In the News
Hill Country Alliance photo contest ends May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Eager to share the stories of the Texas Hill Country through photos of flora, fauna and fun? Get your cameras out for a chance at a colorful calendar feature and cash prizes.
Entrants in the Hill Country Alliance's seventh annual Hill Country Photo Contest, aimed to demonstrate the region's beauty, uniqueness and stewardship, are invited to capture images ranging from native plants, rare wildlife and historic spots to landscapes, iconic stops, landmarks and more.
With cash prizes up to $300 and a chance to appear in HCA's 2014 Hill Country Calendar, don't miss out! Contest ends May 31, 2013.
> Get the contest details, and enter today
State grant targets pollution with natural gas replacements
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is accepting applications until 5 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013, for a grant to replace or repower medium- and heavy-duty motor vehicles with cleaner-running natural gas versions.
With approximately $18 million in funding available during the current two-year fiscal cycle, the TCEQ's Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program will fund eligible projects on a first come, first served basis.
Applicants - governments, companies, individuals and any other legal entity can participate - must meet selected equipment, usage and reporting requirements for eligibility. Learn more about the grant at TCEQ's website. > Go
Area Agency on Aging screenings aim to curb medication interactions
Friday, May 17, 2013
Are you 60 or older, taking five or more medications and living in Central Texas? Join CAPCOG's Area Agency on Aging at a free medicaton screening event this summer.
AAACAP, with help from a St. David's Foundation grant, has scheduled a series of medication screening events. Aimed to reduce the risk of medication problems, screenings include a pharmacist review of prescription medications and over-the-counter products for potentially harmful interactions, reactions and related issues.
Participants will receive a written report that will include information such as when and how to take their medications and any special precautions. They can additionally opt for a phone consultation.
Bring your medications to this walk-in event and be sure to save a litttle time for a short safety survey before and after the medication screening report is completed.
> Get the events flier
> Learn more about the Medication Screening Program
Austin-area mandatory 10-digit dialing starts June 1; 9-1-1 not affected
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Remember to reprogram those phones! With the introductory six-month grace period ending, mandatory 10-digit dialing in Central Texas starts June 1, 2013.
The change, needed to accommodate an expanding population and demand for more phone numbers, also includes a new, additional area code coming this summer.
First announced last year, the move echoes other communities across the country whose days of seven-digit dialing are a thing of the past. It affects Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Lampasas, Milam, Travis and Williamson counties.
Key components of the change, also called an "overlay":
- Optional 10-digit dialing, or dialing the applicable area code and seven-digit phone number, ends its six-month introductory period on May 31, 2013.
- Mandatory 10-digit dialing starts June 1, 2013; calls will not be completed without it.
- Starting July 1, 2013, new phone lines may receive the new "737" area code, an addition to the area already served by "512."
- Eventually all new telephone numbers within the 512 area will be assigned the 737 area code.
- Customers can keep the 512 phone numbers they already have.
- The three-digit 9-1-1 local emergency number will remain the same.
Customers can contact their local phone-service provider for more information, or visit the "Texas Area Codes" section of the state Public Utility Commission website. > Go
> Read a KUT news story on the region's new area code
> Learn how CAPCOG's Emergency Communications Division supports 9-1-1
Area Agency on Aging: Eye on preventive services
Friday, May 10, 2013
From annual flu vaccinations and diabetes self-management training to obesity screening and tobacco counseling, preventive services can make a major difference in helping people protect their health. Learn how CAPCOG Area Agency on Aging’s Benefits Counseling Program helps connect eligible consumers with needed preventive services in the 10-county region.
Funded in part by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging has assisted older adults and their caregivers for more than 30 years. As a part of the AAA, the Benefits Counseling Program provides Medicare guidance to adults 60 and older and to Medicare beneficiaries of any age.
> Discover AAA's Benefits Counseling Program, including volunteer opportunities
Consumers can count on the agency’s state-certified benefits counselors to provide confidential, unbiased, one-on-one assistance in understanding Medicare eligibility requirements, navigating open enrollment periods, choosing applicable coverage options, helping prevent fraud, applying for help with drug prescription costs and more. All without having to pay a benefits counseling fee.
Benefits counselors, well-versed in the preventive services available under Medicare, also advise consumers on how to efficiently and cost-effectively access such resources. They don’t refer clients to specific doctors, social workers or other providers but do, for example, provide timely, relevant information about health insurance plans and insurance policies.
Preventive services covered by Medicare has expanded under the federal Affordable Care Act, making it even more important for eligible consumers to seek benefits counseling. Since Jan. 1, 2011, beneficiaries can receive a wide range of preventive services, with most at low to no cost.
> Learn more about Medicare at the official federal website
For example, depending on age, eligible Medicare participants may access free preventive services such as the following:
- Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests.
- Cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies.
- Routine vaccinations against diseases such as measles, polio or meningitis.
- Counseling on health and wellness topics such as smoking cessation, weight management, nutrition and mental health.
How does the Benefits Counseling Program get the word out about Medicare-covered preventive services? A combination of today’s tools and time-honored outreach. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates outreach events with a range of providers and coalitions within the region. Benefits counselors also discuss the services during group presentations and individual sessions. And in addition to sharing program updates, volunteer opportunities, events and more on its website, AAA is planning to raise its social-media profile.
Scheduling free one-on-one confidential benefits counseling, including learning more about preventive services available with Medicare, is as easy as requesting a benefits counselor at 512-916-6062 or toll free 888-622-9111. Call or refer someone who needs help today!
> Share your support for Older Americans Month, May 2013
CAPCOG honors 9-1-1 pros
Monday, May 06, 2013
The Capital Area Council of Governments recently honored area emergency communicators, naming the winners of its annual Telecommunicator Awards contest.
- Cindy Ledesma, Austin Police Department; Michael Brimble, Cedar Park Police Department; and Tammie Reyna, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, each received a Dedicated Service Award, given for exceptional professionalism.
- Kim Haba and Brenda Parkinson of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office won the 9-1-1 Team Award, which recognizes two or more telecommunicators for exemplary handling of a specific emergency call involving coordination of multiple public safety responses and other emergency resources.
The regional awards helped mark the April 14 to 20, 2013, National Telecommunicators Week, which was also recognized by a CAPCOG Executive Committee resolution.
> Discover CAPCOG's Emergency Communications Division
Data Points brings latest on regional economy
Friday, May 03, 2013
After a brief hiatus, CAPCOG’s monthly economic development update is back with a new look and a new format, making it even easier to keep up with the capital area’s regional economy.
The revamped Data Points, available online and by free email subscription, still delivers analysis on topics important to the regional economy. It now also features “Vital Signs,” a quick-reference section offering essential metrics of the regional economy such as employment growth, building permits and retail sales.
Count on Data Points for updates provided exclusively by CAPCOG’s Economic Development Program, including monthly patents awarded and two new stock indices respectively tracking businesses headquartered in the capital area and major employers in the region.
Data Points additionally will spotlight one of the capital area’s 10 counties each month. Look for these changes and other improvements to come.
> Read the May 2013 issue
> Explore CAPCOG's Economic Development Program
State clean-air grant makes way for low-emission solutions
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Railroad Commission of Texas has launched a $6 million pollution-curbing grant to help businesses retire older forklifts and medium- or heavy-duty diesel vehicles for low-emission replacements.
“We’re pleased to help operators use Texas-produced alternative fuels to save money and help continue to clean up Texas air,” said Chairman Barry T. Smitherman in a commission news release. “Our program works for large and small operators in eligible counties, whether they have a single piece of warehouse equipment or an entire fleet of heavy-duty trucks.”
The grant, funded through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, averages $9,500 per award and covers eligible new equipment that meets current emissions standards and will be operated in one of the 43 eligible Texas counties.
Replacement vehicles and equipment fueled by natural gas and propane are expected to help grant program participants cut fuel costs and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 600 tons, according to the release.
> Read the Railroad Commission of Texas news release
> Download the grant's frequently asked questions flier
Federal economic development competition for area universities closes June 17
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The U.S. Economic Development Administration's University Center Competition, assisting higher education institutions in developing regional systems that support high-growth entrepreneurship, is accepting applications for the fiscal 2013 funding round through June 17, 2013.
Accredited institutions from the Austin region - including Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas - and Denver region can apply for funding, according to the EDA annoucement. Past awards have ranged from $80,000 to $200,000 per recipient. Visit the federal Grants.gov website for more details on the funding competition. > Go
State emissions reduction program accepting rebate applications through June 28
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is offering rebate grants to reduce air pollution from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment, with applications accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2013, or until all $5 million in available funding is distributed.
Funding from TCEQ's Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Rebate Grants Program, aimed at replacing or upgrading selected on-road vehicles of a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds or nonroad equipment with a minimum 25-horsepower engine, is available first come, first served to eligible applicants and expected to go quickly.
Call 800-919-8377 or visit TCEQ's website for application materials and additional eligibility requirements. > Go
CARTPO: US 290 expansion to 4-lane highway a top priority
Monday, April 15, 2013
A recent ranking by Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization members placed expansion of U.S. 290 in Bastrop and Lee counties at the top of the priority list.
CARTPO, a committee of the Capital Area Council of Governments, offers a forum for elected officials from Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis and Williamson counties to discuss and make recommendations on transportation policy, direct planning and data initiatives, oversee the federally prescribed local consultation process and collaborate with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The committee's March 2013 vote prioritized larger, longer-term regional roadway projects from seven Central Texas counties. Counties were allowed to submit three projects for ranking.
> View the project rankings spreadsheet
Delegates from all nine counties present at the committee's March meeting cast ballots, with counties not allowed to vote on their own projects. Each delegation awarded one to 10 points per project, based on the project's urgency and ability to improve congestion, road conditions and safety.
As with several recent CARTPO project prioritizations, expansion of U.S. 290 in Bastrop and Lee counties to a four-lane divided highway ranked first. The area represents the only non-four-lane portion of U.S. 290, adding to the ranking's significance beyond the capital area.
The Texas Department of Transportation considers the regional recommendations and rankings as funding for area projects becomes available.
> Contact David Fowler, CAPCOG senior planner, for more on the prioritization process
Behind the scenes: 9-1-1 call takers
Friday, April 12, 2013
"Nine-one-one. What is the address of your emergency?”
Call takers at public safety answering points or 9-1-1 communication centers throughout CAPCOG’s 10-county area ask that question more than 3,500 times a day.
Telecommunicators at the Combined Transportation Emergency and Communications Center in northeast Austin, Texas, handle dispatch for various response agencies.
As Central Texas and the nation observes National Telecommunicators Week from April 14 to 20, 2013, get a closer look at the various “hats” 9-1-1 call takers wear in providing diverse support to police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and community members.
Plus, learn how CAPCOG helps prepare call takers for their important role.
A typical shift starts with getting updated on calls that occurred previously in the day and calls currently in progress. Staff must be ready to handle a variety of 9-1-1 calls — from the report of a fire, medical emergency or robbery to a request for other police assistance.
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Did you know?
- The CAPCOG region, comprising Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis and Williamson counties, includes more than 600 telecommunicators.
- CAPCOG leads the region in local implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1, a national initiative to help emergency communication centers accept calls by text messages, photos, videos, alarm systems, vehicle devices such as OnStar and medical-alert systems for seniors — all in addition to voice-only calls.
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Telecommunicators are masters of multitasking. They not only answer 9-1-1 emergency phone calls but also dispatch units over the radio and field calls from citizens with routine inquiries. Plus, staff work with both statewide and national computer systems to share information or assist officers with investigations. They accomplish these tasks with accuracy and in a timely manner to serve the community.
CAPCOG helps contribute to that success. With expertise in 9-1-1-related issues and in telephony, radio systems, operations, networks and police and fire operations, the CAPCOG Emergency Communications Division supports the public safety answering points by providing a wide range of training for call takers.
> Discover CAPCOG's Emergency Communications division
New call takers receive training on the 9-1-1 equipment; a 40- hour basic telecommunicator course; and a variety of classes on dispatching, crisis communications, pre-arrival dispatch protocols and other public-safety topics.
Call takers serve as the link between people seeking help in an emergency and the emergency response agencies that arrive on the scene. In honor of call takers' service and important public-safety role, entities including CAPCOG and the State of Texas also have adopted their own resolutions recognizing National Telecommunicators Week.
May marks Older Americans Month for CAPCOG region
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
CAPCOG's Executive Committee has approved a resolution designating May as Older Americans Month in the 10-county capital area.
The action supports a national designation by the U.S. Administration on Aging, which has adopted the theme "Unleash the Power of Age" for the monthlong observance.
More than 243,973 adults aged 60 and older call the CAPCOG region home, according to the resolution, presenting an opportunity to learn from and engage community elders, recognize their successes and benefit from their important contributions.
CAPCOG's Area Agency on Aging, for example, offers programs and services to support the health, safety, and well-being of older individuals.
The resolution, adopted April 10, 2013, additionally encourages all local governments among Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano Travis and Williamson counties to adopt similar resolutions celebrating seniors and their role in the region.
> Read the CAPCOG resolution
> Explore Older Americans Month activity ideas at the national website
> Discover volunteer opportunities with CAPCOG's Area Agency on Aging
Getting data a cinch with GeoMap
Monday, April 08, 2013
From aerial and Lidar imagery to depictions of underwater depth measurements, CAPCOG’s Geospatial Base Mapping Project, “GeoMap,” makes it easy to get crucial, quality planning data without breaking the budget.
Want customized maps for projects such as appraisals, growth management, conservation, local development or disaster response? No need for a lengthy procurement process. GeoMap’s competitively selected vendor provides the customized map data, with CAPCOG managing the vendor contract and coordinating quality assurance and control.
Project participants historically have received several dollars of data for every dollar contributed. As current interest in regional 6-inch aerial photos for 2014 grows, for example, the resulting product may include cost-sharing and volume discounts for all participants.
Learn more about GeoMap, which currently has 19 participating governments, by contacting GIS analyst Eddie O’Connor. > Go
Texas grant for alternative fuels closes April 26, 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013
The Texas State Energy Program is accepting grant applications from local governments and other eligible public entities to transition or convert their fleets to alternative fuels.
Alternative fuels can include compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum, liquefied natural gas, electrical power or hybrids of conventional fuel and battery electrical power.
The overall pool of available funding comprises about $1,400,000, with selected maximum grants per applicant and per vehicle and a matching-funds requirement equal to 20 percent of total project costs.
Applications for the Alternative Fuels Initiatives Grant Program are due to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts office by 2 p.m. CT Friday, April 26, 2013.
Visit the State Energy Conservation Office website for more details. > Go
Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area seeks volunteers
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
CAPCOG Area Agency on Aging’s Benefits Counseling Program, whose certified staff helps older adults and other eligible consumers in Central Texas navigate Medicare issues such as health care coverage, plan enrollment, fraud prevention and more, is seeking caring volunteers.
The program has scheduled a free four-part series of volunteer training sessions from April through August 2013. Volunteers will learn about topics ranging from Medicare programs, eligibility guidelines and prescription drug coverage to documentation requirements, Medigap insurance and community outreach. Training also will include hands-on practice with mock consumer phone calls.
Applicants are encouraged to reserve class spots early by calling 512‐916‐6022 or sending an email to bcpvolunteer@capcog.org. Space is limited, and registration closes five days before each class.
Please note: Insurance agents, insurance brokers, and financial planners are not eligible to volunteer with the Benefits Counseling Program.
> Get the training schedule
> Download the volunteer application
> Explore the Benefits Counseling Program
> Discover other Area Agency on Aging volunteer options
2-year TX anniversary for MyPermitNow
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
MyPermitNow, a customizable Web-based application for land-use permitting, planning, addressing and code enforcement, has hit the two-year mark in Texas.
Since its capital area launch, the time-saving software has operated successfully in five cities and one county, with six local governments expected to implement it soon and several signing up now.
Created by government to help local jurisdictions streamline their permitting and related processes, MyPermitNow features low monthly fees; no hourly charges for installation or technical support; and greater efficiencies that help jurisdictions save developers, contractors and residents time and money.
Learn more about the software by contacting CAPCOG senior planner David Fowler. > Go
CAMPO launches April 1-19, 2013, Commuter Challenge contest
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Bike, walk or carpool to work? Always wanted to give vanpooling or transit a try? Join the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Commute Solutions Commuter Challenge for a chance at prizes including an iPod nano.
The April 1-19, 2013, contest, available to commuters living or working in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, encourages the use of pollution-reducing alternative transportation options as ozone season begins in April.
Simply sign up for the contest, and log your biking, walking, transit, teleworking, vanpooling or carpooling trips for a chance to win prizes such as a Nike+ SportWatch, a bicycling backpack or an iPod nano. When logging trips, participants also can track cost savings, fuel saved, calories burned and pollution reduced.
Learn more about the contest at CAMPO's commute Solutions website today. > Go
> Explore CAMPO, a CAPCOG partner
> Take the Ozone Advance survey
CAPCOG law enforcement cadets score another perfect pass rate
Monday, March 25, 2013
Cadets from CAPCOG's Regional Law Enforcement Academy Class 66 prepare to graduate March 22, 2013, in Austin, Texas.
Another class of CAPCOG Regional Law Enforcement Academy cadets has achieved a 100 percent first-attempt pass rate on the state exam for new peace officers.
The success marks another notch in the academy's pass-rate record, with all but two of the agency's approximately 20 cadet classes in the last five years having accomplished this feat.
What contributes to the academy's high pass rate? "Hard work and personal time spent with cadets," said RLEA Director Mike Jennings. "We work with them one-on-one and as a group."
Class 66, which started CAPCOG's six-month Basic Peace Officer Course last fall, comprised 28 cadets representing area agencies such as Cedar Park Police Department, Round Rock Fire Department, Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, San Marcos Police Department and Texas State University.
Cadets must pass the state exam administered by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to become licensed peace officers.
> Learn more about CAPCOG's Regional Law Enforcement Academy
> Explore upcoming RLEA training opportunities
EPA seeks Smart Growth Achievement honorees
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 12th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, recognizing innovative communities, is accepting nominations through 5 p.m. Eastern time Friday, April 12, 2013.
Public-sector, private-sector and nonprofit entities can apply for the award, which honors use of "smart-growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially and economically," according to the EPA website. Competition categories include "Built Projects"; "Corridor and Neighborhood Revitalization"; "Plazas, Parks and Public Places"; and "Policies, Programs and Plans."
The competition will culminate in a December 2013 awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Learn more at EPA's website. > Go
