The Franklin County Transporation Planning Organization (FCTPO) approved the release of a draft 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for public comment. There will be a 30-day public comment period from Saturday, June 24 to Sunday, July 25, 2016. Please provide any comments to Megan Rhodes by email at mrhodes@frcog.org or by mail at 12 Olive Street, Suite 2, Greenfield MA 01301.
In an emergency, families can become separated. Create an In Case of Emergency (ICE) card for your children so your family can quickly reunite after a disaster.
Massachusetts’ new Rural Policy Commission held its first meeting at the Olver Transit Center recently. Franklin County representatives on the Commission include our own Linda Dunlavy (who was elected Treasurer) and local realtor Corinne Fitzgerald.
The Commission will serve as a research body for issues critical to the welfare and vitality of rural communities and, according to its creating legislation, shall: study, review and report on the status of rural communities and residents in the commonwealth; advise the general court and the executive branch of the impact of existing and proposed state laws, policies and regulations on rural communities; advance legislative and policy solutions that address rural needs; advocate to ensure that rural communities receive a fair share of state investment; promote collaboration among rural communities to improve efficiency in delivery of services; and develop and support new leadership in rural communities.
The Commissioners decided to organize into four subcommittees and to meet again in September. Interested in learning more about what the Commission will do? Check out the webpage here.
Presentation on Rural MA June 10 2016
Recorder article about the event
Commission Members are sworn in.
Presentation on the demographics of rural Massachusetts
Senator Rosenberg and DHCD Undersecretary Kornegay kick off the day.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) help towns respond to natural and man-made disasters. If you are interested in assisting your community and taking part in local preparedness projects, you can find a CERT Program in your area.
The Draft Connecticut River Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan is available for final review through June 29th, 2016. The draft chapters are posted on the FRCOG Transportation Planning web page.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Elizabeth Giannini at giannini@frcog.org.
The first annual update to the 2015 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan has been released.
There are some tried and true ways to protect yourself during excessive heat events.
A wildfire is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. There’s a misconception that wildfires only happen in western and Great Plains states. While wildfires are more common in certain states, they can occur anywhere in the country so be prepared for Wildfires!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
AT TWO LOCATIONS – MORNING AND EVENING OPTIONS:
Montague Public Safety Building
180 Turnpike Rd, Turners Falls, MA 01376
at 0900-1300 hrs
OR
Shelburne Falls Fire Department
121 State St, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
at 1730-2130 hrs
Instructor: Jon Davine, Hazardous Materials Technician. For Questions or to Register: DavineConsulting@gmail.com
