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Legislative Luncheon - Upcoming!

Each year WestCOG works with its member municipalities to produce an inventory of regional legislative priorities to share with the legislators of the region. This upcoming session will take place in February 2022, stay tuned for details on the time, place, and legislative items!

Open Space Inventory Completed

With funding from the Nature conservancy, WestCOG was able to collect open space data; modernize the data for Sustainable CT and FEMA’s CRS Programs. The new form recognizes the variety of protection (and lack of protection) for around~15,000 open space properties in both the WestCOG Region and Fairfield County. This update arrives with an annual maintenance schedule to keep the data relevant moving forward.

WestCOG is also working to standardize the data schema used in this effort (originally created by Sustainable CT) as a statewide data standard. Approval of the Schema goes before the CT GIS Network during their February Meeting.

More information on viewing, downloading, and using the data can be found on the WestCOG website.

WestCOG Economic Strategy Update

During the January WCEDD Council meeting, WestCOG will kick off the update to it’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process. The CEDS, developed by regional stakeholders from economic sectors across the WestCOG region, provides a list of goals and strategies to foster sustainable and equitable economic development in WestCOG. Additionally, the CEDS provides a framework for the WCEDD Council to approve regional projects seeking Federal funding. By statute, the CEDS must be updated every five years and progress is reported annually to the EDA.

The WCEDD Meeting is scheduled for 1/13/2022, 1:00 PM | Meeting Registration

Information on the program can be found on the WestCOG website and questions regarding the CEDS/EDD/ WCEDD Council can be directed to Betsy Paynter at bpaynter@westcog.org

T2 Discussion - Complete Streets

The T2 Center is hosting a virtual “Coffee and Conversation” with Portland's Director of Public Works, Robert Shea and learn about their Nationally recognized complete streets program. Details and registration link provided below. Hosted by UConn’s T2 Center.

Time: January 27 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

T2 Discussion - Winter Road Maintenance

The T2 Center is hosting a virtual “Coffee and Conversation” with James Mahoney, Executive Director of the CT Advanced Pavement Lab at UConn to discuss best practices for keeping roadways safe while helping the environment and saving money (yes, it is possible).

Time: February 24th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

RFQ – Metro-North Railroad New Canaan Branch Noise Pollution Abatement Feasibility Study

In December 2021, WestCOG is issued a Request for Qualifications to secure consulting services for a Noise Pollution Abatement Study for the New Canaan Branch of the Metro North Railroad. This study will follow up on significant input provided in prior years by local officials and members of the public concerning the impacts of railroad operations upon the host communities.

The RFQ was posted on WestCOG’s RFP/RFQ page on December 10th, 2021. Qualifications are due on Friday, January 14, 2022. WestCOG anticipates selecting a consultant and beginning work on the Study in early 2022. To learn more about the Study and review the preliminary scope of work, consulting firm requirements, and submission instructions, visit WestCOG’s RFQ Page.

ARPA Fund Spending

The WestCOG is here to help answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and support you as needed regarding your ARPA funds. Contact Betsy Paynter @ bpaynter@westcog.org to discuss your ARPA funds spending questions.

A few reminders:

Eligible uses of these funds include:

• Revenue replacement for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, relative to revenues collected in the most recent fiscal year prior to the emergency,

• COVID-19 expenditures or negative economic impacts of COVID-19, including assistance to small businesses, households, and hard-hit industries, and economic recovery,

• Premium pay for essential workers,

• Investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

Restrictions on the uses of these funds include:

• Funds allocated to states cannot be used to directly or indirectly to offset tax reductions or delay a tax or tax increase.

• Funds cannot be deposited into any pension fund.

Funding must be spent by the end of calendar year 2024.

TAG Meeting: 1/11/2022 11:00 AM | Meeting Registration

WCEDD Meeting 1/13/2022, 1:00 PM | Meeting Registration

SWR & HV MPO Meetings: 1/20/2022, 12:00 PM | Meeting Registration

WestCOG Meeting: 1/20/2022, 12:30 PM | Meeting Registration