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SWRPC Brownfields Assessment Program Forum

On October 11th, the Planning Commission hosted a Brownfields Assessment Program Forum in conjunction with the SWRPC Fall Commission Meeting at the Peterborough Community Center, a former brownfield site. The program featured a public viewing of SWRPC’s newly released informational video about the brownfields program, which can be viewed at www.swrpc.org/brownfields, a presentation overview of the brownfields assessment program, and a panel discussion about a brownfield site in the fictional town of “Monadnockville”. For more information about the event or the Brownfields Assessment Program, please contact J. B. Mack of Commission staff.

Discussion on NH’s Energy Future

On October 11th, SWRPC staff participated in a session to discuss state energy policy at the Peterborough Public Library. The event was one in a series of similar regional discussions around the state coordinated by The Nature Conservancy in conjunction with other partners. There were approximately 30 attendees including state and local elected officials, business leaders, municipal staff, energy experts, and other stakeholders. Based on the discussion, there is a continued emphasis on conservation and more reliance on renewable energy in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Themes that resonated throughout the discussion included understanding the economics of energy policy and the importance of multi-sector participation in developing meaningful solutions to energy challenges. For additional information, please contact Tim Murphy of Commission staff.

Vermont Yankee Facility Closure - Lessons Learned

On October 14th, representatives from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Windham Regional Commission, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, and Southwest Region Planning Commission conducted an event in Brattleboro, VT to release a document entitled When People and Money Leave (and the Plant Stays) – Lessons Learned from the Closure of the Vermont Yankee Power Station: A Tri-Region Experience. The report, which can be reviewed at www.swrpc.org/files/LessonsLearnedWhitePaper.pdf details lessons learned in the wake of the shutdown of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, VT to better inform stakeholders in the tri-state area and to benefit other regions that could face closure of a nuclear plant or the loss of a major employer in the not-too-distant future. Dignitaries participating in the event included U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, U.S. Congressman Peter Welch and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine. For more information, please, contact Raul Gonzalez of Commission staff.

Regional Planner Training Sessions

During October, SWRPC staff participated in training opportunities designed for regional planners throughout the state. Staff attended the following sessions:

• Land Use Regulations – focused on subdivision and site plan review, the NH Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques Handbook and historic preservation planning.
• Planning Board Basics and Applications Procedures - provided information on provisions that govern planning board procedures and the role of the planning board in developing a town's master plan, zoning regulations, subdivision and site plan review process, and capital improvements program.
• Plan Reading and Analysis - focused on reading a variety of plan types including site and subdivision plans, existing conditions, grading and drainage, profiles, and landscape plans.

For more information, please contact Liz Kelly of Commission staff.

2016 Regional Transportation Improvement Program

On October 17th, the SWRPC Transportation Advisory Committee approved the draft 2016 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) for public review. The RTIP, updated on an annual basis, is a document contained within Southwest Connects: Southwest Region Transportation Plan that identifies priority regional surface transportation projects and initiatives in Southwest NH. It serves as a “road map” for transportation improvement priorities in the Region. The RTIP includes sections on Programmed Regional Surface Transportation Capital Projects, Other Programmed Regional Projects, Unfunded Regional Projects, and Funded Corridor Related Planning Initiatives. The RTIP is available for viewing at www.swrpc.org/files/rtipnotice2016.pdf or at the SWRPC office which is located at 37 Ashuelot Street in Keene, NH. A public review and comment period will extend through November 30, 2016. Comments and questions should be addressed to J. B. Mack at jbmack@swrpc.org, via fax at (603) 357-7440 or via the U.S. postal service.

Southwest New Hampshire Asset Mapping Exercise

On October 26th, the SWRPC Economic Development Advisory Committee hosted an asset-mapping exercise facilitated by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. This event held in Keene was part of the Tri-State Partnership of Southwest NH, Southeast VT, and Franklin County, MA that aims to develop collaborative economic revival strategies that build upon regional collective assets and reflect the dynamics of a regional economy that transcends political boundaries. The session served to inform the Ecovation Hub, an initiative that has emerged to help replace lost jobs with employment in the fields of green building, resilient design and other components of a clean economy. Regional assets discussed included the knowledge corridor, innovation, natural resources, infrastructure, excellence in programs, cultural and historical assets. To learn more about the Ecovation Hub, please visit http://brattleborodevelopment.com/ecovationhub/. For more information about the event or the Tri-State Partnership, please contact Raul Gonzalez of Commission staff.