EPA to work with local governments on integrated planning approach
National League of Cities
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new Integrated Planning policy to help state and local governments identify opportunities to achieve clean water by controlling and managing releases of wastewater and stormwater runoff more efficiently and cost effectively. In a memo issued jointly by the EPA Offices of Water and Enforcement and Compliance to EPA Regional Administrators, the agency expressed its commitment to and support for working with state and local governments on a new comprehensive and integrated planning approach to implement "the most important projects first."More

Forest Park, Ill., seeks grants to fight flooding
Forest Park Review
For a few weeks now, Forest Park, Ill., officials and an engineer from the village's longtime consulting firm, Christopher Burke Engineering, Ltd., have been brainstorming environmentally friendly ways to mitigate the town's flooding problems. It's part of an effort to access grant money from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for "green" infrastructure that could allay overflowing from the town's combined sewer system, which has occurred during heavy rains. The trio kicking around ideas includes Village Administrator Tim Gillian, Commissioner Chris Harris and Jim Amelio, an engineer from Christopher Burke.More

Elmhurst, Ill., company seeks to solve city's flooding woes by treating rain water as a resource
Patch
Could new design initiatives be the cure for Elmhurst's flooding problems? A pair of Elmhurst residents seem to think so. Former Elmhurst Alderman Ann Tranter and 21-year Elmhurst resident Jim Patchett have their own ideas to battle stormwater. Patchett is founder and president of Conservation Design Forum, 375 W. First St. He believes the solution to stop flooding lies in the land, itself. More

Capture system will irrigate park, golf course with reusable water
The Marina del Rey Argonaut
A collaboration between government entities and environmental organizations on a rainwater-harvesting project is being touted as a model for future sustainability projects that could carry Los Angeles further into the 21st century.More

Lancaster, Pa., city gets $10.5 million grant
Lancaster New Era
Christmas is coming early for Lancaster, Pa. The city learned last week that it will receive $10.5 million from the state's Redevelopment Capital Assistance grant program. More

Study to weigh stormwater management option in Perkiomen Township, Pa.
Patch
Following a presentation, the board approved township Engineer Chuck Frantz doing a cost-analysis study, not to exceed $500, for a potential stormwater management plan for Centennial Street residents. More

Oshkosh, Wis., to continue focus on streets, stormwater in 2012
The Oshkosh Northwestern
The city of Oshkosh, Wis., will reconstruct Irving Avenue, develop stormwater detention basins on the city's southwest side, continue river walk construction and fund at least the first phase of the Central Garage replacement as part of its proposed $50.1 million Capital Improvement Program for 2012. More

ASCE Webinar: Structural Design of Municipal Streets and Roadways Using Interlocking Concrete Pavement
ICPI
Presented by David K. Hein, P.E., of Transportation at Applied Research Associates, Inc. in Toronto, Canada, the webinar is focused on practical aspects of municipal road design for interlocking concrete pavements and includes a detailed outline of the procedures and input requirements for appropriate structural design for interlocking concrete pavements with granular, asphalt, cement and asphalt treated bases.More

Updated permeable pavement manual available
ICPI
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recently released the 4th edition of its popular manual, Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements - Design Specifications Construction Maintenance. The 100-page book with over 60 illustrations represents a significant progress in PICP technology compared to the 60-page 3rd edition released six years ago. More

Possible Capitol Hill action toward a transportation reauthorization
ICPI
On Nov. 7, ICPI was called to the House side of Capitol Hill for a private discussion on recent action behind the scenes to spur progress on a multi-year Transportation Reauthorization. Such action could have important impact on ICPI interests, relating to legislative language drafted and offered by ICPI. More

NAM Monday Economic Report - Nov. 14, 2011
NAM
Change was afoot in Europe last week, as both the Greek and Italian governments had leadership changes. Two economists - Mario Monti in Italy and Lucas Papademos in Greece - are in the process of setting up new governments as the premiers of their respective nations. The tasks before them are monumental, and it is clear that Europe's challenges are far from over. More

Canadian housing starts ease but beat expectations
Reuters
Canadian housing starts slipped in October, but came in higher than expectations, as low interest rates and condominium building helped offset the impact of negative global economic news. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC) said that starts slipped to seasonally adjusted annualized rate 207,600 units in October from an upwardly revised 208,800 units in September. More

Canada backtracks on pledge to balance national budget by 2014
Xinhua
The Canadian government will not be able to keep its election promise to balance the budget in two years, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said. Flaherty and Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper said during last spring's federal election campaign that Canada was on the verge of a balanced national budget. Now, Flaherty expects to run a deficit until 2015. More

Obama seeks to hitch US economy to Asian growth
Reuters
With Europe mired in crisis, President Barack Obama is launching a charm offensive this week to hitch the U.S. economy to opportunities in Asia he hopes can help power the recovery he needs for re-election. More