Welcome to SARPC's digital newsletter. Our goal is to publish a newsletter bi-monthly that provides highlights of projects and activities being undertaken at the agency. If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
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In This Issue
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
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STAY CONNECTED TO SARPC ON FACEBOOK
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GREAT NEWS FOR OUR REGION!!! In the past couple of weeks, we have had three huge economic development announcements made. In Escambia County, a ribbon cutting was held at Coastal Growers Peanut Shelling Facility that is shipping peanuts worldwide. In Baldwin County, the Novelis Project was announced at the 3,000-acre Mega Site just north of Bay Minette. This aluminum mill will employ 1,000 people. In Mobile County, Airbus announced a huge expansion that will employ an additional 1,000 people.
These and other announced projects are a tremendous indicator that our Region is doing extremely well with more to follow. Hats off to all in our Region that have played a role in securing these tremendous projects and seeing them come to fruition. WE ARE BLESSED!!!
John F. (Rickey) Rhodes
Executive Director
rrhodes@sarpc.org
Direct: 251-706-4667
Cell: 251-421-9400
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TRANSPORTATION
Mobile MPO Updates
The Mobile MPO Policy Board met on Wednesday, May 18th at 10:00 am at the GM&O Building. The Agenda included a resolution supporting the Alabama Department of Transportation application for a MEGA Grant. Click HERE for Agenda, and HERE for the resolution. We are anticipation a MPO meeting most likely at the end of June as there are several items that need attention.
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Letter from Both MPOs to ALDOT concerning the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project.
On September 1st, 2021, a letter was submitted to ALDOT from both the Eastern Shore MPO and the Mobile MPO, requesting that ALDOT investigate the possibilities of building the project in less than the three phases.
Subsequently, on December 15th, 2021 another letter HERE was signed by both MPO Chairman asking ALDOT to speed up the process and to:
•Be comprehensive. Our area cannot support a piecemeal plan that will take 25 years or more to complete. We would hope any plan would be completed in about five years once construction begins.
•Free, no toll options. We must have free, no toll options for passengers who do not wish to pay a toll. Unlike the previous plan, we strongly believe the Wallace Tunnel should be toll free as well as the Bankhead Tunnel, Africatown Bridge, and causeway. Under no circumstances should there be a toll on existing infrastructure that continues to be used.
•Significant federal and state funding should be made available to help pay for this project. We must move very quickly to protect $125 mil1ion in federal money that has been dedicated to this project. We anticipate at least $250 million to be contributed from the State of Alabama.
•Toll fees should be significantly reduced. Any tolls that must be charged to pay for infrastructure should be cut by more than half for cars and trucks from the previous plan. We recommend a maximum toll of $2.50 or less on all passenger vehicles if a person chooses to use the new infrastructure, despite the fact that toll-free options remain available. Tolls for 18-wheeler-type trucks should be $15 to $18.
•Local input. We are forwarding to you other requests that have been developed by local officials. At the end of the day, local officials and local citizens must drive the process - not the state or federal government. Through our MPO process we will continue to be involved in this project moving forward and we strongly encourage continued public input throughout the process.
ALDOT has agreed to provide formal updates to both MPO’s every several months. The first update was held July 27th, 2021 at Five Rivers, and the second update was on September 20th, at Five Rivers at 2:00PM in the Theater. The next joint update is to be determined. The slide presentation can be found HERE. The Mobile MPO will house all of the slide presentations from these ALDOT Updates at www.mobilempo.org.
Mobile Area Major Road Plan
SARPC has contracted with Volkert to conduct a Mobile Area Major Road Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to provide a recommendation to the Mobile County Commission and the various municipalities within Mobile County, for a Mobile Area Wide Major Road Plan. The Major Road Plan will consider existing major routes as well as proposed state routes, proposed major municipal routes and proposed major county routes. The Major Road Plan will consider anticipated growth of areas within Mobile County to future year 2050 and provide for connectivity between the areas within the various municipalities and the more rural areas outside of the municipalities. Existing planning documents of the County of Mobile as well as the various municipalities will be reviewed and considered as well. Extraterritorial planning jurisdictions will be taken into consideration. The Plan will include methods and tools for acquiring and preserving right-of-way in the context of expediting the environmental clearance process and review how corridors are prioritized, designated, and adopted for management or preservation. SARPC and Volkert have had several meetings in the past month regarding the plan, including individual meetings with the City of Mobile, Mobile County, The City of Semmes and the City of Saraland.
100 % Funding for Resurfacing of Local Roads Through the Mobile MPO with CRRSAA, LINK TO MAP HERE
In accordance with the Highway Infrastructure Program Funds Pursuant to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) dated January 15,2021 from the Federal Highway Administration, the Mobile Transportation Management Area (TMA) through the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is apportioned $3,193,942 (FY 2021). ln consultation with the State of Alabama, it is the intention of the Mobile MPO to use the Mobile TMA apportioned CRRSAA funding ($3,193,942) for a one time resurfacing program. This funding can be 100% federal funding with no matching requirements; this presents a rare opportunity for the Mobile MPO.
The cities of Creola, Satsuma, Saraland, Chickasaw, Prichard, Semmes and Bayou la Batre have provided a prioritized list of roads that need to be resurfaced within their jurisdiction.
ALDOT is working to finalize roadway plans for the CRRSSA program. As we have all observed, construction and fuel costs have significantly inflated over the last several months- as much as 40% in certain roadway construction materials. In an effort to maximize the number of roads to be resurfaced and stay within the allotted budget, the Department has asked the design consultants to see if cost-saving measures can be taken. This cost-savings review has caused a slight delay in the original schedule, however, those decisions are being finalized at this time so that a path can be determined on how to move forward within each municipality in terms of addressing their needs. The Department plans to receive bids in late summer for these projects. The new cost estimates are:
Bayou La Batre $274,688
Chickasaw $234,706
Creola $257,932
Prichard $564,121
Saraland $334,204
Satsuma $295,757
Semmes $232,003
Total $2,193,411
Please call Kevin Harrison 706-4635 if there are any questions.
RPO Updates
South Alabama Rural Planning Organization recent activities include:
Amending the Fiscal Year 2021 Work Program from last year to include assisting ALDOT by facilitating the public involvement process for ALDOT’s draft Public Involvement Plan for Statewide Transportation Planning.
The purpose of the plan is to implement effective ways for ALDOT to gather information from the public about their transportation needs. The plan is available on ALDOT’s website. All comments must be received on or before October 4, 2021.
ALDOT’s Draft PIP is posted here:
Other recent activities include:
Review and Adopt the Fiscal Year 2022 Work Program which includes a new task of assisting ALDOT by hosting public meetings for the Statewide Long Range Transportation Process
Transportation Improvement Program( TIP)
The TIP represents a four year program (2020-2023) for improvements in the various transportation systems located within the Mobile study area as identified in the Mobile MPO's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP establishes the transportation programs that are needed to meet travel demand by the study year and study area. LRTP projects that become funded are moved into the TIP and submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), where they are programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). For MPO projects, TIP project selection is based on priorities established by MPO member governments and the availability of funds through the Surface Transportation Attributable program. For other projects, ALDOT has discretion of project funding based on availability of funds from various types of funding categories. Most often, projects in the TIP are derived from the LRTP. The TIP guides ALDOT in its annual allocation of funds for transportation improvements and becomes a part of the STIP.
ArcGIS Online is now being utilized by MPO staff to map all federally funded surface transportation projects within our area. Check it out.
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SARPC hosted a retirement party on Thursday, April 28th at the GM&O building, to celebrate Diane Burnett’s 31 years of service to the Commission. Many of you joined us for the event and we thank you for your attendance. Diane has served as the Community Development Director at SARPC for over 20 years and has been a valuable asset to all our member governments throughout her career. During her tenure, she has helped all our cities and towns with countless projects that have helped our Region grow and improve. She has worked alongside numerous planning commissions in providing guidance and technical assistance with their community development needs. She has served on various boards and committees, been a member of many planning groups and organizations, and worked directly with mayors, elected officials, county commissions, and a list of other entities too numerous to list, all in efforts to ensure the best interests of our Region were fulfilled. Diane has a true servant’s heart, with a desire to help and serve others. Her presence will be dearly missed here at SARPC and throughout our Region. We wish her all the best in her well-earned and well-deserved retirement as she moves on to enjoy the next phase of life! THANK YOU for your service Diane and HAPPY RETIREMENT!!
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Current Projects
The Community Development Department has been busy working on numerous projects throughout our Region. In addition to attending monthly planning commission meetings and assisting our cities and towns with all their planning needs, SARPC planners have been working on the following projects:
· City of Semmes - Comprehensive Plan
· Town of Dauphin Island - Zoning Ordinance
· City of Atmore – Rail Spur and Rail Infrastructure at Atmore’s Industrial Park
· Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) – 5-year Update
· Economic Relief and Resiliency Response Plan and Workforce Development Plan
New Projects
SARPC’s Community Development Department is currently seeking a qualified environmental consulting firm to provide grant application assistance, project management, environmental inventory and assessment, and public information and outreach services related to a United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Brownfield Assessment Grant. SARPC will select a qualified firm to assist in grant application preparation and then implementation of the successful grant awarded to SARPC.
The purpose of the U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment grant will be to conduct Phase I and
Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs) at brownfield sites located within the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Three County Region, as part of efforts to spur redevelopment and reuse of these sites. The assessment grant will also allow for site-specific cleanup planning and other brownfield eligible planning activities for eligible brownfield sites targeted for assessment. A link to this information can be found on the home page of our website, or contact Nicole Taylor in our department, or visit:
Open Funding Opportunities
The following funding agencies are currently accepting grant applications for community development projects, transportation and infrastructure projects, job creation, workforce development, and economic development projects, and more. Please contact Nicole Taylor in our department for more information or if interested in applying for any of these opportunities at ntaylor@sarpc.org or (251) 706-4659.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announces the availability of $34.2 million in a fourth round of funding through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative. The funding opportunity seeks to invest in projects providing career and support services to people in the Delta and Appalachian regions so they may secure quality jobs in stable, high-demand occupations. DRA is a hosting and a technical assistance webinar and workshop to complement ETA’s WORC Grant Initiative. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend these events to learn more about how to develop a competitive proposal and to hear from previous grantees about their approach, best practices, and lessons learned.
Additional information and resources are available online and potential applicants are encouraged to visit www.dra.gov/workforce to learn more. For grant eligibility and how to apply, please visit grants.gov.
State’s Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP): This funding opportunity is available for projects supporting one or more of the following categories:
1) Basic Public Infrastructure
2) Transportation Infrastructure
3) Business Development, with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship
4) Workforce Development
Applications are due by June 5, 2022.
· Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA):
· Economic Development Administration (EDA):
Planning Resources
EDA & USDA: The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development just released a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
This joint planning resource guide for rural America will better equip communities with an easy to access and easy to use tools to maximize the work of providing greater and inclusive economic prosperity across our country. The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:
• Planning and technical assistance
• Infrastructure and broadband expansion
• Entrepreneurship and business assistance
• Workforce development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.
VIEW THE JOINT PLANNING RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RURAL AMERICA HERE:
The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments access resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 56-page document includes information for programs related to transportation, high-speed internet, water, power grid and clean energy, resilience, environmental remediation, and place-based initiatives. Visit:
US CENSUS BUREAU
Data.census.gov is the primary platform to access data and digital content from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census continuously updates data.census.gov with new data from the most popular survey and programs that provide the following data needs:
• Educational materials
• Learn about Microdata Access and the Census Data API
• Request a data.census.gov training: ced.cedsci.outreach@census.gov
• Request a training for your local area: census.askdata@census.gov
• Ask your questions: census.data@census.gov
Training Opportunities
CERTIFIED ALABAMA PLANNING AND ZONING OFFICIAL (CAPZO):
UNA Center for Learning and Professional Development & The Alabama Planning Institute offers regular training opportunities via ZOOM. For more information on upcoming trainings, send email to lgatlin@una.edu or call 256-627-3566 to check on your certification or recertification.
CAPZO Certification gives evidence to your community that you have gained the knowledge and skills needed to serve most effectively in your appointed planning position. Your community, in turn, benefits from having its staff, local officials, PC, and BZA members with a solid foundation in the operations of the commission and the board.
WHO SHOULD BECOME CERTIFIED? Local Planning Commission Members, Board of Adjustment Members, Mayors, City Council Members, Zoning & Building Staff, City Clerks, County Commissioners, County Administrators, County Engineers, City & County Attorneys, or anyone involved with local planning and growth issues.
For more CAPZO information, visit:
Announcements
The Community Development Department is happy to welcome our newest community planner, Cade Alred!
Cade is a recent graduate from Jacksonville State University and will be great addition to our department to assist with all your planning needs.
Other staff members of the Community Development Department are:
• Nicole Taylor
• Samara Walley
• Sarah Wraight
Please contact our department at: (251) 706-4659 if you have any questions or planning needs.
Upcoming Events
The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association will hold a joint planning conference with the Mississippi Chapter of the American Planning Association on October 23-26, 2022 in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach. This year’s planning conference will be paired with the Alabama Association of Regional Councils (AARC) conference. Make plans to attend this exciting planning conference. Registration details will be announced soon at: https://alabamaplanning.org/
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Employment and Economic Development Services |
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SARPC Staffing Service
In attempt to reach qualified workers, SARPC’s Staffing Service is attending local events. These events include the Southwest Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo, the Veteran’s Roundtable Discussion, and the Mobile Society of Human Resource Management’s 2022 Spring Mini Conference.
SARPC’s Cheryl Nicholls, Marketing Executive, participated in the Southwest Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo Monday, May 9th. More than 50 area employers, non-profit agencies and government entities attended the event at the Locale on Government Blvd. SARPC’s Staffing Service was able to share information about its Small Business Revolving Loan Fund with a number of small businesses. SARPC was also able to share information about its services with the Boys and Girls Club and the United Cerebral Palsy organization.
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Pictured above is the SARPC Staffing Service table at the Southwest Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo.
Mrs. Nicholls was also invited to participate in the Veteran’s Roundtable Discussion held at the Alabama Career Center (ACC) in Mobile. This discussion was held to provide meaningful services and employment for veterans and identify ways to locate those who have transitioned into civilian life. Meeting highlights included discussions on identifying duplication of efforts to streamline services for veterans and developing avenues to collaborate with other veteran resource agencies.
Several organizations were represented at the Veteran’s Roundtable Discussion. Those that attended the event include:
- Eric Marshall—ACC’s Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist
- John Kilpatrick—Founder and CEO of Veterans Recovery Resources
- David Heart—ACC’s Career Center Specialist
- Hank Lahti—Bay Minette Career Center’s Disabled Veterans’ Employer Representative
- Mark Smith—U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist.
Shannon Diabin, Staffing Service Program Coordinator, attended the Mobile Society of Human Resource Management’s 2022 Spring Mini Conference on May 13th. The focus of the conference was to prioritize mental health, addiction, what is working in the workplace and new workforce trends. The keynote speaker was Cam Marston, with Marston Communications. Additional speakers included Jeff Hill and Ann Marie Meadows, both with Bradford Health.
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Pictured above is the Mobile Society of Human Resources Management’s 2022 Spring mini Conference.
SARPC’s Staffing Service, along with the Senior Community Service Employment Program, met with Jennifer Tremayne— Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Existing Industry Manager of Economic Development—in an effort to extend outreach.
For more information on SARPC Staffing, please call 251-652-0585 or 251-263-3907.
Ready To Work: Job Prep Course
Coastal Alabama Community College is hosting a Ready To Work job prep course free of charge for students. This course will teach students: technology basics, financial skills, communication skills, workplace behaviors and problem solving skills.
Students can earn their National Career Readiness Certificate and Alabama Certified Worker Certificate. They will also earn 4 free credits at Coastal Alabama Community College.
The course will take place June 6th – July 28th. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the course will be held in Foley or Fairhope—depending on student registration. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it will be held in Bay Minette.
To learn more about the course or register, call 251-580-2105 or email elizabeth.wilson@coastalalabama.edu.
Revolving Loan Fund
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When starting a small business, it is not all about the money. It is about having a plan. This is especially true when applying for funding. Not only is a business plan required by the lending organizations, it used to keep the business on track and maintain success.
This plan is not a document to be left on the shelf. It should be a guide to refer to as the days and years pass. This document reveals the targets that should be met to insure continued revenue and increase revenue trajectory. The business plan should also be reviewed and edited as the business and economy change and grow.
For assistance with compiling a business plan for a start-up or existing business, call the Small Business Development Center at 251-460-6078. Their services are free, but the value is enormous!
Once the business plan is complete, you are ready to seek funding opportunities. Make SARPC’s Revolving Loan Fund your first stop. Call us today at 251-652-0585. We look forward to serving you!
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
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The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is seeking to add more host agencies. To be a host agency, the entity must be a government entity or a nonprofit organization.
The host agency would have a SCSEP participant on a job for 19.75 hours per week. It is requested to give an in-kind amount of $1,150 per participant; however, it is not required. The host agency provides the training, while the SCSEP Program pays the stipend of $7.25 per hour—which is paid to the participant. SCSEP is responsible for worker’s compensation insurance and all related employment taxes.
Additionally, SCSEP is seeking seniors interested in enrolling in the program in the following counties: Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile. To be eligible, persons must be 55 years or older, unemployed and fall within 125% of the federal poverty income level.
If you are interested in becoming a host agency or know someone who may benefit from participating in SCSEP, please call 251-652-0585 for more information.
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Older Americans Month has been celebration since 1963, dating back to President John F. Kennedy, and proclaimed by each succeeding president every May, recognizing and calling all people to pay tribute to the older adults in their communities. Likewise, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared May as “Older Americans Month” in the state who urged every resident to take time in May to recognize older adults and the people who serve them as essential and valuable members of the community.
Jean Brown, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS), echoed the governor’s remarks: “Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more,” Brown said. “That’s why Older Americans Month has been recognizing the contributions of this growing population for 59 years. It is important to bring all of our generations together to take part in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” the Commissioner said. “Alabama is fortunate to have a number of community-based services that support independent living and provide opportunities for older adults to work, volunteer, learn, and lead.”
As we celebrate Older Americans Month, Julie McGee, Area Agency on Aging Director, said the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission is committed to engaging and supporting older adults, their families, and caregivers through its 26 senior centers and other programs.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the national observance of Older Americans Month. This year, the ACL will focus on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme for Older American’s Month is Age My Way, which provides an opportunity for everyone to explore the ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. While Age My Way will look different for each person, there are common considerations:
• Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
• Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
• Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
• Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.
Come see the Area Agency on Aging at the Saraland Senior Expo
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For more information about SARPC call 251-433-6541 |
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