Help Us Keep Kids Safe with these
Back-to-School Safe Driving Tips
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We are in the midst of Back-to-School season, which is a notoriously busy time for parents, caregivers, school personnel, and students. Families are focused on making sure their children are prepared for their first day back-to-school and that they have new school supplies, clothes, and healthy lunches.
This time of year also means more traffic and congestion in neighborhoods and on the roadways. It's essential for drivers to pay attention, slow down, and take their time as they drive near children and school buses. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended when it is loading or unloading children.
That is why we are debuting the second video in our Safe Driving Video series, which provides drivers with practical tips on how they can safely operate their vehicle near school buses. Click here or the image above to watch it. After you've finished watching, please help us protect local children and share it with your colleagues and friends! The more informed everyone is, the safer our roads will be.
For additional tips when driving near school buses, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's online resources.
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Is Your Organization in Need of Funding?
Take a look at these Grant Opportunities
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications through Sept. 28 for its Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) program. This streamlined program, which combined two different programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, makes it easier for communities that are seeking funding for projects which address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate equitable community revitalization, and improve access to everyday destinations. To apply, applicants should review the program's FAQs and additional resources here.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications for its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program through Oct. 10. The SMART program was established to provide grants ($100 million in total annually) to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation efficiency and safety. Eligible projects include coordinated automation, connected vehicles, systems integration, and innovative aviation. Applicants can find more examples of projects, FY22 SMART awards, and other resources here.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is accepting applications through Oct. 10 for its Transit-Oriented Development Pilot program. This program provides funding for an eligible transit project for which the project sponsor seeks funding through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program. Grants are available to assist with financing comprehensive or site-specific planning. This year, applications with a substantial focus on affordable housing may receive up to 100 percent of federal support. Applicants can find a helpful presentation, examples of past projects, FAQs, and previous awards here.
If your government entity or organization is interested in pursuing funding under these grant opportunities and/or wants information on how to request our support for your application, please contact Lillian Gabreski. Lillian is our Manager of Sponsored Programs Development and she can be reached at [email protected].
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Spotlighting Our Staff Members |
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We are very proud to have such talented, dedicated, and hardworking staff members on our team. Recently, three of our staff members have been shining in their respective fields, and we wanted to share the good news! |
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Erika Eagan
Models & Data Analyst
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Eagan has become one of our most sought-after speakers! She recently presented her methodology and a few case studies at the annual GIS-T Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In her presentation, Eagan explained how our organization uses StreetLight to measure bike, pedestrian, vehicle, and trucking activities at various levels of geography throughout the region, and how the data provides insights that help evaluate existing infrastructure. Additionally, she was asked to present at a virtual Transportation Essential Series where she cited a few examples of our work. She focused her remarks on our US-30 and SR-28 Corridor studies, and explained how our team developed a methodology using StreetLight to effectively evaluate travel patterns, like travel times and short distance trips.
She has worked at our organization since 2019. Eagan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Public Policy & Management from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University.
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Andy Waple
Deputy Executive Director, Programs Division
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Waple, our Deputy Executive Director--Programs Division, recently obtained his Executive Leadership Certification from Cornell University.
He has been with our organization since 2015. Prior to his current role, Waple served as the Director of Transportation Planning and Transportation Program Development Manager.
Before coming to SPC, Waple served as the Director of Transportation/MPO Administrator of the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization -- the MPO for the Fredericksburg, Virginia region.
Waple has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also has his AICP certification.
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Catherine Tulley
Manager, Environmental Programs
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Tulley was recently invited to serve as a guest speaker at a recent water infrastructure funding event hosted by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Network. Additionally, she is a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) and recently qualified as a Municipal NPDES Stormwater Permit Inspector in June.
She has been with our organization since 2014, and has served in a variety of roles including Senior Data Analyst and Data Analyst before being promoted to Manager of Environmental Programs, which includes leading our organization's Water Resource Center.
Tulley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography, Applied Geographic Technology with an Environmental Studies concentration from Slippery Rock University. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Public Administration from Ohio University.
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ICYMI: News We're Paying Attention To |
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Butler Eagle: Cranberry receives over $165,000 in traffic safety grant
The Leader Times: Local officials react to approval of PA Broadband Development Authority program
Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh's 30th Street Bridge reopens after $1.8M refurbishing
Tribune-Review: Westmoreland officials hopeful Amazon warehouse portends future growth
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Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
in Our Region
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a series of free in-person and virtual workshops for municipalities interested in electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation will host a virtual webinar to train local and tribal agencies about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's federal requirements. This training will provide basic program information about the law, as well general guidance about eligible programs and grants. It will be held on Sept.6 at 2 p.m. To register click here.
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Interested in Joining Our Team? |
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Our organization needs to hire for two full-time positions, a Transportation Planner/Development Associate and a Transportation Demand Coordinator.
As a Transportation Planner/Development Associate, you will be responsible for the research and development of discretionary funding applications for local, state and federal programs to advance the priorities of the region. For additional responsibilities and how to apply click here.
As a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator, you will be responsible for supporting, developing, and implementing our TDM program by performing outreach to employers, educational institutions, and the general public by providing information about TDM strategies and alternate modes of transportation. For additional responsibilities and how to apply click here.
We offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package which includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, and FSA insurance
- Flexible hybrid work schedule
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Modern office environment (we are located in The Terminal, in the heart of the Strip District)
- Vacation time, sick time and personal leave
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Tuition assistance
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This e-newsletter is provided as a service to all SPC members. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected]
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