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Durango Launches Free Training Program to Address Water Industry Workforce Shortage

Durango Launches Free Training Program to Address Water Industry Workforce Shortage

A new training program at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, aims to address a critical workforce shortage in the water industry. The program, called the Fundamentals of Water Operations, is designed to introduce participants to various career paths within the water operations sector, including plant operations, lab work, and engineering. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Project RUN, FLC@Work, the Four Corners Water Center, the City of Durango, and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. The program is free and open to the community, with classes held every Thursday in May. It seeks to build a skilled workforce to replace the significant number of current operators nearing retirement.
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Tuscarawas County Appoints James C. Shively as Planning Director

Tuscarawas County Appoints James C. Shively as Planning Director

James C. Shively has been appointed as the new director of the Tuscarawas County Planning Commission, with his tenure set to begin on May 4. Shively brings a wealth of experience and educational background to the role, holding a bachelor's degree in business management from Ohio University and an associate degree in multimedia website and graphic design. His proficiency in advanced software systems and GIS technology is complemented by his recent work with the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, where he was involved in strategic planning, site development, grant writing, and land use planning. Shively is also actively engaged in regional development initiatives, serving on the executive committee for the Ohio Council of Port Authorities and the advisory committee for Team NEO.
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Fort Lewis College Launches Free Training Program to Address Water Industry Workforce Shortage

Fort Lewis College Launches Free Training Program to Address Water Industry Workforce Shortage

Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, has initiated a new training program aimed at addressing the workforce shortage in the water industry. The program, known as the Fundamentals of Water Operations, is designed to introduce participants to various career paths within the water operations sector, including roles in water plant operations, lab work, and engineering. This initiative is a response to the anticipated retirement of a significant portion of the current workforce within the next decade, as highlighted by a 2025 report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program is free and open to the community, running every Thursday in May at the FLC Center for Innovation. It is a collaborative effort involving Project RUN, FLC@Work, the Four Corners Water Center, the City of Durango, and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. Participants will gain both classroom and practical experience, with the curriculum shaped by water professionals from various sectors.
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New Affordable Housing in Austin Supported by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK

New Affordable Housing in Austin Supported by $2M Grant from FHLB Dallas and Bank OZK

A new affordable housing development, The Roz, has opened in Austin, Texas, supported by a $2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bank OZK. The 100-unit apartment complex is designed to assist individuals transitioning out of homelessness, offering on-site case management and serving residents earning 30 to 60 percent of the area median income. The development is part of a broader effort to address the demand for affordable housing in the region, with the grant being part of $78.9 million awarded by FHLB Dallas in 2024 to support similar initiatives.
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Andrada Mining Secures $11 Million to Boost Production in Namibia

Andrada Mining Secures $11 Million to Boost Production in Namibia

Andrada Mining, focused on operations in Namibia, has raised $11 million through a private placement with strategic investors. This funding will support the company's expansion efforts at the Uis mine and other projects. The capital will be used to enhance production capacity, including installing additional crushing capacity and accelerating stripping activities. The funding also completes the current equity financial requirements for the group, allowing Andrada to capitalize on high commodity prices and strengthen its institutional backing.
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Lexington Mayoral Candidates Debate Winter Weather Response and Housing Crisis

Lexington Mayoral Candidates Debate Winter Weather Response and Housing Crisis

In a recent forum, four candidates for the mayoral position in Lexington, including incumbent Mayor Linda Gorton, discussed key issues such as winter weather response, housing affordability, and public safety. Mayor Gorton, seeking a third term, highlighted her administration's efforts to improve winter readiness, including a proposed $5.1 million budget for winter response and a new work group to revise the city's snow and ice plan. Her opponents criticized the city's past handling of winter weather, attributing failures to leadership issues. The forum also addressed Lexington's housing crisis, with a 2024 study indicating a 47% rent increase since 2019 and a shortage of over 22,000 housing units. Gorton emphasized the creation of 4,000 subsidized units through the affordable housing fund, while challengers argued for increased investment and efficiency in housing policies.
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Riviera Beach Advances Major Development Project on Broadway

Riviera Beach Advances Major Development Project on Broadway

Riviera Beach's Community Redevelopment Agency has approved plans for the Gallery at Marina Village, a significant development project on Broadway. The project includes two 20-story residential towers, a nine-level parking structure, and retail and office spaces. It aims to address the workforce housing crisis by providing market-rate rentals. The development is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Broadway corridor, which has been plagued by blight and crime. The project is a collaboration between Related Urban, the BH Group, and Terzal Partners.
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Appalachia's Path to Prosperity: Education and Economic Investments Drive Change

Appalachia's Path to Prosperity: Education and Economic Investments Drive Change

Appalachia, historically known for socioeconomic challenges, is experiencing a revival through education reforms and economic investments. The region has implemented universal education savings account programs, allowing parents to choose educational options for their children. This shift is creating a dynamic educational landscape with new models like microschools. Additionally, economic investments from tech and manufacturing companies, such as Google's data center in West Virginia, are revitalizing the region. These developments are transforming Appalachia from a symbol of poverty to a region of opportunity.
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La Plata Economic Development Alliance Expands Workforce Housing and Child Care Initiatives

La Plata Economic Development Alliance Expands Workforce Housing and Child Care Initiatives

The La Plata Economic Development Alliance is actively advancing initiatives to improve workforce housing and child care access in the region. Sarah Tober, the executive director, presented the alliance's achievements to the Durango City Council, highlighting the contributions of the Regional Housing Alliance's housing catalyst fund. This fund has supported two significant workforce housing projects in Durango, including the Lightner Creek Commons and Rivergate Lot 4 and 5, with financial awards totaling $175,000. Additionally, the alliance has raised $1.2 million for the catalyst fund, contributing to the development of 550 housing units across La Plata County. The alliance is also focusing on child care, having identified $5.6 million for the Early Childcare Investment Fund, aimed at creating 260 new child care slots and increasing wages for child care workers. Funding sources include commitments from local foundations, tax revenue allocations, and congressional spending earmarks.
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Warm, Dry Winter Expected to Impact Wildlife in Southwest Colorado

Warm, Dry Winter Expected to Impact Wildlife in Southwest Colorado

According to The Durango Herald, Southwest Colorado is experiencing a warm and dry winter, which is likely to affect local wildlife patterns. The current temperature in Durango is 49°F (9°C), with a high of 65°F (18°C) and a low of 32°F (0°C). The forecast for the coming days indicates mostly clear skies with no precipitation expected. Temperatures are predicted to rise slightly, reaching a high of 70°F (21°C) on Tuesday. This weather pattern is part of a broader trend affecting the region, potentially altering the habitats and behaviors of various wildlife species.
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Rome Resources Secures £1.2 Million for DRC Tin and Copper Exploration

Rome Resources Secures £1.2 Million for DRC Tin and Copper Exploration

Rome Resources Secures £1.2 Million for DRC Tin and Copper Exploration
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New Potbelly Location in Aurora Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Festivities

New Potbelly Location in Aurora Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Festivities

New Potbelly Location in Aurora Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Festivities