Oddz N Ends

RCAC publishes green guide for small utilities

RCAC's Sustainable Infrastructure for Small System Public Services: A Planning and Resource Guide(pdf >2mb), provides informational material, worksheets, examples, case studies and resources on water conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy for small utilities. The planning and resource guide provides a step-by-step process for utility decision-makers, staff and community members wanted to operate increasingly efficient utility systems. For more information on RCAC's green services, visit the RCAC Green Services webpage or contact Ellen Drew, RCAC regional environmental manager or Connie Baker Wolfe, RCAC regional housing manager.

State of the nation's housing report

The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University published a report on, “The State of the Nation’s Housing 2009.” According to the report, “Despite unprecedented federal efforts to jumpstart the economy … ongoing job losses, house price deflation, and tighter mortgage credit are placing any recover at risk.” Established in 1959, the Joint Center is a collaborative unit affiliated with the Graduate School of Design and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Fee-for-service scam public service announcement (PSAs) in multiple languages

The Pacific District of NeighborWorks America and the HUD Santa Ana Homeownership Center have partnered with Crossings TV in Sacramento to produce a PSA warning homeowners of the fee-for-service foreclosure rescue scam. The PSA aired last month in selected markets throughout the San Joaquin Valley and is available online on the Pacific District YouTube Channel. Check out the videos in English, Hmong, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Residential energy efficiency incentives

The Tax Incentives Assistance Project is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to use federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies. Homeowners can qualify for a variety of federal tax credits by making home energy efficiency improvements, heating and cooling upgrades, and by installing onsite renewable generation. All incentives are in effect for measures placed in service during 2009 and 2010 unless noted otherwise. For more information on the criteria and qualifications, visit the ENERGY STAR website or the TIAP website. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin

The Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin is a free resource that provides tools focusing on issues facing water and wastewater systems, links to get advice from regional experts of the national Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and quick access to loan information and applications. To subscribe >>

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