ASC's Intersections Newsletter — October 27th, 2023
Nora's Note
Coastal resiliency on the ground. The North/West Battery Park City Resiliency (NWBPCR) Project is outlining a strategy for protective measures along the northern and western areas of Battery Park City to reduce the risks associated with storm surge and sea level rise. Through a series of sitewalks throughout the proposed project area, the Battery Park City Authority and Resiliency Project team shared information and offered opportunities for public involvement throughout the design process. There are more than 8.6 million Americans living in areas susceptible to coastal flooding. As coastal resiliency projects continue across the Northeast Coast, such hands-on engagement efforts provide essential insights into community needs and project impacts.
Transportation
MTA unveils new R211 train cars for Staten Island Railway; first major fleet upgrade in five decades. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced its plan to upgrade Staten Island's existing 1973 model railway cars with the new 21st-century R211 model. The new cars will increase transit reliability, accessibility, and security features for the Borough's transit users. This move is part of a broader modernization effort, with plans to replace all existing cars with R211 models by the end of 2024. Read more on how the MTA is renewing its commitment to this outer Borough. (Source: AMNY)
CNBC News: Space sector investors followed government contracts in the third quarter, report say
Streets Blogs USA: Colorado’s Vehicle Weight Fee Could Tame Megacar Crisis — And Protect Vulnerable Road users
Transportation Today: FHWA approves New York’s electric vehicle plan
Transport Topics: Kentucky Completes Improvements to Route 641
Climate
Communities boost climate resiliency by protecting pollinators. Several states and communities across the country have deployed creative tactics to preserve pollinator species. These programs are designed to maintain natural landscapes and encourage the planting of pollinator-friendly vegetation, which in turn boosts critical bee and other pollinator populations. Similar programs established in Minnesota have already garnered success, with more than 5 million square feet of pollinator-friendly habitats restored across the state. Read more about pollinator species and the vital role they play. (Source: Route Fifty)
NOLA: New Orleans area climate, resiliency projects get funding boost through GNOF grants
Inside Climate News: After its Hottest Summer On Record, Phoenix’s Mayor Outlines the City’s Future
Block Club Chicago: Chicago Launches First Citywide Composting Program
Route Fifty: Tree nurseries sprout up as a climate mitigation strategy
Economic Development
DOE announces ‘largest-ever investment in America’s grid,’ giving $3.5B across 44 states. The U.S. Department of Energy is investing nearly $3.5 billion through its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program (GRIP) to support 58 projects in 44 states, with a total expected investment of $8 billion. This initiative is the largest-ever investment in the U.S. grid and aims to enhance grid resilience, address climate change risks, and expand renewable energy capacity. Community engagement efforts and environmental justice will be central to this program. Read more on the DOE’s goals to increase renewable capacity and bring clean energy to communities across the US. (Source: Utility Dive)
The 74: In South Dakota, Momentum Grows for More State Child Care Funding
Smart Cities Dive: DOE selects 7 hydrogen hubs for $7B funding opportunity
USA Today: How does the U.S. retirement system stack up against other countries? Just above average.
The Conversation: Nonprofits can become more resilient by spending more on fundraising and admin − new research
Digital
X now requires community fact checks to include sources. X, a community-driven platform, is taking steps to enhance the accuracy of information by encouraging users to back their claims with credible sources. This change aims to reduce misinformation and improve the reliability of content. Users are now expected to include references when submitting fact-checks, which will be verified by the community to maintain the platform's quality and trustworthiness. Read more to learn how this move reflects a broader effort in online communities to combat the spread of false information and promote responsible sharing of facts. (Source: Engadget)
Route Fifty: New York City unveils AI action plan
Forbes: The Chatbot Revolution: Transforming Healthcare With AI Language Models
GovTech: Real-Time Traffic Management Tech to Take Root in Georgia
CNN: Medical imaging struggles to read dark skin. Researchers say they’ve found a way to make it easier
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