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Making the Midwest the next hydrogen hub
The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy to invest in a regional clean hydrogen hub. Next-generation hydrogen technologies are an essential resource in achieving our nation’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, strengthening domestic energy security, improving air quality, and positively impacting underserved communities.
“The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is committed to the MachH2 initiative, which aligns with the Chicago metropolitan region’s climate, economy, and transportation goals,” said CMAP Executive Director Erin Aleman. “As one of the nation’s most active and critical transportation hubs, our region recognizes the importance of freight to economic strength. And as regional carbon emissions continue to move in the wrong direction, CMAP is engaging in efforts to reduce these emissions from the transportation sector, generally, and more specifically, from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and carriers.”
Read the news release and follow the MachH2 website to learn more about the benefits of clean hydrogen as well as the status of our bid.
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Celebrate your achievements with our 2023 Regional Excellence Awards
Have you worked on a project that has made the region more resilient? CMAP looks forward to celebrating our region’s accomplishments in spring 2023 with the return of our awards program — the Regional Excellence Awards. The program offers a unique opportunity for municipal leaders, nonprofits, transportation agencies, and advocates to have their exceptional work recognized by peers from across northeastern Illinois.
CMAP is seeking nominations for individuals and projects that prioritize equity, strengthen the resiliency of our 284 communities, and make them more economically competitive. Submit your nomination today!
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Climate Committee meets November 29
The Climate Committee was created by the CMAP Board this year to guide and support the agency’s climate-related initiatives, strategic direction, and implementation of ON TO 2050, the region’s long-range plan.
At its first meeting in March, the committee learned about CMAP’s draft strategic direction and discussed how it could incorporate regional priorities for climate. In May, the committee discussed CMAP’s climate mitigation workplan, including the regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory, transportation mitigation strategies, and the EV charging infrastructure strategy. In September, the committee discussed CMAP’s climate resilience workplan, including the Resilience Improvement Plan for the region's transportation system, updating the Flood Susceptibility Index, and incorporating equity in flood resilience investments.
The upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 29, will feature a discussion of CMAP’s water resources work, including water governance, water supply planning, and watershed planning.
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Request for proposals: Resilience improvement plan
CMAP seeks proposals for a resilience improvement plan for northeastern Illinois. This project seeks to understand transportation system vulnerability to climate change and identify strategies to build resilience. The deadline for responding to the RFP is Thursday, November 10, at 3:00 p.m.
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Complete the parking lot and sidewalk winter maintenance survey
Do you maintain parking lots and sidewalks in the winter? The Salt Smart Collaborative is hoping to learn about how you use salt and plows to clear your pavement in the winter. Please complete their anonymous survey and share with your networks.
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Is your community EV ready?
Applications are open for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ new EV Readiness Program. The program helps communities meet the growing demand for EVs and EV charging infrastructure. Cohort members will collaborate toward achieving EV Ready bronze, silver, or gold designation.
Municipal leaders will develop clear permitting for EV charging infrastructure, analyze zoning and parking codes to address barriers to EV infrastructure, engage the community, and participate in technical and safety training. Municipalities may also tailor actions to suit the needs of their own communities.
Applications are due Wednesday, November 16. The first cohort will kick off in early December.
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$2 million available to local governments for lead service line inventories
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program. The agency offers grants to local government units ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 to fund the creation of a complete lead service line inventory. Applications close Friday, December 2. All applicants must pre-qualify through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.
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DuPage County accepting water quality grant applications
The DuPage County Stormwater Management Planning Committee is accepting grant proposals for projects aimed at improving the quality of the county’s waterways. The Water Quality Improvement Program funds projects that improve water quality, including restoration and green infrastructure projects. Organizations and individuals can apply for reimbursement of up to 25 percent of costs for projects that improve water quality. Apply by Friday, January 6.
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