Plan Update News
Utilities & Infrastructure was identified as one of the topics to be addressed by the Landscapes2 Steering Committee. The Landscapes2 website has been updated to highlight the next topic in the plan, Utilities & Infrastructure. A Utilities & Infrastructure Plan presentation was given to the Landscapes2 Steering Committee on March 20 that summarized the issues facing Chester County.
Utilities & Infrastructure Related References
Funding Infrastructure Investment – Governor Rendell joined GovernorSchwarzenegger and Mayor Bloomberg toannounce plans to create a 
non-partisan Coalition, Building America's Future, to help guide federal infrastructure investment. The Rockefeller Foundation has pledged resources to assist with the proposed Coalition efforts.
State Investments in County Recycling Efforts Increasing Performance and Participation. Governor Rendell Announces $54,000 Recycling Grant for Chester County.
Planning Related News and References
Chester County receives National Conservation Award - The County Leadership in Conservation Awards sponsored by The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and National Association of Counties (NACo) recognize leadership, innovation, and excellence in local land conservation and park creation by county leaders across America. Chester County was among the 2008 recipients in recognition of its commitment to preserving open space resources through a partnership program with local municipalities, land trust organizations, as well as state and federal agencies. Commissioner Terence Farrell accepted the award on behalf of the County at an awards ceremony in early March.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC), in cooperation with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), has initiated the R6 Norristown Line Service Extension Study. The study will determine the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service between communities along the US Route 422 corridor in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties and Center City Philadelphia. For more information, contact Leo Bagley 610-278-3746.
DVRPC News Winter Issue 2008 includes information about recent news, events and reports released by DVRPC.
PennDOT website now provides status of TIP projects. PennDOT has recently made one of its project management websites available to the public, allowing users to monitor the status of improvement projects that are on the Region’s Transportation Improvement Plan. The CCPC recommends municipal officials utilize this read-only website to monitor progress of projects in their area.
EPA Smart Growth - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helps communities grow in ways that expand economic opportunity, protect public health and the environment, and create and enhance the places that people love. Through research, tools, partnerships, case studies, grants, and technical assistance, EPA is helping America's communities turn their visions of the future into reality.
SEPTA has added a train to the end of its R5 Paoli/Thorndale Saturday service providing more opportunities for a return trip home after a night in the Center City.
Shifting Ground is a new public radio series broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) intended to elevate the dialogue on land use issues. The series reveals the 
complex forces reshaping America and shows how individuals and communities are regaining control.
DEP Secretary Outlines Federal Chesapeake Bay Obligations Facing One-fifth of Chester County. If the state cannot meet the goals set forth by 2010, Pennsylvania faces the prospect of much more stringent requirements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
SEPTA is planning to provide additional service enhancements as part of their FY2009 Operating Budget. An extensive list on service enhancements is detailed in their Proposed FY09 Operating Budget. A public hearing for the Proposed Operating Budget will be held April 4th at 2:00 pm in the West Chester Borough Hall.
Affordable Housing and Smart Growth – Making the Connection “…traditional development patterns-characterized by the separation of uses, limited transportation options, and suburban and ex-urban expansion have failed to adequately secure affordable housing for low-income house-holds. Smart growth, through its regional approach to development and its goal of increasing choices in housing and transportation, can improve the quality, distribution, and supply of affordable housing.”
$100 Million Solar Manufacturing Plant Begins Construction in Bucks County - new facility will create more than 200 new jobs to region.
HousingPolicy.org is a guide to state and local housing policy developed and maintained by the Center for Housing Policy, the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference. The purpose of HousingPolicy.org is to collect and provide examples of proven solutions for expanding the availability of homes for working families and others in your community.
Upcoming Events
Brownfields: The Basics and Beyond Strategies for Counties in Mitigating Risk and Creating Value – a web-based seminar addressing why the redevelopment of abandoned and brownfield sites is an important issue for counties.
DVRPC's 7th Annual Celebration of Regional Excellence Thursday, May 15, 2008 in the Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia. For more information please contact Candace Snyder at 215-238-2875.
Terminology Corner
Perspectives on terms used in Landscapes2 Discussions. These links are included to serve as a reference to help Landscapes2 Project participants understand the meaning, scope and application of terms.
Brownfields
Wikipedia definition
EPA definitionUtilities
Infrastructure