You are here: Home / Archives for Solutions

Riding the Rollercoaster of Funding Infrastructure Projects

February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Anticipation, nausea, trepidation, and excitement!  If I have learned anything, there are no guarantees in grant writing.  This has become even more evident in regards to grant funding amidst the continuing state and federal budget woes.

On February 7th, I attended the Nevada Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meeting only to learn that yet another funding program has been cut from the federal budget.  In FY 2012 FEMA’s National Pre-disaster Mitigation Fund was reduced from $49.9 Million in FY 2011 to $35.5 Million.  However, the FY 2013 budget proposes to completely eliminate funding for the Pre-disaster Mitigation Program.  While there are other programs that some mitigation activities are eligible under, funding to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to public infrastructure will now only be available through post disaster assistance under a Presidential major disaster declaration. This is a disappointing blow to those committed to breaking the damage/repair cycle to critical public infrastructure caused by natural disasters and their effects.

On the flipside of this rollercoaster, six months earlier than expected the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $500 Million in funding for the National Infrastructure Investments program.  Although not identical to previous TIGER Discretionary Grants, the program will continue to be referred to as TIGER 4.  Pre-applications are due by February 20, 2011 with full applications due March 19, 2011.  The purpose of the TIGER program is to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region.  DOT program goals include providing infrastructure that makes communities more livable and sustainable, strengthening the economy by creating jobs, and providing innovative ways to save on construction costs. This program appears to have picked up momentum and hopefully will provide for greater infrastructure investment for years to come.

As for what’s around the next bend, who knows!  But hold on as I am sure it will be a wild ride!

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Home Wireless – Visible Disappointment/Invisible Risks

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A quality Internet connection does not guarantee high performance on your home network. How your devices and computers access that connection may negate any benefits obtained by paying for more bandwidth from your Internet service provider (ISP). Many users meet with the frustration of outstanding performance on their wired network devices while their wireless electronics suffer.

The superiority of wired connections is due to their long history in the marketplace. Routers and switches as old as five years are likely to support at least a 100Mbps connection. That is more than adequate to display several HDTV streams at 18Mbps, or a couple of HD Video streams at 40Mbps.

Home wireless’ popularity is more recent and tied to the rapid success of smart-phone technology. A wireless router or access point purchased five years ago may not support a bandwidth above 54Mbps. Combine that with a wireless network interface card (NIC) on a connected device that goes even slower and the issue becomes apparent.

Wireless networks must also contend with problems of signal interference, noise, bandwidth theft, and intrusion that are less likely to affect wired networks. In a business environment, there are many ways these can be dealt with in order to maximize cost efficiency. At home, it is best to remember, “n is your friend”.

802.11n is the latest wireless networking specification for which there is equipment available to the consumer. It offers speeds up to 150Mbps, on par with a wired connection. Several issues must be understood in order to securely achieve those speeds, though.

First are the issues of interference and noise. Just as a closed door can muffle a sound, the conditions that surround your wireless router can dampen its signal. Place wireless routers in a central location, as high as safety and aesthetics will permit. Keep them well away from objects with metal surfaces such as filing cabinets. Avoid the use of cordless phones (cell phones are fine) and microwaves when performing activities that require high bandwidth since they create noise on the same frequencies as the wireless network.

Other problems are with bandwidth theft and network intrusion. Since wireless networks must broadcast in the same fashion as a radio station, anyone with the proper technology can listen to the network’s traffic. Wireless encryption is required to protect the information that travels between a wireless device and router. Wireless network security prevents unauthorized users from getting easy access to an Internet connection or computers and devices on a home network.

Finally, older wireless devices may simply lack the required bandwidth and communication abilities to take advantage of modern wireless routers. In most cases, a laptop can be upgraded, but an older consumer device may not provide that luxury. If a device does not support 802.11n speeds and security protocols, having an “n” router alone won’t improve your Internet experience.

Wireless networking poses many challenges in the realms of connectivity, bandwidth and security. The convenience it provides comes at the expense of more complicated setup and installation requirements. Failure to respect those requirements invites disappointing performance, along with the potential for theft of service and data. Allow us to help with your home or business wireless needs.

R.O. Anderson Engineering offers various IT services, including installation and configuration of wireless networks. Go to http://www.roanderson.com/solutions/information-technology-solutions/ for more information.

Filed Under: Information Technology Solutions

Spyware and Malware Protection – Software Updates

January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

As anti-malware technology has improved, programmers who create malware have changed their tactics. The internet remains the most likely attack vector for these annoying and destructive programs. While firewalls and anti-virus programs provide a formidable defense, they can be bypassed via your web browser and its associated programs.

Internet Explorer 8 & 9, for all their faults, are Microsoft’s most secure browsers to date. Therefore, malware programmers have taken to attacking add-ins such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash and Oracle Java. Adobe’s and Oracle’s products are probably best known for their constant update reminders. They exist for a reason, and are important.

Reader and Flash enable website publishers to standardize document distribution and animated pictures across a variety of web browsers and computer platforms. Java plays a similar role in allowing web pages to interact with a user. Unfortunately, Adobe and Oracle were caught flat-footed when malware programmers began to focus on exploiting their products.

In the past a user had to click on a bad web link, or download and run an infected file in order to place his computer at risk. A new form of “drive-by” attack has become possible by using security flaws in Reader, Flash and Java. A user can now simply go to a legitimate website containing a compromised element that uses one of the previously listed programs and infection becomes automatic.

At present, the best defense against these sort of attacks is to keep your operating system, virus scanners and web-facing software up to date. While it is inconvenient to install software updates from various publishers on a near weekly basis, the alternative is to risk costly downtime to remove a virus.

As of this writing, Adobe Reader is at version 10, Adobe Flash is at version 11 and Oracle Java is at version 6, update 30. Look for and remove older versions of these programs manually before downloading the latest updates. Once installed they will update themselves automatically going forward.

Pick a time such as lunch or end-of-day to look for the update icons from the programs mentioned above and allow them to proceed. A few minutes of waiting for installations and system restarts will be repaid with longer periods of uptime.

Here are links to the official sites for Adobe and Java:

http://www.adobe.com/
http://www.java.com/

R.O. Anderson Engineering offers various IT services, including anti-spyware, anti-malware, remote support and monitoring of client’s computers using ESET and LabTech software packages. Go to http://www.roanderson.com/solutions/information-technology-solutions/ for more information.

Filed Under: Information Technology Solutions Tagged With: ,

Rigid versus Flexible Pavement Design

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Generally when discussing the topic of pavement there are two main categories to consider, rigid and flexible.  As with most things in engineering there are pros and cons to each of these types and one may be selected over another depending on the specific needs of a project.  Some main points to consider when weighing the two types are:

Rigid pavements are typically distribute wheel loads over a wide area of the subgrade as shown on the left side of the exhibit below and consists generally of cement concrete and may be reinforced with steel.  Other rigid pavement characteristics include:

  • Design life typically 30+ years
  • Equivalent unit cost approximately $6 – $8 per SF
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • High flexural strength
  • Strength of road less dependent on strength of sub-grade
  • Low ability to expand and contract with temperature and therefore need expansion joints
  • High ability to bridge imperfections in sub-grade

Flexible pavements typically distribute wheel loads to lower layers of the pavement section as shown on the right side of the exhibit below and consists generally of bituminous material.  Other flexible pavement characteristics include:

  • Design life typically 10 – 20 years
  • Equivalent unit cost approximately $2 – $3 per SF
  • Costs tied closely to price of oil
  • Higher maintenance costs
  • Low flexural strength
  • Strength of road highly dependent on strength of sub-grade
  • High ability to expand and contract with temperature and therefore do not need expansion joints
  • Low ability to bridge imperfections in sub-grade



 

Filed Under: Public Sector Solutions Tagged With: ,

Countdown to New Year 2012 Brings Grant Funding

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As Christmas approaches and the year rapidly comes to a close, several funding agencies have already announced their application deadlines for the 2012 funding cycle.  So before you punch out for Christmas break, you may want to take look at some of the grant opportunities that will be rapidly approaching after the New Year.

Technical Assistance Workshops for Round Two of the SGC Sustainable Community Planning Grant and Incentive Program

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to receive financial assistance for the development, update, adoption and/or implementation of planning instruments for your community.  The Strategic Growth Council will be holding several workshops around the State of California in order to provide technical assistance to applicants.  R.O. Anderson staff will be attending on behalf of our clients.  Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012.

Five Star Restoration Grant Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star Restoration Grant Program provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.  Application will be accepted until February 15, 2012, and average grant awards range from $20,000 to $25,000.

Feasibility Studies for Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

The Bureau of Reclamation is accepting applications until February 14, 2012, for the WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program.  A 50% match is required and the maximum amount of federal funding is $150,000.  The program supports projects that develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply.

California Safe Routes to School Program Has Posted Call for Proposals 

The California Safe Routes to School Program provides reimbursement funding for capital projects that improve safety for children in grades K-12 who walk or bicycle to school.  $45 Million is available in 2012 for pedestrian facilities, traffic calming measures, installation of traffic control devices, construction of bicycle facilities, and public outreach/education/enforcement.  A 10% local match required and the maximum funding amount that can be requested is $450,000, for a total project cost of $500,000.  Proposals will be accepted through March 30, 2012.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Friday Coffee with Doc Thompson

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Good morning. I just realized it’s been almost three months since I last wrote here. I suppose that is a good thing because it means I’m busy. Busy is good…

Last time I talked in general terms about hydrologic modeling. I defined a hydrologic model — a mathematical model that is used to convert incoming precipitation into an estimate of flow from the watershed. That definition is perfectly acceptable as far as it goes.

This time I would like to reflect on a different aspect of hydrologic models — the difference between event-based models and continuous simulation models. First let me define the difference.

An event-based hydrologic model is one that is used to compute watershed discharge from one or more “isolated” precipitation events. What happens to the watershed leading up to the event and what happens to the watershed after the event are not considered.

A continuous-simulation hydrologic model is one that that is used to simulate the hydrologic budget of a watershed, not just the response of the watershed to an isolated event. Such models are far more complicated than the event-based models. They also offer much insight into watershed behavior and require more data (and parameter estimates) than event-based models.

The rhetorical question is “Why would one use one method or the other?” Although there are some differences of opinion, event-based models are generally used for estimation of design events. That is, they are used to estimate the peak discharge from a n-year event (and sometimes the hydrograph) for design of a drainage structure. Continuous simulation models, because they provide more information about the hydrologic budget for a watershed, are used when the flood hydrograph is either not of interest or is not enough to satisfy the needs of a project.

Event-based models are often used in an uncalibrated mode. That is, parameter values are selected based on the judgment of the analyst. Because the number of parameters is relatively few, this is judged by the profession as acceptable. However, continuous-simulation models require many more parameters to operate and selection of those parameters is often unclear. Therefore, continuous simulation models are generally not used in an uncalibrated mode and require collection of at least some watershed data.

My experience is that continuous-simulation models reveal a lot more about watershed dynamics than event-based models. They track soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and runoff during periods of no precipitation (baseflow). But they are more expensive to operate because of the increased data load and analysis time.

That’s all for this session. I’ll write again, preferably before another three months pass.

Filed Under: Public Sector Solutions

Water Conservation and Water Quality Grants Available

November 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If your agency is in need of water service meters, establishing a baseline monitoring program for routine water quality monitoring, or has other water conservation and water quality needs, please take a look at the funding opportunities available below.

The Bureau of Reclamation is now accepting applications through January 19, 2012, for the WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grant program.  The program supports projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, benefit endangered and threatened species, facilitate water markets, or carry out other activities to address climate-related impacts on water or prevent any water-related crisis or conflict.  Eligible projects include canal lining/piping; municipal metering; irrigation flow measurement; SCADA and automation; groundwater recharge; installation of small-scale hydroelectric, solar-electric, wind energy, geothermal power systems; producing and using biomass or renewable fuels; and retrofitting or modernizing water management facilities or equipment to increase energy efficiency.

The Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) Urban Waters Grant Program will award up to $60,000 per project for research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and local priorities, such as water quality monitoring or mapping trails and other walkways along water bodies to identify gaps or areas where additional connectivity is needed.  Proposals for the Urban Small Waters Grant Program are due by January 23, 2012.  Webinars to assist applicants will be provided by EPA on December 14, 2011, and January 5, 2012.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

$49.7 Million Available for Local Levee Critical Repair and Local Levee Evaluation in California

November 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

The Local Levee Assistance Program (LLAP) is accepting applications for levee evaluations and design and construction for critical levee repairs. Local Levee Critical Repair funding can be used to assist local flood management agencies with the repair of local flood control facilities, including but not limited to critically erosion-damaged levees, levees with unstable slopes, and other unstable facilities. Local Levee Evaluation funding is provided to assist local flood management agencies with the funding necessary to conduct surveys, hydrology and hydraulic studies, and geotechnical evaluations of levees that are at risk of failing. The application deadline is December 8, 2011.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

CA & NV Rural Communities Are Eligible for Solid Waste Management Grant

November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant Program  has been established to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant recipients. Qualified organizations will receive SWM grant funds to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas, and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.  SWM grants may be used to evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the operation and maintenance of active landfills; provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream; and, provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development and implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements.  Applications will be accepted from October 1 through December 31 each year.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Round Two of CA Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Now Open

November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Strategic Growth Council is now accepting applications for round two of the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentive Program. Eligible entities include cities, counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Joint Powers Authorities, Regional Transportation Planning Agencies, and Councils of Governments. Applicants may receive from $100,000 to $1,000,000 to support development, adoption, and implementation of Sustainable Community planning elements throughout the State of California, including, but not limited to, Climate Action Plans and General Plan amendments. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts