States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Wolf Administration Celebrates Investments In Communities At Dedication Of Second Avenue Commons In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Sept. 30 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Acting Secretary Neil Weaver celebrated the Wolf Administration's investments in communities at a dedication ceremony for the Second Avenue Commons shelter in Pittsburgh.
"This is a wonderful facility that will serve the community well," said Weaver. "Second Avenue Commons will offer shelter to those who need it, and the Wolf Administration is proud that we could help contribute to this project."
Opening in
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Sept. 30 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Acting Secretary Neil Weaver celebrated the Wolf Administration's investments in communities at a dedication ceremony for the Second Avenue Commons shelter in Pittsburgh.
"This is a wonderful facility that will serve the community well," said Weaver. "Second Avenue Commons will offer shelter to those who need it, and the Wolf Administration is proud that we could help contribute to this project."
Opening inOctober, Second Avenue Commons will be a year-round "low barrier" shelter offering a comprehensive set of services and programs to help people who are experiencing homelessness find safety and stability while they work to rebuild their lives and move toward permanent housing.
The new 43,000-square-foot building will be open 24/7 and will include a 95-bed shelter in group sleeping rooms with dedicated personal hygiene facilities, space for pets and storage, plus additional beds for winter overnight stays.
Action Housing, Inc., who will provide program management and administrative functions for Second Avenue Commons, received a $700,000 Keystone Communities Program grant from DCED towards the project.
"Second Avenue Commons is the result of a remarkable collaboration between public and private sectors to respond to the need of unhoused individuals in Allegheny County," said Linda Metropulos, president of the Board of Directors of Second Avenue Commons. "Hundreds of people worked to bring this project to fruition starting in 2019 with the leadership and financial contributions of the corporate and medical communities in Pittsburgh. The financial support of DCED was a critical part of making this project happen."
Planning for the five-story facility began in 2019, directed by PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation along with partners including Highmark Health and UPMC.
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/wolf-administration-celebrates-investments-in-communities-at-dedication-of-second-avenue-commons-in-pittsburgh/
Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission Issues Order Involving Cascade Natural Gas
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 30 (TNSsro) -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following order (No. PG-220648) on Sept. 29, 2022, by Executive Director and Secretary Amanda Maxwell:
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In the Matter of the Request of CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION Pursuant to WAC 480-93-020 for Approval to Operate a Proposed New 4-Inch Pipeline at a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure of 400 Pounds per Square Inch Gauge within 100 Feet of Existing Structures Not Owned by Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
ORDER 01 ORDER APPROVING REQUEST
BACKGROUND
1 On August 29, 2022,
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 30 (TNSsro) -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following order (No. PG-220648) on Sept. 29, 2022, by Executive Director and Secretary Amanda Maxwell:
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In the Matter of the Request of CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION Pursuant to WAC 480-93-020 for Approval to Operate a Proposed New 4-Inch Pipeline at a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure of 400 Pounds per Square Inch Gauge within 100 Feet of Existing Structures Not Owned by Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
ORDER 01 ORDER APPROVING REQUEST
BACKGROUND
1 On August 29, 2022,Cascade Natural Gas Corporation (Cascade or Company) filed with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (Commission) a request for approval to construct and operate a new pipeline consisting of 4-inch, steel gas line operating at a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 400 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) within 100 feet of 151 existing structures not owned by Cascade in Toppenish, Washington.
2 The Commission has adopted the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Part 192, and promulgated Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 480-93 as the minimum standards for gas pipeline construction. WAC 480-93-020 requires a gas pipeline company to obtain approval from the Commission to operate a gas pipeline at greater than 250 psig within 100 hundred feet of any existing buildings not owned by the gas pipeline company.
3 Cascade is proposing to construct and operate a 4-inch steel pipeline within 100 feet of 151 structures in Toppenish, Washington. The MAOP of the proposed pipeline will be 400 psig. The Cascade is performing this work to satisfy the Settlement Agreement in Docket PG-150120, maintain core customer needs, and supply necessary capacities for future growth in Toppenish.
4 Commission Staff reviewed the Company's proposed proximity request and calculations. Because the facility will be new construction, there are no existing records. Staff notes the following facts:
(a) The proposed MAOP of the new pipeline will be 400 psig
(b) The proposed piping and all fittings are commensurate with the proposed MAOP.
(c) Class location for the proposed pipeline is Class 3.
(d) The approximate distance from the pipeline to existing structures ranges from 15 feet to 100 feet. All other buildings are greater than 100 feet from the pipeline.
(e) At the proposed MAOP of 400 psig, the maximum stress level of the new pipe would be 7.30 percent of the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS). Pipelines that operate under 20 percent of SMYS are considered low-stress lines and pose a lower risk than pipelines operating above 20 percent of SMYS.
(f) The proposed pipeline and fittings will be pressure tested to a minimum of 750 psig in accordance with the Company's procedures prior to operation. This test pressure is at least 1.5 times the MAOP of the pipeline as required for a Class 3 location.
5 Staff finds that Cascade's proposed construction meets all the pertinent requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 192 and WAC Chapter 480-93.
6 Staff recommends that the Commission approve the request subject to the following conditions, which are designed to minimize the risks to public safety from the proposed pipeline:
(a) For underground installations, Cascade must electrically inspect (jeep) the pipe coating and repair any coating defects in accordance with the Company's operating standard prior to backfilling.
(b) For underground installations, Cascade must apply backfill material around the pipe to protect the pipe and coating. The material around the pipe must be free of any sharp rocks or other objects with a maximum particle size of one-half inch and must contain a large percentage of fines, such as sand, native soil, or soil-based select materials.
(c) Cascade must non-destructively test 100 percent of all welds. Cascade must remedy defects in the welds in accordance with the Company's operating standards and procedures. Cascade must non-destructively test all repaired welds to ensure pipeline integrity and compliance with existing standards.
(d) Cascade must install cathodic protection within 90 days after the pipeline is installed.
(e) Cascade must provide notification to the Commission via email to pipelineprogram@utc.wa.gov at least two business days prior to the beginning of project construction.
(f) Cascade must contact building owners within 100 feet of the new pipeline prior to the Commission's open meeting and inform them of the project construction and any additional information consistent with the public awareness requirements in Title 49 CFR Part 192.616.
DISCUSSION
7 The Commission agrees with Staff's analysis and adopts its recommendations. The Commission's primary objective in regulating natural gas pipelines is to protect public safety. The rules the Commission has promulgated to govern pipelines incorporate and exceed federal requirements and provide flexibility to establish safety standards tailored to individual projects. The Commission's proximity rule, WAC 480-93-020, allows pipeline Staff the opportunity to review construction plans of high-pressure pipelines in close proximity to inhabited structures to address safety considerations. Staff's recommended conditions described in paragraph 6 appropriately minimize the public safety risk associated with the proposed pipeline. Accordingly, we approve the Company's request.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
8 (1) The Commission is an agency of the State of Washington vested by statute with the authority to adopt and enforce rules for gas pipeline safety.
9 (2) Cascade is a gas pipeline company and subject to Commission jurisdiction.
10 (3) In WAC 480-93, the Commission has adopted minimum standards for gas pipeline construction. Pursuant to these standards, gas pipelines are designed to withstand higher pressure than the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) prescribed by these rules. The most restrictive gas pipeline safety rules specify that pipelines in a highly populated area must be operated at pressures producing a hoop stress of no greater than 40 percent of the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) of the pipe.
11 (4) Cascade's construction plan indicates that the proposed pipeline will meet or exceed all the pertinent requirements of Title 49 C.F.R. Part 192 and WAC Chapter 480-93. The conditions recommended by Staff add requirements to this installation that minimize the risk of proximity of the pipeline to habitable structures.
12 (5) This matter came before the Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 29, 2022.
13 (6) The Commission should approve Cascade's request to operate a new 4-inch natural gas pipeline at a MAOP of 400 psig within 100 feet of existing structures not owned by Cascade because the Company's proposal, with the conditions Staff recommends, is consistent with the public interest.
ORDER
THE COMMISSION ORDERS:
14 (1) The Commission approves Cascade Natural Gas Corporation's request to construct and operate a new regulator station and steel natural gas pipeline in Toppenish at a maximum allowable operating pressure of 400 pounds per square inch gauge within 100 feet of existing structures subject to the conditions set out in paragraph 6 of this order.
15 (2) The Commission retains jurisdiction over the subject matter and Cascade Natural Gas Corporation to effectuate the provisions of this Order.
DATED at Lacey, Washington, and effective September 29, 2022
WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
AMANDA MAXWELL, Executive Director and Secretary
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Original text here: https://apiproxy.utc.wa.gov/cases/GetDocument?docID=9&year=2022&docketNumber=220648
N.C. Health Dept. Delays Medicaid Managed Care Tailored Plans
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
To ensure beneficiaries can seamlessly receive care on day one, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will delay the implementation of the NC Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans until April 1, 2023.
Tailored Plans, originally scheduled to launch Dec. 1, 2022, will provide the same services as Standard Plans in Medicaid Managed Care and will also provide additional
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
To ensure beneficiaries can seamlessly receive care on day one, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will delay the implementation of the NC Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plans until April 1, 2023.
Tailored Plans, originally scheduled to launch Dec. 1, 2022, will provide the same services as Standard Plans in Medicaid Managed Care and will also provide additionalspecialized services for individuals with significant behavioral health conditions, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
The delayed start of Tailored Plans allows Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations, which will operate the Tailored Plans, more time to contract with additional providers to support member choice and to validate that data systems are working appropriately. The decision is supported by the leadership of the state's six LME/MCOs.
While the start of Tailored Plans will be delayed, specific new services will still go live Dec. 1, 2022.
NCDHHS and LME/MCOs will support providers of Tailored Care Management to launch their services on Dec. 1. Through Tailored Care Management, eligible beneficiaries will have a single designated care manager supported by a multidisciplinary team to provide integrated care management that addresses the beneficiary's whole-person health needs.
In addition, pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, NCDHHS will implement the 1915(i) option on Dec. 1. This program provides services to help beneficiaries remain in their homes and community-based settings through services such as Respite, Individual and Transitional Supports, Community Living and Supports, Community Transition and Supported Employment.
Beneficiaries set to receive care through the Tailored Plans will continue to receive behavioral health services and I/DD and TBI supports through their LME/MCO and physical health and pharmacy services through NC Medicaid Direct, just as they do today.
More information regarding the beneficiary choice period and other key dates leading up to the April 1, 2023, launch will be shared by NCDHHS in the coming weeks.
For more information about Tailored Plans please visit NC Medicaid's Tailored Plan website.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/29/ncdhhs-delays-medicaid-managed-care-tailored-plans
Michigan PSC Submits Renewable Natural Gas Report To Legislature
LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 30 (TNSrpt) -- The Michigan Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
The Michigan Public Service Commission today submitted to the state Legislature a report outlining the potential of renewable natural gas (RNG) in Michigan and the barriers to developing and using RNG in Michigan.
The MPSC was directed to conduct the study under Public Act 87 of 2021, approved by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in September 2021. The Michigan Renewable Natural Gas Study is posted on the MPSC's website.
As required under Public Act 87, the report:
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LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 30 (TNSrpt) -- The Michigan Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
The Michigan Public Service Commission today submitted to the state Legislature a report outlining the potential of renewable natural gas (RNG) in Michigan and the barriers to developing and using RNG in Michigan.
The MPSC was directed to conduct the study under Public Act 87 of 2021, approved by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in September 2021. The Michigan Renewable Natural Gas Study is posted on the MPSC's website.
As required under Public Act 87, the report:
*Identifies existing and potential RNG sources in Michigan and estimates the energy content and greenhouse gas abatement potential of these sources.
* Estimates the cost per unit of heat and the potential greenhouse gas emission reduction per unit of heat should potential RNG sources be used to the greatest practical extent.
* Compares the estimated per-unit cost savings of greenhouse gas emission reductions estimated for RNG sources to the estimated likely per-unit cost savings from the use of other carbon abatement technologies, including hydrogen blending, building electrification, and similar technologies.
* Estimates the RNG production potential by applicable feedstock sources in Michigan.
* Identifies barriers to developing and utilizing RNG in Michigan.
Renewable natural gas is pipeline-quality biogas -- derived from the breakdown of organic matter from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, farm animal waste, crop residues or food waste -- that is interchangeable with conventional natural gas used to heat Michiganders' homes. The study concludes that capturing RNG from existing waste streams can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, particularly if it is derived from sources that create methane emissions released into the atmosphere.
Public Act 87 provided funding for the RNG study. The MPSC issued a competitive request for proposals for the study and hired the consulting firm ICF to conduct it. The MPSC launched the study in December 2021 in Case No. U-21170, creating a Renewable Natural Gas Study Workgroup and holding meetings with stakeholders to help guide the direction of the report. In June, the MPSC sought additional comments after a draft report was issued. Additional information about the study can be found at the workgroup's webpage.
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REPORT: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/-/media/Project/Websites/mpsc/workgroups/RenewableNaturalGas/MI-RNG-Study-Draft-Report---6-2022.pdf?rev=abfd113cf24c434d874a16bc187bae84&hash=EC2FF77C337D13929B262376B8618208
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2022/09/28/mpsc-submits-renewable-natural-gas-report-to-legislature
GOVERNOR PARSON ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING INCOME TAX CUT APPROVED BY MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Sept. 30 -- Gov. Michael Parson, R-Missouri, issued the following statement:
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Governor Parson issued the following statement regarding the General Assembly approving income tax cut legislation.
"We are thrilled that the General Assembly has answered our call to cut Missourians' taxes and return some of their hard-earned dollars. We called this special session to pass and extend critical support to our agriculture industry and reduce Missourians' income tax burden, and that's exactly what we are accomplishing."
"Today's action will provide real relief to taxpaying
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Sept. 30 -- Gov. Michael Parson, R-Missouri, issued the following statement:
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Governor Parson issued the following statement regarding the General Assembly approving income tax cut legislation.
"We are thrilled that the General Assembly has answered our call to cut Missourians' taxes and return some of their hard-earned dollars. We called this special session to pass and extend critical support to our agriculture industry and reduce Missourians' income tax burden, and that's exactly what we are accomplishing."
"Today's action will provide real relief to taxpayingMissourians. Relief that is even more critical now as Missouri families face rising grocery bills, high gas prices, and record inflation. This bill means our administration will have cut Missourians' income tax rate by almost a full percentage point or a nearly 15 percent decrease. Next week, we look forward to progress being made on the agriculture bill, so we can sign both pieces of legislation into law."
Earlier today, Governor Parson issued a special message to the legislature that modifies the special session call to include small changes outside the original call but still within the subjects of agriculture and income tax cuts.
To view Governor Parson's special message to the General Assembly modifying his special session call, see attachment.
To view Senate Bill 3, the income tax cut legislation approved by the Missouri Legislature, click here (https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-issues-statement-regarding-income-tax-cut-approved-missouri).
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Original text here: https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-issues-statement-regarding-income-tax-cut-approved-missouri
Earp Named N.C. Public Safety Dept. Chief Financial Officer
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 30 (TNSper) -- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. announced Melissa B. Earp as the department's new chief financial officer. She begins her position on Oct. 3 and previously served the department in the Division of Adult Correction as deputy secretary of administration.
Earp has worked for DPS for more than 24 years. Before her promotion to deputy secretary, she served as director and assistant director of Prisons' administrative services, regional
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 30 (TNSper) -- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. announced Melissa B. Earp as the department's new chief financial officer. She begins her position on Oct. 3 and previously served the department in the Division of Adult Correction as deputy secretary of administration.
Earp has worked for DPS for more than 24 years. Before her promotion to deputy secretary, she served as director and assistant director of Prisons' administrative services, regionaladministrative services manager and office assistant. She also spent two years working as the chief financial officer for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission from 2017-19.
"We are thrilled to have Melissa serve in this role," said Buffaloe. "She brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to the CFO position. I am glad that she will continue to serve DPS in this capacity."
As CFO, Earp is responsible for the department's financial operations and manages all financial matters and decision-making. This includes accounting, financial reporting and business control.
"I'm honored to continue to serve the department and state as CFO of DPS," said Earp. "I look forward to stepping into this new role and building upon the great foundation that is already in place."
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Original text here: https://www.ncdps.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/29/earp-named-ncdps-chief-financial-officer
BOARD OF REGENTS ANNOUNCES 2022 FALL SEMESTER ENROLLMENT
TOPEKA, Kansas, Sept. 30 -- The Kansas Board of Regents issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
Preliminary census day figures released today by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) show a slight decrease in student enrollment across the state's public higher education system. Public universities and community colleges experienced a decrease in enrollment, while technical colleges had an increase. Overall, the system has experienced a 1.0 percent decline in enrollment as of the 20th day fall census compared to the prior year.
"The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continued
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Sept. 30 -- The Kansas Board of Regents issued the following news release on Sept. 29, 2022:
Preliminary census day figures released today by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) show a slight decrease in student enrollment across the state's public higher education system. Public universities and community colleges experienced a decrease in enrollment, while technical colleges had an increase. Overall, the system has experienced a 1.0 percent decline in enrollment as of the 20th day fall census compared to the prior year.
"The preliminary fall enrollment numbers show a continuedtrend of decreasing enrollment for many Kansas colleges and universities," said KBOR Chair Jon Rolph. "Our system is taking decisive action to reverse declining enrollments, better serve students and ensure that our state has the workforce needed to grow the Kansas economy. Initiatives such as our general education package and implementation of student success initiatives will help our system serve and graduate more students."
Across the six state universities, there was a decrease of 1,333 students (-1.5 percent). Community colleges experienced a decrease of 630 students (-1.0 percent), while technical colleges saw an increase of 569 students (6.0 percent).
View preliminary fall enrollment summaries in both headcount and full-time equivalent enrollment for each public higher education institution in Kansas.
Enrollment numbers may also be accessed at stats.kansasregents.org through the Fall Census tab.
Full-time equivalency is calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours taken in a semester by 15 and graduate credit hours by 12.
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Original text here: https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2022-news-releases/843-board-of-regents-announces-2022-fall-semester-enrollment
