The 1772 Foundation, in partnership with Maine Preservation, has announced that funding in the form of 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for historic preservation projects. To be eligible to apply, organizations must have a 501(c)(3) IRS designation. Organizations that wish to be considered should complete an online Letter of Inquiry form. Letters of inquiry will be accepted until November 5, 2021. Invited applications will be due February 25, 2022. Not all letters of inquiry will result in invitations to submit full applications.

As most of you already know, last week the Biden Administration ordered the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)  to develop a rule requiring that employers with 100 or more employees require their employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing. Enforcement of this order is vested in OSHA . Based on the information we have received; it could take several weeks for OSHA to complete its rule making. Maine’s Board of Occupational Safety & Health will then have 30 days after federal rules are approved to adopt and implement the program at a state level.  At this time, it may be prudent to wait until the OSHA has completed its rule making before making any changes to vaccine administration in your jurisdictions, as circumstances might change.

The Maine Library of Geographic Information (aka Maine GeoLibrary) is seeking input for the Maine GeoLibrary's strategic plan update project.  The brief (5-10 minutes) online survey and information about the process can be found at the link below.

Maine Audubon has launched a new tool to assist municipalities in siting solar projects. The interactive GIS map helps to improve planning, siting, and permitting for terrestrial renewable energy projects with a focus on reducing potential impacts to high value plant and wildlife resources, soils, and other natural resources.
 

The University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center offers free webinar on Thurs., Sept. 23 - Strategies for Success in Local Government: Supporting Aging Communities in Maine.  Experts will discuss the priorities and needs of older citizens in Maine communities, and how municipalities can more effectively serve this population.

The municipalities of Cranberry Isles, Alna, Gouldsboro, Vassalboro and Bath were recognized for producing the highest-quality Annual Reports, during recent judging held at the Maine Municipal Association. MMA’s Annual Report Competition, which has been held for more than 50 years, recognizes municipalities for producing reports for their citizens that have excellent content, are well organized and visually appealing. More than 165 municipalities entered reports this year.

Participate in the stakeholder meeting on September 23 to review and assess the law in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 8869, subsection 8 and the corresponding process relating to a municipal proposal to adopt or amend a timber harvesting ordinance. The Maine Forest Service is conducting this stakeholder process to solicit input and report the findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by December 15, 2021. 

Commissioner Heather Johnson, Commissioner Amanda Beal, Brian Whitney from Maine Technology Institute, Carlos Mello from the Finance Authority of Maine, DECD staff, and DACF staff are hosting a virtual input session at 10a.m. on Thursday, September 23. The session is a chance for DECD to receive feedback directly from business owners, organizations, community members and stakeholders in the forest products industry.  

Efficiency Maine is pleased to announce a new guidebook, "How to Select and Install a Home Electric Vehicle Charger," which provides useful information and tips for current and prospective EV owners. The guide also answers common questions about home EV charging.

MEMA Mass Care will be offering a 2-Hour Sheltering Course for Local and County Emergency Management Agencies in preparation for Fall and Winter Storms.  Sessions will be delivered virtually utilizing the Microsoft TEAMS Platform.   The course is intended to provide staff and volunteers with best practices to set-up and manage a Congregate Shelter.  Due to the uncertainty of the longevity of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency the course will focus on basic concepts of Congregate Sheltering in a COVID-19 environment.  Course Participants will be emailed a Certification of Attendance following the delivery of all sessions.