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.
In This Issue

A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TRANSPORTATION

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

AREA AGENCY ON AGING

STAY CONNECTED TO SARPC ON FACEBOOK

FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As SARPC Executive Director, I am pleased to report that our Department Directors, including me, have over 140 years of service to this Agency. This experience has enabled us, even during the tremendously stressful COVID era that still exists, to maintain a superior level of professionalism and dedication in serving the citizens of Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia Counties.
 
Our Departments are led by: Director of Administrative Services, Robbie Young; Director of Transportation Planning, Kevin Harrison; Director of Community Planning, Diane Burnett; Area Agency on Aging Director, Julie McGee; and Employment and Economic Development Services Director, Terri Pringle. We all strive to enhance the Region in any way possible and welcome your input.
 
Also, the SARPC Annual Meeting and Strategic Session, due to COVID, has been re-scheduled for March 24th and 25th, 2022 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Al. Please contact me for information and SPONSORSHIP opportunities remain available. Thanks and please be safe!!


John F. (Rickey) Rhodes
Executive Director
rrhodes@sarpc.org
Direct: 251-706-4667
Cell: 251-421-9400

TRANSPORTATION

Mobile MPO Updates

Mobile MPO met December 15th.Of note, was a discussion on the I-10 Mobile River Bridge. For agenda and adopted resolutions, please see https://mobilempo.org/MPOmeetings.html

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
 
There was a stakeholder on November 30th at 2:00 PM in the GMO Building in the SARPC Board Room. There is a questionnaire to be filled out by attendees, that you should have received. If you have not received the questionnaire, please contact Kevin Harrison.

The Steering Committee met last month and some topics discussed included identifying which municipalities have complete Streets requirements, and how to best go about identifying underground utilities and stormwater systems. The consultant and MPO Staff will be setting up individual meetings with leaders from each municipalities in the coming weeks to discuss the plan.
 
The Plan is for better integration and connectivity of land use and transportation planning, to ensure existing and future on-system corridors are managed and/or preserved as part of the long-range comprehensive planning efforts and as development occurs. A complete Major Road Plan to include regulatory components, current practices, case studies, and guidance for Mobile County and Municipalities within Mobile County. 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. This will require coordination with all planning jurisdictions in Mobile County.

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. The PE projects (design projects) were sent to FHWA for fund authorization. 
 
Neel Shafer has received the Notice To Proceed on the following seven Projects listed below:
 
CRSAMB-4921(251)                  $27,420.00
CRSAMB-4921(252)                  $32,285.00
CRSAMB-4921(253)                  $31,456.00
CRSAMB-4921(254)                  $65,000.00
CRSAMB-4921(255)                  $53,492.00
CRSAMB-4921(256)                  $31,124.00
CRSAMB-4921(257)                  $37,828.00
 
Soon, the cities will begin to see activities in terms of some survey work, geotechnical work, etc.. on the streets proposed for resurfacing. Also, Neel Shafer will soon begin the process of reaching out and working with the cities to provide the necessary documents required for the federal funds to be spent. This include documents such as the ROW certification, encroachment notices, etc…
 
As of now, due to the scope of these projects, the proposed letting date is sometime late spring/early summer in 2022, assuming no issues with the city certifications, etc.
 
Please call Kevin Harrison 706-4635 if there are any questions.

RPO Updates

The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) met recently using the GoToMeeting app.
 
One item on the agenda was to amend the Fiscal Year 2021 Work Program 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 items on the agenda included:
 
 
  • 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
 
 
 
We’re also building an online interactive map of all of the RPO projects. Once it’s complete we will send out a link to all the RPO members and they’ll be able to reference it for grant applications and the like.
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.
 
2020-2023 E-STIP HERE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
Funding Opportunities

EDA American Rescue Plan Act Programs

  • Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. Open Now. Competitive applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications are encouraged to be submitted by January 31, 2022.
  • Economic Adjustment Assistance. Open Now. Competitive applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications are encouraged to be submitted by March 31, 2022.
  • Indigenous Communities. Open Now. Competitive applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Application deadline is September 30, 2022.


DOI Agricultural Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022 - Fostering District and Farmer Water Saving Partnerships
Sustainability, Agriculture

Through Agricultural Water Use Efficiency (AWUE) Grants, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. The AWUE program also supports Reclamation’s priorities, including increasing water supplies, leveraging science and technology to improve water supply reliability, addressing ongoing drought, and improving water supplies for tribal and rural communities. Application deadline is March 4, 2022.



1/11/22: NSF CISE Community Research Infrastructure
Research, Clusters

The CCRI program supports three classes of awards:
  • Planning Community Infrastructure (Planning) awards support planning efforts to engage research communities to develop new CISE community research infrastructures. Such an infrastructure could be eventually funded through the CCRI program (Planning-C) or the NSF mid-scale research infrastructure programs (Planning-M). For the scope of mid-scale research infrastructure proposals, see the most recent solicitation NSF 21-505.
  •  Medium Community Infrastructure (Medium) awards support the creation of new CISE community research infrastructure or the enhancement of existing CISE community research infrastructure with integrated tools, resources, user services, and research community outreach to enable innovative CISE research opportunities to advance the frontiers of the CISE core research areas. The Medium award class includes New (New) and Enhance/Sustain (ENS)awards.
  •  Grand Community Infrastructure (Grand) awards support projects involving significant efforts to develop new CISE community research infrastructure or to enhance and sustain an existing CISE community research infrastructure to enable world-class CISE research opportunities for broad-based communities of CISE researchers that extend well beyond the awardee organization(s).

Application deadline is June 23, 2022.



Events

CTE 4th Annual Summit on Workforce Development at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The Summit will bring together a variety of industry sector association representatives, workforce development professionals, and business leaders all focused on strengthening the partnerships between business and education. The Summit is being produced by the Association for Career and Technical Education in partnership with Ford Next Generation Learning. To learn more and/or register please visit: www.acteonline.org/wfd-cte

Tools & Data

ETA Publishes Second Quarter Unemployment Insurance Data Summary

The Employment and Training Administration has recently announced that the that the 2021 2nd Quarter UI Data Summary data is now available on the Department of Labor, Office of Unemployment Insurance, data page. This publication is now being displayed as an interactive historical database. To display the quarterly data for all states, you can select the “2nd Quarter 2021 Summary Tables “link or select “Quarter/Year” with “All Categories” for 2021 2nd quarter.

Disaster Assistance Resources Sources

These announcement and opportunities are gathered from multiple sources including:


To learn more about EDA’s Economic Development Integration and Disaster Recovery Resources, visit www.eda.gov/edi, or email us at EDI@eda.gov

Employment and Economic Development Services
 
SARPC Staffing Service
Pictured here is Mobile County Commissioner Ludgood and Cheryl Nicholls of SARPC’s Employment and Economic Development Services attending Engaging the Next Generation.

SARPC Staffing Service was invited to participate as a vendor in the 2021 Engaging the Next Generation event hosted by the United Way of Southwest Alabama. The United Way invited more than 40 area non-profit agencies to mix and mingle with young professionals to educate them about the variety of volunteer and internship opportunities that are available with each respective agency. We were proud to be able to support the United Way and the community.

Shannon Raley attended the SHRM monthly meeting on December 10th at the Heron Country Club. The guest speaker was Celia J. Collins, JD. She shared information on the vaccine mandate and how it is being address in the circuit court of appeals. The mandate to effect employers of 100 or more, was to be enforced on January 10 but could meet with further challenges to enforcement.

Ms. Raley also attended the Alabama Career Center’s quarterly meeting on December 16th. The discussion included the impact the workforce shortage has on local businesses and their ability/inability to serve their customers/clients.

These meetings are a great tool for market-sharing with other agencies attending.

Our goal at SARPC Staffing Service is to streamline the payroll and hiring process, adding value back to your day. We offer high quality recruiting and payroll services to governmental and non- profit agencies. For more information call 251-263-3907 or 251-652-0585. It is our desire to assist you with your staffing needs.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

We are pleased to welcome the City of Saraland as a new host agency which is ready to receive Senior Community Service Employment Program participants. The City Clerk, Judy Smith, will be designating a participant to be assigned to the local Senior Center to provide assistance with meal distribution.
The Senior Community Service Employment (SCSEP) program is seeking to add more host agencies to the program. To be a host agency the entity must be a government entity or a nonprofit organization. The host agency/organization would have a SCSEP participant on a job for 19.75 hours per week.
 
The host agency 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 for the stipend of $7.25 per hour paid to the participant. SCSEP is responsible for worker’s compensation insurance and all related employment taxes.
 
Additionally, we are seeking seniors interested in enrolling in the program in all three counties: Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile.
 
To be eligible, persons must be 55 year or older, who are not currently working and fall within the 125% Federal poverty income level.
 
If you are interested in becoming a host agency or you know of someone who may benefit by being in the SCSEP program, please call 251.591.6506 or 251.263.3907 for more information.
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

The Revolving Loan Fund program provides funding for start up businesses and expanding companies. The funds can be used for working capital, purchase of equipment, building, or renovatni of an exiting building. 
 
The minimum loan would be $10,000 and the maximum would be $75,000. 
 
Find out how the Revolving Loan Fund can be used to bridge the gap of the cash needed to complete business projects or provide small business funding through a direct loan. 
 
Help us spread the word that we have the money if you have the time!
 
For more information call 251-591-6506.
Area Agency on Aging

COVID Vaccines Clinics being held in Escambia County $50 gift cards available for Older Adults with 1st and 2nd vaccinations.
The Area Agency on Aging and Escambia County Agency on Aging are hosting on-going COVID-19 vaccination clinics for older adults to receive 1st, 2nd or booster shots of Moderna or Pfizer. Persons age 60 and over receiving their 1st or 2nd vaccination are eligible to receive a $50 gift card. Below are some of the upcoming clinics, call the Escambia County Agency on Aging for information on times, locations or additional upcoming clinics in late February and March.
 
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd from 10-2 at East Brewton City Hall
Wednesday Feb 9th, Atmore
Tuesday February 15thfrom 10-2 at Walgreens, 1504 S. Main Street, Atmore
Wednesday, February 16th, Housing Authority of Brewton

The Area Agency on Aging can also assist homebound persons obtain COVID-19 vaccinations in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties. Contact Sheila Green at 251-895-0246.
Circle of Friends
Free Tax Preparation Program
The Area Agency on Aging's RSVP program provides free tax filing for older adults. Pictured are RSVP volunteers with the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly program receiving updated training at the PZK hall in Robertsdale in January 2022.
SHIP LIS and MSP Outreach Flyers!
Caregiver Burnout is Real!

The Area Agency on Aging is partnering with AARP Alabama to provide a zoom workshop on caregiver burnout. Helpful tips and resources will be provided on Tuesday, February 15 at 11:00 am at this event. Contact Della Sanchez, Alabama Cares Coordinator, at 251-706-4650 or dellasanchez@sarpc.org for details. 
Older Childless Workers Eligible for Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) temporarily expanded the existing small federal earned income tax credit (EITC) for low-wage working adults without children at home by increasing the maximum credit and broadening the eligibility to younger and older workers. This newly eligible population consists of childless adults between the ages of 19-24 and over the age of 65. The expansion goes into effect this year (for those with earnings in tax year 2021) and will benefit 17 million+ adult workers without children who were previously taxed into, or deeper into, poverty. The maximum EITC for this population nearly triples to roughly $1,500, and the income limit to qualify has increased to about $21,000 ($27,000 for couples married filing jointly). Eligible workers must file to get the credit, even if they don’t owe federal income tax. 

For more information about SARPC call 251-433-6541