REGION 8 NOTES

 

 

May/June 2005

 

Ongoing WMRPC Projects

 

The Region has several ongoing programs, including The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  This program is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).  This involves an annual process of collecting information about the region related to economic development and growth.  The Region facilitates the process that involves a 16-member Committee of economic developers from across the Region.  The CEDS process is a prerequisite for communities to receive EDA grants for economic development projects such as infrastructure improvements, industrial parks, or other improvements related to jobs and the economy.  The CEDS Committee is reviewing a draft of the 2005 CEDS and is scheduled to adopt the strategy at the May 25, 2005 meeting.  The Board is scheduled to adopt the plan at the June 17, 2005 meeting.  

 

Another ongoing program is with The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).  The Region maintains a work program with MDOT that involves technical assistance to MDOT and local communities related to transportation planning.  The WMRPC performs transportation studies across the region and for specific corridor studies such as the M-40/M-89 Corridor Study in Allegan County, the M-104 Corridor Study in Ottawa County, and M-66 Corridor Study in Ionia County. 

 

For the past two years each of the Regions has been very involved in a new transportation program called Asset Management – that program involves creating an inventory of road conditions across Michigan to determine the best way to maintain the State’s roadways.  The WMRPC is gearing up for the third year of data collection and has copies of 2003 and 2004 information available for anyone interested in the condition of roads across the Region.

 

 

Special WMRPC Projects

 

Hazard Mitigation Plans – The WMRPC has completed Hazard Mitigation Plans for the City of Ionia and the counties of Montcalm, and Osceola.  Additionally we are finalizing plans for Ionia and Mecosta counties.  These plans are funded by FEMA and involve determining what actions can be accomplished to lessen the impact of natural disasters such as flooding and severe weather.  Each plan involves a variety of public input methods to determine local issues.  The WMRPC is working with the Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police to complete the plans.

 

Allegan & Ottawa Counties Shoreline Communities Study – This is a four phase study, with the first two phases completed and the third in draft format.  The WMRPC is working with the 14 shoreline communities in Allegan and Ottawa County to identify issues related to growth, planning, and other community issues.  To date we have compiled joint demographic information and joint land use maps, compared community goals, performed a build-out analysis for each community, performed issue identification workshops and a community survey distributed to 3,000 shoreline residents, interviewed community leaders, and compiled a list of programs communities can use to address growth.  The four-year study (currently entering its fourth year) is funded by Michigan’s Coastal Management Program and the WMRPC.  Copies of the Allegan County Plan and the Ottawa County plan are available.  The Allegan & Ottawa County Shoreline Studies Plan (Phase III) is in draft form for community review and will be finalized in June 2005.  The fourth year will involve developing a summary of all of the information and compiling a future land use map that creates uniform land use categories among all of the communities.

 

Economic Development Inventory and Analysis – The WMRPC is just starting a project that will inventory all of the economic development opportunities across the seven-county area.  The key points of the study (funded by EDA and the WMRPC) include:

The WMRPC is wrapping-up the Big Rapids Township Land Use Plan.  The Big Rapids Township Zoning Board has a complete draft that they are reviewing.  This plan was funded by Big Rapids Township and involved a variety of public input formats, coordinating mapping efforts with Michigan State University, and very close work with a committee formed to develop the plan.

 

 

WMRPC Open House!!

The WMRPC is holding an open house on June 17, 2005 following the Board Meeting.  The Open House will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.  A light lunch will be available during the hour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  We are lining up a variety of people from different State and Federal programs – so bring your questions.  We will also have current projects, past projects, and other information available for review.  This is also an opportunity to meet Board members and find out a little more about your Regional Planning Commission.  Parking is available behind the building and directions to our office are available at wmrpc.org (under Contact Information), or call for more information.

 

 

Recreation Plans

The WMRPC currently has the capacity to work with communities to develop recreation plans.  Any plan performed after April 1, 2005 must meet the MDNR’s new requirements for recreation plans.  Recreation plans are required for any community seeking funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the acquisition of land or the development of recreation facilities.  Contact the WMRPC if your community is interested in performing a plan.

 

 

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