JANUARY 2018
It has been another busy month here at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission!

It's always nice to host someone of Lt. Governor Karyn Polito's stature here in the Valley, but it sure is an added bonus when she comes bearing checks. Those state dollars are following a trend of public and private investments that are proving clear signs of a region on the rise. 

We're so excited to share with you the progress being made in the 43 cities and towns of Hampden and Hampshire counties, as well as the ways you can get involved.

-Team Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 
A big money day in Montgomery  

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito came out to Montgomery Town Hall last week to personally deliver a $150,000 check to the PVPC to kick off our municipal IT program on behalf of half a dozen hilltowns, as well as a $42,000 check to the the Gateway Hilltown Collaborative for regional branding efforts. 
Rail Plan Meeting
Drive to Worcester next week so future generations can ride there
 
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is holding a single public meeting for the entire state next Monday, January 29th. The draft state rail plan is scheduled for release tomorrow and the public will also have three weeks to weigh in online, but we know face-to-face advocacy is always best. PVPC encourages all Valley residents who believe in our shared vision of a modern and connected statewide passenger rail system to attend.
WWLP's InFocus focuses on development dollars flowing into the Valley 

PVPC Executive Director Tim Brennan joined a panel of regional leaders to discuss the banner year of public and private investments made in the Pioneer Valley in 2017, as well as the exciting developments yet to come. 
Creatively engaging our Valley's future water stewards 

PVPC was flattered to be included in a group of innovative organizations working to instill the importance of protecting our waterways in young residents through creative projects - including our Day Brook Secret Stream project completed in collaboration with the Enchanted Circle Theater group and Holyoke Public Schools.
Department of Environmental Protection awards PVPC $50,000 for stormwater work

PVPC's Environment and Land Use Section will use this grant to develop an offsite mitigation manual for redevelopment projects to help foster municipal implementation of standards in line with the 2016 MS4 permit.
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