Demand for renewable energy resources has never been more robust, and billions of dollars in federal funding are now available to support projects designed to meet the demand. Projects that qualify for funding include ones designed to harness energy from water, wind or solar sources. Some technology projects are also eligible. The deployment of renewable resources is expected to grow by 17% in 2024 and the U.S. Energy Information Administration has said that would represent almost one-quarter of all power generated in America.

The offshore wind market is positioned to receive even more federal investments because of a stated goal to have 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 (enough to power 10 million homes). In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will hold lease auctions this year to demonstrate ongoing interest in the offshore wind industry, whose supply chain alone may generate over $100 billion in revenue by 2030.

Congress passed two bills – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – that invested about $42 billion in renewable energy in 2023. Those funds are expected to more than double the current wind and solar funding deployments . Other federal funding for renewable energy went far beyond that in 2023. The U.S. Department of Energy announced $45 million for tidal energy technology development, $118 million for sustainable biofuel production and $72 million for innovative manufacturing processes for wind and hydropower technologies. The federal government plans to be a carbon-neutral America by 2050.

Several open funding opportunities to support renewable energy projects are now available:

• The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program will support projects that reduce energy use, fossil fuel emissions and enhance energy efficiency by supporting the installation of renewable technologies. The opportunity for a portion of this $430 million is open until April 2024. 
• Another $2 billion is available through the EPA Community Change Grant to help disadvantaged communities deploy clean energy projects and strengthen climate resistance. Applicants are invited to submit requests for this funding until November 2024.

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The U.S. Department of Energy is making $1.2 billion available to help build or upgrade large-scale transmission lines that would not be developed without strong financial support.

The DOE has issued a request for proposals (RFP) through its Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP) to use “capacity contracts” that will commit the department to purchase up to 50% of the maximum capacity of a transmission line.

The contracts will establish the DOE as an “anchor customer” to late-state and “shovel ready” projects for up to 40 years, the department said. DOE will sell its capacity rights to other customers to recover costs when the contract expires.

The application and review process will be split into two parts. The submission deadline for Part 1 of the application is March 11, 2024.

Click here to learn more about energy grant opportunities

(Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash.)

McKinney residents will cast their votes on a $485.5 million bond measure that would improve the city’s park system, expand municipal facilities and improve streets. Election day is May 4, with early voting taking place between April 22 and 30. The city of McKinney is 33 miles north of Dallas.

Proposition E accounts for the largest portion of the bond, asking for $243.5 million to improve, expand and reconstruct streets. The proposition would allow the city to make related improvements and purchase property to improve mobility and safety, reduce congestion and address aging infrastructure. The proposal is the foundation for the city’s 10-year reconstruction program and is in accordance with its Capital Improvement Program.

Proposition A would allocate $106 million to improve the city’s park and recreation system. The city would use $60 million to build a multigenerational recreation facility. An additional $25 million would help improve Towne Lake Park, while the city would invest $20 million into improving the Gabe Nesbitt baseball and softball fields. The remaining $1 million would go toward adding pickleball courts across multiple parks.

Proposition D would allocate $70 million for public safety, including $22 million to build a fire station. The city would use $20 million to renovate the police administration building to include more space and a parking structure. The city would also use $12.5 million to reconstruct fire station No. 8.

Click here to see the other bond propositions

(Photo courtesy of Rick Ray.)

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has chosen Jim Szczesniak as the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) interim director. With more than two decades of management experience in both the public and private sector, Szczesniak will be responsible for all aspects of HAS operations. This includes executing strategic initiatives, maximizing commercial potential and maintaining operational excellence throughout the organization.

Szczesniak will serve as interim director until the City Council confirms him as permanent director. He replaces Mario Diaz, who retired after 14 years of leading HAS.

Szczesniak joined HAS in 2022 as chief operating officer (COO). Prior to HAS, Szczesniak was the airport director for the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), the fourth busiest air cargo airport and gateway to Alaska.

His career began at O’Hare International Airport, where he later became director of Airport Planning and then deputy commissioner of Aviation for both O’Hare and Midway International Airport. He also spent a decade working at the Chicago Department of Aviation.

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) – Austin’s transit authority – will upgrade the entirety of its bike rental program (MetroBike) to an electric-powered fleet over the next five years.

CapMetro signed a $20.6 million contract with Canada-based PBSC Urban Solutions Inc. to overhaul the program’s bikes, docks, stations and software platform. E-bikes and upgraded stations will start to populate the landscape as early as this summer, local officials said.

CapMetro founded the MetroBike system in 2013, installing 11 stations supporting 100 bikes to improve downtown mobility. The program eventually expanded, totaling 81 stations and 800 bicycles by 2023. E-bikes comprise 43% of the current fleet, with traditional bicycles accounting for the rest.

CapMetro will invest $3.5 million this summer to replace the existing system. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the city Austin will deliver a combined $14 million to expand the system over the next six years. To support transitioning to the all-electric fleet, TxDOT awarded Austin a $11.3 million Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) grant.

Click here to learn more about state funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects

(Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin.)

Derek Boese

General Manager

San Antonio River Authority

Public career highlights and education: Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to make significant positive impacts on the people and communities that I have served, particularly in my current position as CEO and GM of the San Antonio River Authority and my previous position as head of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – East, overseeing the New Orleans hurricane defense system. After graduating from Rice University with a degree in Civil Engineering I became an active duty US Army Corps of Engineer officer and was privileged to lead my soldiers in the initial ground invasion of Iraq in 2003.

What I like best about my public service: Having a mission that takes care of people and serves the greater good. I have always been drawn to work that is fulfilling and does something for society. Even when I worked in the private sector for two national engineering firms, I was fortunate that the majority of my work centered around hurricane protection and coastal restoration – both critical to the coastal communities I lived and worked in.

The best advice I’ve received: When I was a young Army officer, a more senior officer I served with told me, “You’re going to learn something from every boss you have – some good things and some bad things. Keep track of what you see and emulate the good and make sure not to do the bad.”

People might be interested to know: I’m also a licensed attorney in Louisiana. Later in my career, I became eligible for additional GI Bill benefits and I used those to go to law school at night at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and then pass the Bar Exam in 2016. While I don’t practice, the knowledge and ways of analyzing problems have been invaluable in my leadership positions.

One thing I wish more people knew about the San Antonio River Authority: How diverse our mission is. Not only are we fairly unique amongst River Authorities in that we have an elected board, but we also manage the river for flood control, water quality and ecosystem health, and recreation. Some of our most visible work can be seen on the Mission Reach and Museum Reach linear parks south and north of downtown San Antonio. However, we work more in the background as well, serving as one of the only two entities in Texas that FEMA entrusts to do all the floodplain mapping for our region.

The Port of Corpus Christi named Cindy Bertolami as chief financial officer. She has been interim CFO for the past six months and is replacing Kent Britton, who was appointed CEO in September.

Bertolami was previously the director of finance for the port and has over 20 years in leadership positions within the financial sector. In her new role, she will be managing the real estate, information technology, finance, accounting, procurement and risk management departments.

As the director of finance, Bertolami helped finalize the port’s annual comprehensive financial report, streamlined financial accounting procedures for more efficiency and oversaw the transition of timekeeping and financial software as the project manager. She also helped secure the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

(Photo courtesy of the Port of Corpus Christi.)

Harris County Precinct One will transform a 100-acre regional stormwater detention basin near the Sims Bayou Greenway into a public park. The $28.3 million park will protect nearby residences during storms while providing recreation spaces and trails within walking distance of several schools, parks, churches and homes.

Once completed, the Hill at Sims Park will feature 4.5 miles of hike-and-bike trails and a connection to the Sims Bayou Greenway, creating access to an additional 20 miles of trails. The project is currently in the design phase. The county expects to finish construction by the end of 2025.

Precinct One will break the project up into three recreational packages. Package A will prioritize hilltop and basin trails throughout the park, including a 1.6-mile basin loop trail. The county will improve the Hill by installing overlook and gateway points, concrete walks, nature paths, hill security barriers and a hilltop pavilion. Plans also call for additional nature trails, a water access pier, an entry plaza, signage, furnishings and parking.

Click here for more details about this opportunity

(Photo courtesy of Harris County Precinct One.)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to advance two new regulatory rules targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often termed “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the environment and the human body.

The proposed rules signify the latest in the federal government’s ongoing strategy to combat the toxic pollution posed by PFAS.

PFAS chemicals, defined by their resilient carbon-fluorine bonds, are known for their resistance to heat, water and oil. This has led to their widespread integration into numerous consumer, commercial and industrial products. However, the same properties that made PFAS valuable in manufacturing have also rendered them a significant, long-term environmental concern requiring strict clean-up and permissioned usage.

The EPA’s first proposed rule seeks to refine the “Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action from Solid Waste Management Units.” This revision is intended to ensure that EPA’s regulations accurately embody the full scope of the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which mandates that facilities holding hazardous substance permits are held accountable for their comprehensive cleanup of substances, including PFAS chemicals.

Click here for more details on the EPA's ruling

(Photo: Foam containing PFAS along the shoreline of the Huron River in Michigan. Courtesy of MountainFae.)

Dallas’ public transit system is looking to upgrade its fleet and is seeking input from its riders to help it regrow its business.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is surveying riders at bus shelters, transit centers and on its buses asking them to take a survey to help them decide on future bus purchases for their fleet.

The 10-year system modernization plan includes improving signal systems and tracks across the rail corridor, replacing the oldest buses and light rail vehicles in the fleet, and improving passenger and operating facilities, DART said.

DART employees are also being asked to participate and provide their feedback, particularly bus operators and bus mechanics, to ensure the new vehicles are easy to operate and maintain. Employees who use DART are also being asked to provide feedback.

DART’s survey will include questions about storage access, seat comfort, noise level, overall layout and possible new features like Wi-Fi accessibility, onboard air purification systems, passenger video displays and brighter interior lighting that DART could add to its spec development.

DART said it expects to complete the survey and begin developing new bus specs later this year. New buses could be in service by 2026, DART said.

Click here for more

(Photo courtesy of DART.)

Dave Nelson has been named Texas’ deputy secretary of state beginning March 1, Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced. Dave Nelson, who has no relation to Secretary Nelson, has 25 years of state government experience, most recently serving as director of communications for Texas Health and Human Services.

Nelson began his career in government in December 1998 when he joined the Texas Senate. He served in various leadership roles, including chief of staff, director of the senate finance committee, communications director and district director. He stepped away from the position in July 2022.

As deputy secretary of state, Nelson will oversee the agency’s daily operations under Secretary Nelson’s supervision. If Secretary Nelson is out of state or unavailable, Nelson will fulfill her duties.

(Photo courtesy of Michael Barera.)

The Central Texas city of Lakeway is asking voters to approve a $22 million bond proposition to support a suite of park projects, including construction of separate swim and activity centers. Early voting runs from April 22 to April 30, with election day May 4. 

Lakeway City Council members recently signed off on the bond election that – if approved – would set in motion a prioritized list of park improvements starting with Butler Park (Rough Hollow), a $3.3 million project that includes $1.6 million for amenities such as a splashpad, pickleball courts, playground equipment and a ninja obstacle course. The project also calls for concrete trail paving, fitness stations, a pavilion and a restroom building. 

Second on the list is a combined $2.6 million project that will add a lazy river, 12-lane lap pool, gym facility, pool equipment, tunnel water slide and bleachers at the Lakeway Swim Center. 

Approval would also support a $3.2 million development of Lakeway City Park, including $1.4 million for hardscape infrastructure such as roads, concrete curbs and gutters. Play equipment and a restroom building are also planned.

Click here for more details about this opportunity

(Photo courtesy of the city of Lakeway.)

Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie has been chosen to lead the National League of Cities Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. Bartie will serve a one-year term to develop and guide programs alongside other officials from similar communities. He will play a critical role in the council to encourage collaboration, networking and development of resources and beneficial community programs. 

The city of College Station has promoted Michael Ostrowski, the current director of Planning and Development Services, to chief development officer. Ostrowski began working for the city in 2020 and will bring 18 years of municipal leadership experience to the new role. As chief development officer, he will lead the Economic Development and Tourism Department and function as an executive leader in the City Manager’s Office. He will officially assume his duties in mid-February. 

On Jan. 23, the city of Heath named Assistant City Manager Keven Lasher as city manager. Lasher joined the city in 2017 as director of planning. Bringing 33 years of municipal experience to the role, Lasher took the city manager reins effective immediately. 

The city of Jacksonville has hired Devin Fredrickson as director of Parks and Recreation. Fredrickson brings 12 years of local government experience to the position. He most recently served as director of community services for Castroville. 

Gov. Greg Abbott announced these appointments and reappointments from Feb. 2 through Feb. 8:

159th Judicial District

Layne Thompson - Pollok

Texas Commission On Environmental Quality

Catarina Gonzales - Austin

Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

Editors:

Adam Rollins

Dave Doolittle