an Air Monitoring subcommittee, recruit academic and community partners, identify monitoring locations, and deploy low-cost air quality sensors, with the goals of determining if air quality varies across the city and whether there are identifiable sources of pollution that may be impacting these neighborhoods.
Upcoming LTAP Classes in PA and NJ
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) provides technical information and expertise to help municipal governments use transportation funds more effectively, improve road maintenance, and increase roadway safety. Classes are offered through Pennsylvania and New Jersey LTAP programs, but are open to any municipality.
Upcoming classes:
Speed Data Collection Drop-In
Virtual
May 4, 2023 (11:00 am - 12:00 pm)
NJTR-1 Crash Form Refresher
Virtual
May 18, 2023 (8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Visit Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation to see the 2023 schedule of LTAP courses in New Jersey and PennDOT's LTAP website to view courses in Pennsylvania. For any questions, contact Najah Jackson at njackson@dvrpc.org or 215-238-2836.
Staff Profile: Mike Andrews, Facilities Coordinator
What did you want to be growing up? I wanted to be a medical doctor in a trauma unit like on M*A*S*H*.
What was your first job? Back then we were called abatement workers, which was gutting out houses. My very first earned pay was scrubbing marble steps for 15 cents when I was 7 years old.
What did you study in college? Child Psychology
How did you end up at DVRPC? I came as a temp from the Department of the Navy after working for Xerox for 18 years.
What has changed about your responsibilities over time? Covid-19 has changed things with the awareness of being more concerned about health issues and our new normal.
What is your favorite part of working at DVRPC? Knowing that the work that I do makes a difference in someone’s life or in their day. I try to make it a point to bring joy to someone’s life every day.
If you were Monarch for a day, how would you improve the region? Cleaning up the transportation system. Cleanliness overall–first impressions are important and it is how we travel around the city.
What is something colleagues don’t know about you? I also work for the Philadelphia Eagles. I love to cook and karaoke is my favorite pastime. I love to sing and entertain through music and can play five instruments. I am an ordained minister and have an overseas ministry that helps with children in Kenya and Pakistan.
Who is someone you wish you could speak to? My mother. I truly miss her very much.
What is your favorite leisure activity? Bible reading, cooking, computer games, singing, gardening, painting, and entertaining people.
Are you a cat or dog person? Neither, I like fish.
What is the most meaningful item in your house? I would say it would be my mom’s rocking chair. It was my grandmother’s and she passed it down to her. They would spend hours rocking and praying.