ASC's Intersections Newsletter — April 26th, 2024
Director’s Note
Community planning for climate resilience. Though we are just getting into the swing of spring, the talk is already of heat. Forecasters are predicting a hotter-than-usual summer in 2024 for the United States. Extreme heat causes an average of more than 1,200 deaths each year, and while these increasingly frequent occurrences are not yet eligible for FEMA assistance, there are actions which can help prepare for these disastrous events. In anticipation of the scorching temperatures ahead, involving local residents, organizations, and authorities in a planning process is essential. Community engagement is a critical component of disaster planning, including for extreme heat events. Community-driven initiatives, such as identifying vulnerable populations, and establishing emergency protocols, can mitigate heat-related risks. From organizing cooling centers to conducting outreach campaigns on heat safety, community engagement empowers individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their neighbors. Embracing the power of community engagement to build resilience and ensure the well-being of all members of our communities can help us prepare for the challenges of summer 2024.
Transportation
Take a spin inside the MTA’s first electric Access-a-Ride vans coming to the paratransit fleet. The MTA has recently announced its first electric Access-a-Ride van, a pilot program aimed at transitioning its 1,100-vehicle paratransit fleet to zero-emission technology. This year, 15 electric vans are slated to hit the streets across the five boroughs, providing critical transit services without adding emissions that impact the climate, local air quality, and public health. Read more to learn about the program and how it plans to improve city-wide transportation. (Source: amNY)
Gothamist: NYC moves ahead with e-bike battery charging hub for delivery workers near City Hall
Mass Transit Mag: Gateway Development Commission submits final documents to FTA for Hudson Tunnel Project FFGA
Smart Cities Dive: Electric bus, railcar purchases sought by Chicago-based transit authority
Climate
EPA to unleash $7B for low-income solar projects. The EPA is seeking to include low-income households in the energy transition with the Solar for All program, as rooftop solar panels are currently more present in affluent neighborhoods. On Earth Day, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the 60 grant recipients selected to spearhead this effort. These organizations will provide solar power to over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Read more about the Solar for All program. (Source: E&E News)
Canary Media: US awards $28M for cutting-edge tech to clean up iron and steel
Boston Globe: Boston names city’s first chief climate officer
Utility Dive: Surging demand growth spurs openings for advanced nuclear, grid technologies: DOE’s Crane
Economic Development
You’ve heard of the Peace Corps? Meet the Economic Recovery Corps. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has created the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) to address COVID-19's unequal impact on communities. The program’s 65 fellows will work in designated areas for 30 months, helping to build economic capacity and leadership. The ERC is supported by the International Economic Development Council and mirrors fellowships like the American Connection Corps. Read more on the ERC’s goals to make lasting impacts on local economies. (Source: Smart Cities Dive)
Route Fifty: Hundreds of millions up for grabs in environmental justice grants
ABC 13: Houston granted extension to spend $1.2B in federal money to build Harvey recovery housing
Inc: Record Numbers of People Are Starting New Small Businesses
Digital
Google Maps will use AI to help you find out-of-the-way EV chargers. Google Maps is introducing updates to enhance the process of finding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by using artificial intelligence (AI). AI will be utilized to summarize user reviews and provide detailed directions to hard-to-find chargers, including those in parking garages. Additional features will include real-time availability of plugs and charging speeds, especially in vehicles with integrated Google software. Read more on how finding EV chargers will be made easier. (Source: The Verge)
Route Fifty: California looks to AI to automate health insurance enrollment
Engadget: This hopping robot with flailing legs could explore asteroids in the future
Forbes: AI Identifies New Potential Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease
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