Winter Hibernation: Cuddle Up with Blueprint America Series and Economic Development Opportunities

Blueprint America, the PBS series about infrastructure in the United States, has some videos and reports archived that provide some interesting watching and reading for transit geeks. There are reports about competing ideas about what infrastructure to invest in, what type of transportation will create job growth, and mobility options that promote public health.

With some popcorn, a blanket and some hot chocolate, this might serve constitute work on one of those upcoming snow days - not that I would personally do that. Confession: Yes, I already watched one infrastructure documentary on a work-at-home day, but that was during lunch (soup, if I remember correctly).

Economic Development

Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)
The Rural and Tribal Passenger Transportation Technical Assistance Programs are inviting applications for long-term technical assistance projects. These projects help rural communities enhance economic growth and development by improving passenger transportation services and facilities. Technical assistance provides planning to support transit service improvements and expansion, system start-up, facility development, development of marketing plans and materials, transportation coordination, training and other public transit problem solving activities. Technical Assistance is provided by CTAA staff and consultants and involves on-site and off-site work conducted over a period of eight to twelve months. No local match is required. Information is available at http://web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=49&z=5.

National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)
On Feb. 8, 2011, at the 2011 Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference, NARC and its Pathways Out of Poverty project team will present a workshop on the importance of partnerships in regional workforce and economic development programs, entitled “Partnerships and Pathways: Keys to Success in Regional Green Jobs Training and Placement.” This will be a forum for sharing ideas and strategies for building a green economy that creates good jobs, reduces global warming and other environmental problems, and secures America’s economic and environmental future.