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'It's like we can breathe again,' Memorial Hospital employees say as district retakes control

By Kristin Withrow posted 7 days ago
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This article was originally published by The Lufkin Daily News on March 14, 2024. It was written by Josh Edwards/The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel NACOGDOCHES, TX — The healing is already starting at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. The Nacogdoches County Hospital District retook control of the health care facility from Lion Star early Monday morning. By Tuesday morning, employee morale was on the upswing as the transition put to an end the uncertainty facing hundreds after Lion Star began layoffs and said the hospital was in “imminent danger of closing.” “It’s like we can breathe again,” Robert Scott, the facilities manager for the hospital, said Tuesday ...
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Progress continues on $1.2B pipeline to bring surface water to west Houston

By Kristin Withrow posted 8 days ago
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This article was first published on March 27, 2024 by Community Impact . It was written by Aubrey Vogel . Residents and businesses in the Katy and Fulshear areas can expect to begin using more surface water as early as 2026. What’s happening With a regional requirement to reduce groundwater consumption, the West Harris County Regional Water Authority partnered with the North Fort Bend Water Authority in 2011 to construct the more than $1.2 billion Surface Water Supply Project . The project will bring surface water from Lake Houston west across the Greater Houston area with over 55 miles of pipeline. The update The Kinder Morgan ...
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Florida: Inaugural Landowner Assistance Expo

By Kristin Withrow posted 30 days ago
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Originally posted in Clay Today by Jack Randall on February 15, 2024. STARKE – According to UF/IFAS, Clay County is home to more than 400 farms of varying sizes and types of operations: cow/calf and beef, beekeeping, timber, hay, hydroponics and aquaponics, vegetable, fruit and citrus operations. The county has a proud rural culture. However, rural living can be challenging. Sunlight, rainfall, weather, invasive species, pests, soil and erosion are all confounding variables that can make or break a harvest. That’s why Bradford and Clay Soil and Water Conservation Districts https://www.claysoilandwater.org/ are partnering to host a multi-county ...
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Decatur Park District Wins Grant Funds for Senior Center

By Kristin Withrow posted 30 days ago
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Photo credit: Decatur Park District website In addition to being awarded $2.8 million from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources PARC Grant Program for a new senior center, The Decatur Park District announced that they will also partner with CHELP to provide a “One Stop Shop” for seniors. The Decatur Park District has been awarded $2.8 million from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ( IDNR ) PARC Grant Program. This grant from the IDNR will provide a newly constructed facility specifically designed for seniors. This will increase recreational opportunities, program offerings, and expand access for the social services that ...
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Port of Port Angeles director talks of 100 years into future

By Kristin Withrow posted 03-05-2024
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This article by Paula Hunt was originally published January 23, 2024 in the Peninsula Daily News . PORT ANGELES, WA — The Port of Port Angeles is looking ahead to the next 100 years of expansion and new ventures while standing by its core businesses, Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz told the Port Angeles Business Association. “The port just celebrated its centennial,” Jarkiewicz said Jan. 16. “We’re now moving to the next one.” In January 1923, port commissioners met for the very first time, a few months after county voters overwhelmingly approved in November 1922 the creation of a port district that would raise revenue and improve ...
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Zero emissions by 2044 part of Community Transit’s long-range plan

By Kristin Withrow posted 02-09-2024
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Image credit: Community Transit This article originally appeared in the HeraldNet Everett, Washington on January 15, 2024 and was written by Jordan Hansen . The transit agency’s “Journey 2050” report gazes 25 years into the future, touching on ambitious goals with light rail arriving. Community Transit’s new long-term plan , Journey 2050, includes new Swift routes, a transition to zero emissions and a revamped approach with light rail service coming to Snohomish County. It spans 25 years and seeks to accomplish regional transit expansion, zero emissions and a broad goal to increase mobility. The Community Transit plan is also influenced ...
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CTA to launch customer reference chatbox in partnership with Google Public Sector

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-24-2024
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The Chat with CTA chatbot will give riders quicker access to CTA’s website, providing answer to riders' questions and concerns within minutes. To better connect with its riders, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has partnered with Google Public Sector to develop Chat with a CTA chatbot, a new virtual assistant communication tool to help rider report issues and provide feedback to the agency. “We are committed to continuing to find new, convenient ways for our customers to contact us and using more modern technology can help improve the CTA travel experience,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We’re happy to be partnering with Google Public Sector ...
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Port of Olympia Launches Research Vessel to Address Legacy Pollution

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-16-2024
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This article was written by Karen Robes Meeks and published by Pacific Maritime Magazine on January 9, 2024. The Port of Olympia has deployed a research vessel to determine the scope of legacy pollution in Budd Inlet. Launched Jan. 8, the research vessel is tasked with collecting sediment samples in the inlet over the next two months for lab analysis. The results would help the port develop a cleanup plan. “The Port of Olympia recognizes the importance of addressing legacy pollutants in Budd Inlet,” port Director of Strategic Initiatives and Commission Affairs Camille St. Onge said. “We understand our responsibility to the community and the ...
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Mountain youth learn wilderness survival skills in Clear Creek County

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-16-2024
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Kids learn to build a shelter during the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District's winter break survival skills camp on Jan. 2. Credit: Chris Koeberl This article was originally written by Chris Koeberl and published by the Clear Creek Courant on January 4, 2024. A week-long series of classes organized by the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District teaches kids 5 to 15 years old how to survive in the mountains that surround Idaho Springs. CCMRD Wilderness Survival Specialist Roary Archibald used real-life experience and hands-on learning techniques to teach the students. “The way I teach wilderness skills is kind of what ...
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Utah Water Conservation Officers Talk About Easy Ways to Save Water and Money

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-10-2024
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Photo: A Southern Utah home is seen before and after a landscape conversion as part of the Water Efficient Landscape Program (Washington County Water Conservancy) This article originally appeared in KSL.com December 5, 2023 by Katie Workman Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District is a political subdivision of the State of Utah that provides water to cities, improvement districts, and retail customers within Salt Lake County. It is one of the largest water districts in Utah. It employs 160 people in all aspects of water: raw water, treatment, delivery, development, and conservation. Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit ...
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Port of Seattle to Build Maritime Innovation Center

By Kristin Withrow posted 08-21-2023
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Originally published on Pacific Marine Business News August 15, 2023 By Karen Robes Meeks The Port of Seattle plans to build a Maritime Innovation Center in the Ship Supply Building at Fishermen’s Terminal, the port announced Aug. 8. Port commissioners have agreed to invest $32.6 million toward building the center, which would house incubator and accelerator programs for businesses and nurture workforce development programs in the maritime industry. The center is expected to be built sustainably. “The transformation of the port’s oldest building into a world-class center is a reflection of the port’s commitment to investing in innovation so ...
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Hill County pollinator project expands in size for 2024 season

By Kristin Withrow posted 07-19-2023
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Photo by Kevin Loesch on Unsplash This article was originally published in the Havre Daily News by Christy Bambrough on June 20, 2023. Districts Make The Difference is not affiliated with the publisher and has posted this article for informational purposes only. Hill County Conservation District serves Hill County, Montana. The district was created in 1946, along with many other conservation districts in the United States, after the crisis of the Dust Bowl Era . Montana’s Conservation Districts represent the water, soil, and other natural resource needs of their communities. Each county has a district that monitors 310 stream permits and ...
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Riddle Fire Receives Grant as a Pilot Program

By Kristin Withrow posted 07-17-2023
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This article originally appeared in The News Review on nrt.com . Riddle Fire Protection District is a volunteer fire department in Douglas County, Oregon. In addition to fires, the crews respond to medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, rescue call and incidents involving hazardous materials. Photo credit: Riddle Fire Protection District The Riddle Fire Protection District was awarded funding through the Oregon State Fire Marshal, made possible through Senate Bill 762, to assist in mitigating wildfire risk in rural parts of Riddle’s fire district. This funding will make it possible for Riddle fire to conduct what is called “pre-incident triage” reporting ...
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Artificial Intelligence Gaining Clout as First Line of Wildfire Defense for Colorado Mountain Towns

By Kristin Withrow posted 04-25-2023
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This article was written by Conrad Swanson, Denver City Hall Reporter for The Fort Morgan Times. The article first appeared March 23, 2023 and can be viewed in its original form by following this link to The Fort Morgan Times. Image credit: Colorado Public Radio Climate change is transforming Colorado’s wildfire season into a year-round danger While Colorado’s wildfires are evolving to burn hotter, spread faster and reach farther, state officials combatting the natural disasters are evolving as well. The Telluride Fire Protection District is partnering with the San Miguel Power Association and an artificial intelligence company – ...
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Florida District Using Computer Models to Protect Water Resources

By Kristin Withrow posted 03-20-2023
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Originally published on the South Florida Water Management District website . Computer models are important and powerful tools used by scientists to monitor, evaluate, study, and protect South Florida’s precious water resources and ecosystems. Rooted in mathematics, physics and hydrology, these comprehensive models allow scientists to simulate complex systems and answer complex questions. Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) uses state-of-the-art computer models and other analytical tools to help guide important water management decisions for the benefit of people and the environment of South Florida? Using comprehensive ...
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New Emergency Services District Established By The People in Pennsylvania

By Kristin Withrow posted 02-21-2023
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More than a year ago, residents and stakeholders concerned with the fiscal sustainability of local emergency response services in northwest Lancaster County, Pennsylavania began to address and offer community-driven solutions in response to the local crisis. As a result, eight municipalities have banded together for the creation of the Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County – the first municipal authority (special district) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide EMS services. Congratulations to the citizens and stakeholders of the northwestern Lancaster County community on this historic achievement! Read more about ...
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Nationwide Press Release - Video Contest is Open

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-19-2023
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 19, 2023 Contact: Kristin Withrow, Communications Specialist info@districtsmakethedifference.org Video Contest Brings Scholarship Opportunity to High Schools Sacramento, Calif. – The National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) is promoting a scholarship contest for high school students designed to encourage young people across the country to engage with local government to enhance their civics education. The scholarships are designed as awards for a student video contest operated through the coalition’s public awareness campaign “Districts Make ...
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High School Scholarship Opportunity

By Kristin Withrow posted 01-17-2023
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The annual student video scholarship contest from the Districts Make The Difference public awareness campaign hosted by the National Special Districts Coalition is now open to high school students grade 9-12 across the U.S. Special districts are encouraged to help us use this scholarship opportunity to raise public awareness of the essential services provided by special districts in communities all over the United States. The Districts Make The Difference website offers inspirational past videos and a toolkit for special districts and schools to use to spread the word. The toolkit provides social media images and a press release sample for district or ...
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Drought Preparedness: Groundwater Recharge Banks Water for Dry Periods

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-16-2022
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FRESNO COUNTY, CA -- The latest Fresno Irrigation District (FID) groundwater recharge basin has been completed and was in use this past summer in time to serve its intended purpose in benefiting thirsty surrounding lands. A ribbon cutting event took place in August to mark completion of the 30-acre Savory Groundwater Recharge Basin. The 30-acre plot is strategically located next to the Fresno Irrigation District's Oleander Canal, which sends water to users but can now move excess floodwater to recharge the new underground aquifer. Taking part in the August 19 Savory Basin dedication were (from left) Fresno Irrigation District General Manager Bill ...
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Local Water Agency Recognized Utility of the Future at International Conference

By Kristin Withrow posted 11-04-2022
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Photo, left to right: Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation, OJ McFoy, Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Sewer Authority, Buffalo, NY, Kristeen Farlow, Strategic Communications Manager, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Karen Pallansch, General Manager/CEO of Alexandria Renew Enterprises, Tom Sigmund, Executive Director NEW Water (Wisconsin) representing NACWA (National Association of Clean Water Agencies) The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District was among 34 water resource recovery facilities recognized as a Utility of the Future Today recipient during the international Water Environment Federation’s Technical ...
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