Washington Report February 2001 American Public Works Association Washington Office  Robert E. Clegg, P.E., Government Affairs Committee Chair • Peter B. King, Executive Director •1401 K Street, NW, 11th floor, Washington, DC 20005 • 202-408-9541 • Fax 202-408-9542 • email [email protected] • www.apwa.net

TRANSPORTATION Letter to President Bush APWA URGES WHITE HOUSE TO SUPPORT FULL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING APWA President Judith M. Mueller has sent a letter to President Bush urging him to “protect the integrity of TEA-21 and AIR- 21 (The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, respectively).”

Speaking for APWA, Mueller, who is public works director in Charlottesville, VA, wrote, “We understand that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) does intend to propose funding TEA-21 and AIR-21 at their authorized levels. We stand in strong support of this action.”

She emphasized that the “dedicated funding of both TEA-21 and AIR –21 must be protected. If the money is not utilized for its intended purpose, compromises in the safety and quality of life for our citizens may occur.”

Over the previous weeks information had come from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposing full funding of TEA-21 but not AIR-21, creating a $568 million shortfall in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding. This news kicked off a flurry of activity for Congressional committee leaders, industry, associations and trade supporters of transportation to reverse the decision. US Department of Transportation (US DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta urged the Bush administration to fully fund AIR-21 at its authorized levels citing grave consequences for an already strained aviation system.

Pipeline Safety SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION; BILL REPORTED TO HOUSE The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (S 235), which mandates more frequent inspections of pipelines, requires reporting spills and increases civil penalties for violators, passed the Senate by a margin of 98-0. Introduced by Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the bill was reported to the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Pipeline safety has been brought to the forefront of Congress’s agenda due to recent pipeline explosions in Bellingham, WA and Carlsbad, NM, claiming several lives, including 8 children.

During the previous Congress, similar legislation was introduced by Senator McCain and passed in the Senate. However, the bill died in the House with some members declaring the legislation weak on the Office of Pipeline Safety reform and the industry itself.

Transportation Planning Regulations BUSH ADMINISTRATION DELAYS PROMULGATION PENDING REVIEW The three-part regulation including statewide and metropolitan planning is among many proposed rules placed on hold until sufficient review has been completed by President Bush’s administration. ( Upon being sworn into office, President Bush placed an immediate freeze on all regulations that were under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The transportation planning regulation package has been controversial, particularly the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) provisions. APWA submitted comments on the proposed rule to FHWA in September of last year and has supported Inside You’ll Find: Page 2—TEA-21 Reauthorization Task Force, Transportation Emissions Reduction, Clean Air Decision; Page 3— Water Infrastructure Network, Brownfields, Brownfields Technical Assistance, Congressional Rural Caucus; Page 4—more Caucus; Page 5—National Rural Network, Investing in Communities Coalition, Census 2000; Page 6--Congressional Leadership; Page 7—APWA Web site, Advocacy Information Opportunity, State Advocacy, Recruitment/Retention Training; Page 8-- Other Internet Resources, Federal Emergency Management Agency

the provisions for local official participation in non-metropolitan or rural areas in the statewide transportation planning process.

Also on hold is the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture part of the rule. Until the status of the regulations is known, FHWA has advised division and regional administrators to follow the statutory requirements set forth in TEA-21.

Senator Bob Smith (R-NH), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has stated he plans to address environmental streamlining rules in his committee this year. During the wrap-up of the 106th Congress, Senator Smith had introduced legislation that would have scraped the entire package and directed the US Department of Transportation ( US DOT) to reissue a new rule after further comments and review.

TEA-21 Reauthorization Task Force APWA PRESIDENT APPOINTS 12-MEMBERS; MEETING SCHEDULED IN MARCH APWA President Judith Mueller has appointed 12 members from throughout the US to serve on an internal task force to address APWA’s priorities for TEA-21 reauthorization. (The legislation is due to expire in 2003.)

The task force will serve as the main body to develop and present policy on reauthorization to the Government Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors for final approval. In turn, the policies adopted will guide APWA's efforts throughout the reauthorization process.

Applications to serve on the Task Force were solicited late last year with more than 50 members sending letters expressing interest. Those who have been appointed and agreed to serve are: Chairman, Donald LaBelle, CA Edward Laudenslager, IL Board of Director Liaison, Marshall Elizer, TN Mary Meloy, OR Jerry Fay, WA Milton Mitchell, NY Bruce Florquist, WY John Okamoto, WA John German, TX Richard Storm, KY John Herzke, VA Lance Wilber, AK

The Task Force will hold its first meeting in APWA’s Washington, DC office on March 19-20, 2001.

Transportation Emissions Reduction US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) SEEKS PROPOSALS A request for proposals has been issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to state, local, multi-state and tribal agencies involved with climate change and transportation/air-quality issues, for pilot projects that have a high potential to spur innovations in the reduction of transportation-related emissions and vehicle miles traveled, at the local level and throughout the .

Appearing in the February 21, 2001, Federal Register, the request cites particular interest in projects that incorporate at least one of the following: • smart growth efforts that reduce transportation-related emissions • commuter choice • cleaner vehicles/green fleets

Financial assistance will range from $50,000 up to $300,000 to each recipient, in the form of cooperative agreements.

The Office of Transportation and Air Quality requests applicants to submit an informal Intent to Apply by Wednesday, March 14, 2001. Deadline for submitting final proposals is Tuesday, April 24, 2001.

US EPA has scheduled two sets of conference calls to help agencies decide prior to the Intent to Apply deadline whether this competition is appropriate for them and to answer questions about correctly completing and submitting proposals. Call dates and times, phone numbers and access codes can be obtained from Mary Walsh, US EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Transportation and Regional Programs Division, 2000 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105; 734-214-4205; fax: 734-214-4052; [email protected]. ENVIRONMENT Clean Air Decision US SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S CLEAN AIR AUTHORITY The US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority, as legislated in the 1970 Clean Air Act, to set standards based on public health when regulating acceptable levels of ozone and soot. Arguments against the clean air standards claimed EPA regulations would cause unjustifiable costs in the billions. Washington Report, February 2001 page 2

The Court’s opinion stated that the Clean Air Act “unambiguously bars cost considerations” when setting clean air standards. Also, it rejected the argument that EPA had taken over Congress’ lawmaking power in violation of the Constitution—termed the “non-delegation doctrine.” The opinion stated that EPA’s clean air rules fit comfortably within the scope permitted.”

Water Infrastructure Network APWA URGES INCREASED FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE The American Public Works Association (APWA) joined other members of the Water Infrastructure Network (WIN), Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Peter DeFazio (R-OR) and John Dingell (D-MI) on Capitol Hill February 13, 2001, to unveil the release of a new report calling on Congress to increase federal investment in the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

The WIN report titled, Water Infrastructure Now: Recommendations for Clean and Safe Water in the 21 Century, calls for a five-year, $57 billion federal investment to repair and modernize aging drinking water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

“The staggering cost of maintaining, operating, rehabilitating, and replacing our aging water infrastructure requires a new partnership between federal, state and local government,” said Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, president of the National League of Cities. “We call upon the new leadership in Washington to renew the federal financial commitment to assist local governments in meeting the growing water and wastewater infrastructure needs.”

To bridge the investment gap, the federal government should meet localities halfway by authorizing an average of $11.5 billion in capitalization funds over five years, the report proposes. States would receive the funds and in turn offer grants and loans to local agencies. In a year of unprecedented federal surpluses, the time for renewing the nation’s commitment to its water resources is now, states the WIN report. WIN is a non-partisan coalition of local elected officials, drinking water and wastewater service providers, environmental groups, labor unions, and construction and engineering professionals.

Other legislative recommendations made by the report include: • authorizing a variety of financial mechanisms, such as grants, loans, loan subsidies and credit assistance; • focusing on critical “core” water and wastewater infrastructure needs and nonpoint source pollution; • streamlining the federal and state administration of infrastructure funds and adequately financing state programs; • establishing a new program for technology and management innovation to reduce costs, prolong the life of America’s water infrastructure, and improve productivity; and • providing expanded, targeted technical assistance to communities most in need.

The report is currently posted on the government affairs section of the APWA web site. It is available at: http://www.apwa.net/GovtAffairs/.

Brownfields LEGISLATION INTRODUCED FOR ASSESSMENT AND CLEANUPS A “brownfields” bill (S 350) has been introduced in the Senate and the House is planning to work on a brownfields measure in March. The Senate version is almost identical to a bill that had broad support in the Senate last session but got stopped by disagreements over its impact on overhauling the superfund law

The Senate measure provides $150 million annually from fiscal 2002 through 2006 to assess the fitness of sites for clean up, $50 million in grants for state cleanups, and limits EPA from saying a site is ready for development then saying further clean up is needed.

Brownfields Technical Assistance TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT AVAILABLE THROUGH CENTERS, WEB AND PUBLCATION US EPA’s Technology Innovation Office operates a Brownfields Technology Support Center which can provide, at no cost, unbiased assessments on options relevant to decision-makers involved in redevelopment. Contact the Center toll-free at 877- 838-7220 or on the web at www.brownfield-stsc.org. The Center also provides a newsletter, Cleanup News. To order call 301-652-7001 or access it at www.epa.gov/ooeca.osre.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL Congressional Rural Caucus BIPARTISAN CO-CHAIRS AND TASK FORCES IDENTIFIED; CONTACTS URGED The Congressional Rural Caucus has rounded out its organization of task force co-chairs and committee members to address ten major areas of concerns in the nation’s smaller cities and rural communities and has asked for input from APWA on public works issues that should be addressed by the Caucus.

Washington Report, February 2001 page 3

As an initial response, APWA staff delivered information to the Caucus’s Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force on behalf of APWA’s Small Cities/Rural Communities Forum(SC/RC) listing the Association’s current public policy priorities. The priorities are: funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure rural transportation infrastructure, including rural transit requirements; rural local official participation in the state transportation planning process; respect for local authority and protection from unfunded mandates.

SCRC Forum Chair Greg Dore, public works director, Skowhegan, ME, encourages APWA members in smaller communities to become acquainted with their members of the US House of Representatives, let them know about the public works challenges in small jurisdictions and urge them to become a part of the Congressional Rural Caucus if they do not currently participate.

Additionally, the SC/RC Forum will continue to keep up-to-date on public works concerns that should be called to the attention of the Caucus. Issues and concerns can be shared through APWA’s web-based infoNOW Small Cities/Rural Communities Section or by contacting Beth Denniston in APWA’sWashington Office, 202-408-9541, email [email protected]. The Caucus Task Force membership list follows:

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (Chairs: Representative Chip Pickering (R-MS)—staff contact: John Rounsaville, 202-225-5031; Representative (D-TX)—staff contact: Trent Ashby, 202-225-240 Wayne Gilchrest Bob Goodlatte Marion Berry George Nethercutt James Clyburn Collin Peterson Ray LaHood Ron Lewis J.D. Hayworth Jim Ryun Tom Udall Charles Taylor Bob Clemont Ronnie Show Kenny Hulshof Joe Skeen James Oberstar Mark Green John McHugh Mac Thornberry J.C. Watts John Baldacci Frank LoBiondo Richard Pombo Charlie Stenholm Ernie Fletcher Sherwood Boehlert ECONOMIC, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (including housing, captial access, and small business) (Chairs: Representative Robin Hayes (R-NC)—staff contact: Tim Peters, 202-225-3715; Representative Ron Kind (D-WI)—staff contact: Sherry Harper, 202-225-5506) Dave Hobson Walter Jones McDonald Virgil Goode Paul Kanjorski Martin Frost Ken Lucas Greg Walden Walter Jones Paul Gillmor Doug Bereuter Wes Watkins Collin Peterson Maurice Max Sandlin Thomas Allen James Leach Hinchey John McHugh Ed Pastor Marcy Kaptur Nick Rahall Donna Christensen- Sanford Bishop Bob Riley J.C. Watts Green Lois Capps John Sweeney Jim Turner Ted Strickland Danny Davis Baron Hill Roger Wicker Frank Lucas Bennie Thompson Juanita Millender- John Olver DRUG WAR (Chairs: Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN), 202-225-3271; Representative Max Sandlin (D-TX), 202-225-3035 Asa Hutchinson Steny Hoyer Joe Barton Rick Hill Gary Condit Patsy Mink Edolphus Towns Wally Herger Chet Edwards Ike Skelton EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE (Chairs: John Thune (R-SD)—staff contact: Jennifer Bell, 202-225-2801; Representative Bob Etheridge (D-NC)—staff contact: Pat Devlin, 202-225-4531) Bob Schaffer Heather Wilson Lois Capps Ciro D. Rodriguez Lane Evans David Phelps Ron Paul Van Hilleary John Peterson Sanford Bishop Brian Baird Bernie Sanders Karen Thurman Ed Whitfield Allen Boyd HEALTHCARE (Chairs: Representative John Peterson (R-PA)—staff acontact: Jeff Vorberger, Representatiave Bart Stupak (D-MI)—staff contact: Sean Wherley,202-225-4735 ) Wayne Gilchrest Karen Thurman Kenny Hulshof Mike McIntyre Vic Snyder Ray LaHood Ciro D. Rodriguez Jim Gibbons Gil Gutknecht David Phelps George Nethercutt John McCrey Ralph Hall Charles Bass Charlie Stenholm Mark Green Robert Ney Ronnie Shows Mark Foley Zach Wamp Thomas Allen Wally Herger Brian Baird Phil English Mike Thompson BarbaraCubin Nancy Johnson

Washington Report, February 2001 page 4

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE (Chairs: Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL—staff contact: Mark Dawson, 202-225-4876; Representative James Clyburn (D-SC)—staff contact: Lindy Birch, 202-225-3315) Robert Ney Eni Faleomavaega Gene Taylor Charles Bass Jerry Costello Roger Wicker Don Young John Sweeney Peter DeFazio Thomas Petri TELECOMMUNICATIONS (Chairs: Representative Jerry Moran (R-KS)—staff contact : Kim Rullman; Representative Chris John (D-LA)—staff contact: David Kay, 202-225-2031) GilGutknecht Peter DeFazio Robin Hayes Nathan Deal Rick Boucher John Shimkus J.C. Watts Paul Gillmor Bob Goodlatte Collin Peterson John Olver Joe Barton Bart Stupack Heather Wilson Roy Blunt Chip Pickering Ted Strickland Cliff Stearns TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (Chairs: Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID)—staff contact: John Revier, 202-225-5531; Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)—staff contact: Roxanne Burnham, 202-225-3631) Asa Hutchinson Peter DeFazio Mike Thompson Wes Watkins Al Wynn William Delahunt Jim Kolbe John Tanner Terry Everett Amo Houghton Vic Snyder Phil English William Jenkins Steny Hoyer Richard Pombo Kevin Brady Nick Smith Earl Hilliard J.C. Watts ENERGY (Chairs: Representatiave J.C. Watts—staff contact: Josh McClintock, 202-225-6165; Representative Gene Taylor (D-MS)—staff contact: Randy Jennings, 202-225-5772) Bernie Sanders Peter DeFazio Robert Aderhol Ken Lucas John Peterson Jim Ryun Ted Stricklund Greg Walden Mike Simpson Ronnie Shows Mac Thornberry John Skimkus

National Rural Network (NRN) APWA CO-SIGNS LETTERS SUPPORTING RURAL CAUCUS RECOMMENDATIONS TO PRESIDENT As a member of the National Rural Network, a group of associations concerned about the rural implications of federal policies, APWA is among more that 30 organizations signing a letter to members of the US House of Representatives urging them to sign a letter to President Bush from the Congressional Rural Caucus.

The Caucus’s letter to the President states, “All rural policy makers generally agree that one of their greatest obstacles is the fragmented and often unfocused rural policy framework of our federal government” and recommends the following actions by the new administration: • hold a White House conference on rural America • name a Special Assistant to the President for Rural Affairs • designate a high-level rural policy leadership position within each federal department • form an interdepartmental working group for rural affairs to be chaired by the Special Assistant to the President for Rural Affairs

Investing in Communities Coalition PRIORITIES UNVEILED; PLAN CALLS FOR FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT APWA and representatives from 14 other organizations that are members of the National League of Cities (NLC)-led coalition, Investing in Communities, joined Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer in calling on the new Congress and the Bush Administration to support a national bipartisan agenda that invests in the nation’s communities.

Speaking at a news conference January 18, 2001, in Washington, DC, Mayor Archer, NLC’s president, presented a blueprint outlining a six-point strategy for federal action in support of investments in cities, towns and local communities. Archer described the coalition agenda as “a leadership plan to build a strong and prosperous future for America.”

The coalition’s strategy includes a call to provide financing and investment incentives to build and maintain infrastructure. (Assuring adequate investment in the nation’s public infrastructure is one of APWA’s top public policy advocacy priorities.) Other coalition priorities include support for technology, affordable housing, education, public safety and equal opportunity.

Representatives from the coalition’s member organizations are meeting with policy-makers in Congress and in the new Administration during the next several weeks to discuss the coalition’s goals and priorities.

Washington Report, February 2001 page 5

Census 2000 COMMERCE SECRETARY REVOKES CENSUS DIRECTOR’S POWER TO ADJUST Commerce Secretary Don Evans has revoked the power of the US Census Director to decide whether the Census 2000 figures released last December should be adjusted to include the statistical sample undercount. Evan’s action stopped a Clinton Administration authorization to base adjustment decisions on “science, not politics” and give decision-making power to the Census Director upon receiving a recommendation from a committee of 12 senior Census Bureau managers.

Evans justified the reversal stating that Census decision-making should “reside with the person selected by the president, approved by the US Senate and accountable to the people.”

At stake are approximately 3.3 million not counted in the 2000 Census. Traditionally, the undercount is in cities and rural areas with minorities, children and the poor.

Census counts determine population conditions and other characteristics that become the basis for allocating federal funds for grants and programs flowing from the federal to state and local governments. They also determine voting districts which will intensify the undercount debate as it could effect the political balance of power in the House.

Congressional Leadership COMMITTEES TAKE SHAPE; NOTE THESE NAMES FOR ADVOCACY AGENDAS The following lists two Congressional committees and their subcommittees with which APWA especially works to further the public policy goals of the association. They are the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Don Young (R-AK); James Oberstar (D-MN), ranking member, and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Bob Smith (R-NH); Harry Reid (D-NV) ranking member.

Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are: Republicans-Thomas E. Petri (WI), Sherwood L. Boehlert (NY), Howard Coble (NC), John J. Duncan, Jr., (TN), Wayne T. Gilchrest, (MD), Stephen Horn (CA), John L. Mica (FL), Jack Quinn (NY), Vernon J. Ehlers (MI), Spencer Bachus (AL), Steven C. LaTourette (OH), Sue W. Kelly (NY), Richard Baker (LA), Asa Hutchinson (AR), Don Cooksey (LA), John R. Thune (SD), Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ), Jerry Moran (KS), Don Sherwood (PA), Jim DeMint (SC), Doug Bereuter (NE), Michael K. Simpson (ID), Johnny Isakson (GA), Richard W. Pombo (CA), Robin Hayes (NC), Rob Simmons (CT), Mike Rogers (MI), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Mark Steven Kirk (IL), Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC), Timothy V. Johnson (IL), Brian D. Kerns (IN), Dennis R, Rehberg (MT), (PA), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Sam Graves (MO), C. L. “Butch” Otter (ID), Mark R. Kennedy (MN) two vacancies exist on the Republican side.

Democrats- James L. Oberstar (MN), Nick Rahall, II (WV), Robert Borski (PA), William O. Lipinski (IL), Peter A. DeFazio (OR), Bob Clement (TN), Jerry F. Costello (IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jerrold Nadler (NY), Robert Menendez (NJ), Corrine Brown (FL), James A. Barcia (MI), Bob Filner (CA), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Frank Mascara (PA), Gene Taylor (MS), Juanita Millender-McDonald (CA), Elijah E. Cummings (MD), Earl Blumenauer (OR), Max Sandlin (TX), Ellen O. Tauscher (CA), Bill Pacrell, Jr. (NJ), Lenoard L. Boswell (IA), James P. McGovern (MA), Tim Holden (PA), Nick Lampson (TX), John Elias Baldacci (ME), Marion Berry (AR), Brian Baird (WA), Shelley Berkley (NV), Brad Carson (OK), (UT), Michael M. Honda (CA) Rick Larsen (WA).

The work of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is done mostly by committee. There are six subcommittees under the jurisdiction of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The six subcommittees, all chaired by Republicans, include:

• Aviation- John L. Mica (R-FL) chair; William O. Lipinski (D-IL), ranking member • Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation- Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ), chair; Corrine Brown (D-FL), ranking member • Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management – Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH), chair; Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), ranking member • Railroads- Jack Quinn (R-NY), chair; Bob Clement (D-TN), ranking member • Water Resources and Environment- John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), chair; Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), ranking member • Highways and Transit- Thomas E. Petri (R-WI), chair; Robert A. Borski (D-PA), ranking member)

Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee are: Republicans- Bob Smith (NH), John Warner (R-VA), James Inhofe (OK), Christopher Bond (MO), George Voinovich (OH), Mike Crapo (ID), Lincoln Chafee (RI), Arlen Specter (PA), Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO).

Washington Report, February 2001 page 6

Democrats- Harry Reid (NV), Max Baucus (MT), Bob Graham (FL), Joseph Lieberman (CT), Barbara Boxer (CA), Ron Wyden (OR), Thomas Carper (DE), (NY), Jon Corzine (NJ).

The work of the Environment and Public Works committee also is done mostly by committee. There are four subcommittees under jurisdiction of the Environment and Public Works Committee. The four subcommittees are: • Clean Air, Wetlands, Private Property and Nuclear Safety- George Voinovich (R-OH), chair; Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT), ranking member • Fisheries, Wildlife, and Drinking Water- Michael D. Crapo (R-ID, chair; Bob Graham (D- FL), ranking member • Superfund, Waste Control and Risk Assesment- Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), chair; Barbara Boxer (D-CA), ranking member • Transportation and Infrastructure- James Inhofe (R-OK), chair; Max Baucus (D-MT), ranking member

APWA Web site REDESIGN DONE; NEW FEATURES INCLUDE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TAB ACCESS After several months of development, APWA.net appeared with a new design in February 2001. The extensive renovation now includes information about the association, membership opportunities and an expanded section on advocacy and government affairs.

Additionally, APWA.net now includes interactive features, an easier-to-use format, and a search engine that is capable of finding any topic of interest to the reader.

New Government Affairs section features include: a tab on the home page of the APWA site making access to government affairs issues very simple; a hot topics section keeping members updated on issues pertaining to public works; a section listing policies and position statements; information about the government affairs committee; access to Washington reports; an outline of APWA priorities, and a major new section devoted to state advocacy. The Government Affairs section also plays host to visual objects where reports and other information will be posted and available to download.

Check out the new site today at http://www.apwa.net/GovtAffairs/. Be sure and bookmark this page for the quickest access to public works news from Washington.

Advocacy Information Opportunity APWA WASHINGTON STAFF AVAILABLE TO BRIEF CHAPTERS APWA’s Government Affairs staff , serving as the association’s Washington, DC, voice for public works directors, is interested in visiting chapter meetings to speak about the advocacy programs.

A presentation lasting about 60 minutes has been prepared by staff to brief chapters on the legislative and regulatory activities occurring in Washington, DC. The presentation also covers priorities of APWA, current hot issues, an overview of web resources, and a discussion on state resources to help chapters get involved in advocacy at the state level.

If you are interested in having staff attend your meeting, please call Heather McTavish in APWA’s Washington at 202-408- 9541 or email [email protected]..

State Advocacy UNMANAGED GROWTH ON MANY STATE LEGISLATURE AGENDAS A review of activities in state legislatures shows many attempting to address growth concerns through bills that encourage greater county and municipal collaboration in land use planning, revenue sharing among cities to diminish competition for lucrative projects and incentives to finance open space acquisition.

ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT Recruitment/Retention Training “VIRTUAL” TWO-HOUR SEMINAR AVAILABLE Blending the multi-generational workforce is the subject of a “virtual” seminar to be offered by APWA in conjunction with KRM Information Services from 10 a.m. to noon, Central Standard Time, Tuesday, March 13, 2001.

The seminar will address such challenges as difficulties with your workplace climate…losing trained employees to others…knowing what today's workers want…looking for ways to keep employees satisfied with their working conditions and feeling like they are making a contribution to efforts that matter.

Participate from your own office in the live program covering the following major topics:

Washington Report, February 2001 page 7

• recruitment and retention techniques that work • tips for managing multi-generational teams • tapping into the "psyche" of the four generations at work today • what it takes to train, motivate and satisfy these four generations • how to assess and improve "workplace climate indicators"

Key staff can listen in, too. All that is needed is a room with a speakerphone and computer/projector with Internet connection.

For further information or to register, call 800-755-7654 or download registration forms from www.apwa.net/education and reference seminar #APW6130-0. Registration fees: U.S. $173; Canada $188

Other Internet Resources WEB SITES AND LISTSERVES SPEED INFORMATION FLOW Internet resources continue to develop on many issues. The following recently have come to APWA’s attention:

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: A glossary of telecommunications terms is offered by the Government Services Administration (GSA) Information Technology Service and is available at the following web site: www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/

RURAL TOPICS: The National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP), housed at the US Department of Agriculture, has a variety of listserves that include the following areas: Tribal, Health Care, Welfare Reform, Women in Rural America, Workforce Development and Telecommunications listserv. To join, contact [email protected] or get instructions at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/hrdp/listserv.html.

ENVIRONMENT: The Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) provides environmental management, planning and regulatory information for local government officials, managers and staff. Managed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the network has developed a new on-line “toolbox” to help local governments perform operations and calculations necessary to fulfill environmental reporting requirements or guide the development of an environmental program. For example, the tools allow local governments to quickly calculate the money saved by various solid waste reduction strategies, calculate the non-point source water pollution from different development scenarios and develop effective municipal tree ordinances. One “drawer” of the toolbox focuses on small communities. Other drawers address air, drinking water, solid waste, pesticides, etc. The toolbox can be found on the LGEAN web site at: http://lgean.org/html/tools.cfm.

WATER: EPA’s Office of Water issues a quarterly electronic publication, the Water Update, at http://www.epa.gov/OW/new.html. More frequent information is available by subscribing to an on-line weekly publication, Water News, at http://www.epa.gov/ow/waternews.html or email Gloria Posey at [email protected] and it will appear in your email box every Friday.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) NEW HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE INCLUDES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NATURAL DISASTERS House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Don Young (R-AK) has restructured and formed new subcommittees including the Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management panel which has responsibility for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Chairing the subcommittee will be Representative Steven LaTourette (R-OH). There are no carry-over members from the former Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Emergency Management.

ADVOCACY TIP FOR THE MONTH: APWA’s National Public Works Week is May 20-26, 2001. Now is the time for (1) chapters to seek proclamations from their governors and (2) members to seek proclamations from their mayors.

Information for this report was contributed by Ann Daniels, Beth Denniston, Jim Fahey, Andrea Fisher and Heather McTavish. The Washington Report is edited by Beth Denniston

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