Tropo makes central Delaware Debut at Dover Days
Date Posted: Monday, May 5th, 2014The Air Quality Partnership of Delaware’s new mascot, Tropo, made its central Delaware debut at Dover Days on Saturday, May 3. DNREC Deputy Secretary David Small, interim Dover Mayor David Bonar, Dover City Councilman James L. Hutchison and members of the Air Quality Partnership helped kick off Ozone Season in central Delaware. “May marks the beginning of ozone season, a time when temperatures rise and conditions become favorable for ground-level ozone to form,” said Deputy Sec. Small. “When ozone is forecasted to reach an unhealthy level, DNREC will declare an Air Quality Action Day and urge people to take precautions to protect their health. During ozone season and all year long, we encourage Delawareans to follow our air quality forecasts and take simple actions whenever possible – like riding public transit, biking or walking – that will make a big difference in improving the quality of our air.” During the spring and summer months, high temperatures and sunlight combine with air pollutants to form ground-level ozone. The air pollutants contributing most to ozone are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which originate from many sources including vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, large and small industrial facilities, chemical solvents, consumer products and natural sources. In addition, ozone can be transported by the wind over great distances, creating air quality problems far downwind of pollution sources. This means that everyone—industries, businesses and people—contribute to the problem. High levels of ozone near ground level can be harmful to people, animals and crops. When ozone levels are high, children, seniors, people with respiratory ailments and those who work or exercise outside are especially at risk. Ground-level ozone irritates lung passages and causes inflammation with symptoms that can include coughing, wheezing, headaches and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to even low levels of ozone can trigger asthma and lead to permanent lung damage. To support ozone season and asthma awareness, Mayor Bonar read two city of Dover proclamations at today’s event encouraging Dover residents to learn about local air quality and take an active role in minimizing pollution. “The city of Dover completely and totally embraces these proclamations and everything they stand for,” Councilman Hutchison said. “And the solar park in Dover and the library show that commitment. As more and more knowledge is gained about the environment, we are going to make changes to have a better, cleaner community.”
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Delaware moves up in Bike Friendly Ranking
Date Posted: Thursday, May 1st, 2014Delaware is now number 4 in the nation as a bicycle-friendly state. Click on the link below for more information. http://news.delaware.gov/2014/05/01/delaware-ranked-no-4-among-bicycle-friendly-states/
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MPO 2014 Spring Newsletter
Date Posted: Monday, April 28th, 2014Spring 2014 Newsletter
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Public comment period still open for FY15 UPWP
Date Posted: Monday, April 28th, 2014FY-2015-UPWP There is still time to comment on the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s annual spending plan, known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), for FY2015. The comment period will run until May 15. This spending plan, which becomes effective July 1, 2014, is $654,370, part of which is marked for several planning studies and programs that coordinate transportation and land use in central Delaware. The MPO’s FY 2015 proposed planning studies include: A bicycle and pedestrian plan for the city of Dover U.S. 13 Transportation Improvement District Rt. 10 Trail study A Milford northeast area master plan In addition, the MPO proposes to provide assistance to towns that are preparing or updating their comprehensive plans. The Dover/Kent County MPO is federally required to have a written work program in accordance with the federal transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). MAP-21 authorizes federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety and transit. The MPO’s policy-making body, the MPO Council, is scheduled to vote on the UPWP at its May 7 meeting, pending the completion of the public comment period. The Council’s meeting will be held at 3 p.m. on May 7 in the council chambers of Camden Town Hall. If approved, the budget goes to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Delaware Department of Transportation for review and approval. An electronic copy is available by clicking the link above, but the public may request copies by calling the office at (302) 387-6026 or (302) 387-6030.
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See you at the Bug n’ Bud Festival!
Date Posted: Friday, April 25th, 2014The Dover/Kent County MPO will be in downtown Milford on Saturday, April 26 for the annual Bug N’ Bud Festival. Enjoy a day of crafts, food and fun. Don’t forget to look for our booth! http://downtownmilford.org/2014-annual-bug-bud-festival/
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Draft 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program available to view
Date Posted: Friday, April 4th, 2014Delaware will see some transportation improvements over the next few years and the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization will play a role in making sure those projects well planned. The TIP represents the first few years of the MPO’s long range Regional Transportation Plan. Projects in the TIP are ones for which the Delaware Department of Transportation wants to secure federal and state funding. Click here to read the draft FY 2015-2018 TIP. Maps are available here: City of Dover projects included in the MPO TIP CTP Road Projects Camden Bypass Map
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WDEL AM Radio covers the Heels Wheels summit
Date Posted: Thursday, March 27th, 2014Check it out! WDEL AM Radio covered Friday’s Heels & Wheels walk and bike summit. To view the story, visit:http://www.wdel.com/story.php?id=57842
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Photos from Heels &Wheels
Date Posted: Saturday, March 22nd, 2014Approximately 250 people attended Friday’s Heels & Wheels walk and bicycle summit at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall. They heard an update on Gov. Jack Markell’s executive order on Complete Streets as well as on Delaware’s Trails and Pathways program, plus much more. Afterward, cyclists and walkers took advantage of the bright Spring day with a ride and walk on Newark’s Pomeroy Trail. Here are some photos of the day’s highlights. Photos are also available on the Dover/Kent County MPO’s Facebook page.
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Greetings from Heels & Wheels!
Date Posted: Friday, March 21st, 2014Hello from the Heels & Wheels walk and bike summit in Newark, Del.! So far, we’ve had some great speakers and exhibitors. Here are a few photos, but for more, you can also “like” us on Facebook, or follow the Dover/Kent County MPO on Twitter.
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Less than 50 seats left for the Heels and Wheels Summit!
Date Posted: Tuesday, March 11th, 2014We’ve broken the 200 mark on registration for the 2014 Heels & Wheels Delaware Walk and Bicycle Summit! That means there’s less than 50 slots left for registration. The good news is, there’s still time to get in game. Join us at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 21 (next week!) at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall. Go to www.wilmapco.org/heelsandwheels to sign up for this educational event. Nationally respected bicycle and pedestrian coordinator Dan Burden is our keynote speaker. Attendees will also have a chance to learn more about the economics of bicycling and trails, safety, transportation planning and building and maintaining recreational trails. Afterward, top off the day with a walk or a bicycle ride along the Pomeroy Trail in Newark.
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