Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
ASCE Releases New Report on Water Infrastructure
This report quantifies the economic cost of current investment trends in our water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. The link provides a download for the Executive Summary and the full report.
http://www.asce.org/failuretoact/?utm_campaign=TWIW%20-%201216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
http://www.asce.org/failuretoact/?utm_campaign=TWIW%20-%201216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
US Post Office about to make Fatal Mistake
The US Post Office is about to make an announcement to cut its distribution centers in half. This will save a significant amount of money, but will reduce first class mail delivery times from 1 to 3 days to a minimum of about a week. Before this decision is made, we need to either decide that mail service will be maintained as a subsidized institution that provides vital services to our many businesses or decide to privitize it now before its reduction in reliability destroys its customer base.
Many business failures are the result of a series of small decisions that over time erode customer base. In the end the failure is blamed on the customers' fickle ways with little recognition of how these cost-cutting measures had contributed to the value provided to the customer.
There is no question that mail service has continually changed, but has the post office reacted appropriately to these changes? While express services continue to stay profitable and internet services continue to expand avenues for communication, the post office is losing billions of dollars. To salvage this entity, they must reevaluate their mission statement. Many businesses retain less profitable sectors due to their value to the identity of the company, but they recognize why these sectors are being retained. A good example is Kodak which is still most recognizable to the masses as a camera company even though printing ink cartridges provide most of their profits. To sustain mail service, the postal service will need to expand services into e-mail communication and rapid delivery markets. Without more profitable diversity, the Post Office is doomed if attempts are made to run it as an unsubsidized entity.
The concept of maintaining mail to every citizen is not a profitable business model. If this is the target, mail service will need to be subsidized. As long as that is the understanding, that is fine, but when business practices are applied to a subsidized service it will always lose money or need to significantly reduce service to the outlying (less profitable) elements of the business. Subsidized services can compliment other businesses making for a more profitable society, but when weighed by themselves they continually fall short. Commuter rail service is a good example of this dilema.
Before the Post Office makes this critical decision, it needs to take a better assessment of its ability to survive in the future as a non-diversified entity providing poor client service. If we are unwilling to maintain postal service through subsidies, then instead of selling off the distribution network, at likely fire-sale prices, the US Post Office should be privatized while it still has significant assets.
Many business failures are the result of a series of small decisions that over time erode customer base. In the end the failure is blamed on the customers' fickle ways with little recognition of how these cost-cutting measures had contributed to the value provided to the customer.
There is no question that mail service has continually changed, but has the post office reacted appropriately to these changes? While express services continue to stay profitable and internet services continue to expand avenues for communication, the post office is losing billions of dollars. To salvage this entity, they must reevaluate their mission statement. Many businesses retain less profitable sectors due to their value to the identity of the company, but they recognize why these sectors are being retained. A good example is Kodak which is still most recognizable to the masses as a camera company even though printing ink cartridges provide most of their profits. To sustain mail service, the postal service will need to expand services into e-mail communication and rapid delivery markets. Without more profitable diversity, the Post Office is doomed if attempts are made to run it as an unsubsidized entity.
The concept of maintaining mail to every citizen is not a profitable business model. If this is the target, mail service will need to be subsidized. As long as that is the understanding, that is fine, but when business practices are applied to a subsidized service it will always lose money or need to significantly reduce service to the outlying (less profitable) elements of the business. Subsidized services can compliment other businesses making for a more profitable society, but when weighed by themselves they continually fall short. Commuter rail service is a good example of this dilema.
Before the Post Office makes this critical decision, it needs to take a better assessment of its ability to survive in the future as a non-diversified entity providing poor client service. If we are unwilling to maintain postal service through subsidies, then instead of selling off the distribution network, at likely fire-sale prices, the US Post Office should be privatized while it still has significant assets.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Northern Pass Middle Ground
As reported in a previous blog, New Hampshire electrical rates are the third highest in the country behind only New York and Hawaii. If the project goes through, there should be some stipulation that New Hampshire electrical rates are indexed to the average rate in New England in some manner. As PSNH is not the only electrical company servicing New Hampshire, this will take some legalese, but given the money wasted on ill advised ad campaigns, this is a modest investment.
Easement rights should be defined. Utility easements are significant off-road travel corridors for hiking, horseback riding, ATV, cross country skiing, and snow mobiling. The public access to these corridors should be well defined and methodologies for maintaining these corridors need to be defined and discussed to the benefit of the communities and protection of the environment.
Co-location rights need to be defined. If Northern Pass moves forward, it should be developed as a central highway for multiple utilities. It is likely that having an established trunkline for energy transmission could also inspire a number of wind project developments. If this was a significant roadway, we would be discussing the secondary growth that will be promoted by the new road. Should there be a master plan for northern New Hampshire wind development? That would be speculative and probably overkill, but we should, as a minimum, establish some defined development protocols so that the smaller communities are prepared for any resulting projects.
What is the appropriate mitigation for view sheds, land values, and secondary impacts within a town? Should there be local quotas for labor during construction? Should part of the revenue of the project be dedicated to conservation projects, community development, or other local programs?
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, New Hampshire ranks in the top twenty worst states for emissions from power plants. The top three leading plants for toxic emissions are owned by PSNH including the Merrimack Station in Bow, Schiller Station in Portsmouth, and the Newington Station in Newington. If Northern Pass is going to go through with impacts to northern New Hampshire, is it reasonable to consider using some of this new energy to offset the shutdown of some of these existing plants?
There is a need for a statewide energy master plan to include Northern Pass's effects, Seabrook Nuclear Station, other existing plants, and future plants including renewable energy sources. This would allow a broader discussion of our energy future across the state. Since electrical transmission is a regional commodity, not typically reviewed at the state level, the idea of a statewide master plan is discarded as an uninformed suggestion. This is the easy way out of true leadership at the statewide level. It is the only political division that can properly address this issue to the satisfaction of its citizens.
I would also like to see from the environmental community better definition of their priorities. Again, simply opposing a project is a dangerous position. We need to better define the items that are absolute deal breakers and those areas where mitigative measures could make the project more palatable. Better defining what is at stake environmentally may even strengthen the opposition to the Northern Pass.
We are so focused on whether the Northern Pass will be allowed that we are assuring that if it does go through only one side will be happy. Having someone looking at the middle ground is not admitting defeat, it simply ensures that even if the project moves forward there will be benefits for all parties.
AUDIO: CERN has completed 80% of search for Higgs Boson, but nothing found yet
There have quietly been very interesting findings/achievements in physics. On slow news days I throw in a few for consumption. I will admit a full explaination of Higgs boson will make your head hurt, but its existance is a fundamental part of the standard model of particle physics.
For context here is the Wikipedia entry for Higgs boson:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higgs_boson
Here is a current article on the CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) progress:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9647000/9647588.stm
Article on unsubstantiated location of Higgs boson:
http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2009/04/higgs-boson-found.html
For context here is the Wikipedia entry for Higgs boson:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higgs_boson
Here is a current article on the CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) progress:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9647000/9647588.stm
Article on unsubstantiated location of Higgs boson:
http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2009/04/higgs-boson-found.html
Friday, November 25, 2011
World's Scariest Bridges
Not exactly "NH Infrastructure", but it will make us feel better about our bridges.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-scariest-bridges
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-scariest-bridges
A Little Greener Next Year
There are a number of Green Transportation programs developing across the country. To some extent they started with the LEEDs program and worked to adapt the system to the transportation field. Here are a few of those programs:
University of Washington's Greenroads program. See powerpoint presentation for overview.
http://www.greenroads.org/445/presentations.html
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Greenlites program
https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/greenlites
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Green Highways Program
ASCE - Announcing a Sustainable Infrastructure Rating System
A great New Year's Resolution would be to learn more about these programs and try to integrate these practices into our future projects. New Engineers, knowledge of sustainable engineering praqctices is a great opportunity to distinguish yourself.
University of Washington's Greenroads program. See powerpoint presentation for overview.
http://www.greenroads.org/445/presentations.html
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Greenlites program
https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/greenlites
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Green Highways Program
ASCE - Announcing a Sustainable Infrastructure Rating System
A great New Year's Resolution would be to learn more about these programs and try to integrate these practices into our future projects. New Engineers, knowledge of sustainable engineering praqctices is a great opportunity to distinguish yourself.
PennDot's 100-year Bridge Life Initiative
This presentation was dated January, 2007, but still is relevant for its approach and findings.
http://www.pa.pavement.com/documents/presentations/2007/One-hundred%20Year%20Bridge%20Design%20Life.Spangler.070131.pdf
http://www.pa.pavement.com/documents/presentations/2007/One-hundred%20Year%20Bridge%20Design%20Life.Spangler.070131.pdf
Energy-Which Countries lead in Renewable Energy?
Top Ten Countries in Wind Energy.
http://knol.google.com/k/wind-turbines/top-10-countries-where-wind-energy-is/25fjwptfb1ke6/4#
Top Ten Countries in Solar Energy.
http://1bog.org/blog/top-10-countries-using-solar-power/
Top Countries in Hydro Power.
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_hyd_con-energy-hydroelectricity-consumption
Top Countries in Renewable Energy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_electricity_production_from_renewable_sources
http://knol.google.com/k/wind-turbines/top-10-countries-where-wind-energy-is/25fjwptfb1ke6/4#
Top Ten Countries in Solar Energy.
http://1bog.org/blog/top-10-countries-using-solar-power/
Top Countries in Hydro Power.
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_hyd_con-energy-hydroelectricity-consumption
Top Countries in Renewable Energy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_electricity_production_from_renewable_sources
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
New Hampshire leads in land conservation - SentinelSource.com: Environment
New Hampshire leads in land conservation - SentinelSource.com: Environment: New Hampshire has conserved more land in the past five years
than most of the country, according to the latest census released
by the Land Tru…
than most of the country, according to the latest census released
by the Land Tru…
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
International Infrastructure
Since June 28, 2011, I have been posting relevent articles on New Hampshire infrastructure while throwing in occational original blogs. During that time there has been a number of international readers especially from Russia ("Blogger" may be identifying a region more than a country), India, and Germany.
I would be interested in hearing more about the challenges that you face in your own countries. We often face challenges in the physical condition of the infrastructure, regulatory challenges, political challenges, leadership challenges, and always challenges in how to pay for it.
I would also be interested in the cultural aspects. For the number of Northern Pass articles that are in the newspapers there are hundreds of signs along our highways supporting or denouncing the project.
Not to single out Russia, India, and Germany, I would welcome response from any of the international readers.
I would be interested in hearing more about the challenges that you face in your own countries. We often face challenges in the physical condition of the infrastructure, regulatory challenges, political challenges, leadership challenges, and always challenges in how to pay for it.
I would also be interested in the cultural aspects. For the number of Northern Pass articles that are in the newspapers there are hundreds of signs along our highways supporting or denouncing the project.
Not to single out Russia, India, and Germany, I would welcome response from any of the international readers.
State panel: Repudiate feds' funds - | Concord Monitor
This article cites the use of federal funds to pay for a sewerline in Laconia as one of the typical overreaches of the federal government. I would like a clarification on the mechanisms that should be used to pay for these investments as often the alternative is that they are not funded at all.
State panel: Repudiate feds' funds - Concord Monitor
State panel: Repudiate feds' funds - Concord Monitor
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Neutrinos still faster than light in latest version of experiment
Not exactly NH Infrastructure, but an interesting read. Don't discard the years at the university quite yet, but good fodder for the cocktail hour.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/18/neutrinos-still-faster-than-light
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/18/neutrinos-still-faster-than-light
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Second UNH Department of Civil Engineering Alumni Conference
You are invited to the Second UNH Department of Civil Engineering Alumni Conference to be held on April 30, 2012 at the University of New Hampshire, Durham campus. The Conference will be a forum for alumni of the Civil Engineering Department to return to UNH and share with students and faculty their experiences, including professional project work, research, and/or other notable career achievements since leaving UNH. The Conference will also provide a collegial forum for alumni to hear from and interact with both students and faculty. The Conference will include formal presentations, as well as less formal panel discussions, with topics across the breadth of civil engineering. Social activities and a celebratory banquet are also planned. You can find more information, including registration information, at the following link: http://www.unh.edu/ciealumniconference/#
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Engineering the Outer Banks
Even on vacation, civil engineers have a unique ability to recognize engineering accomplishments that somehow our spouses failed to see. As my wife and I are spending a few days in the outer banks, a number of unique engineering challenges are apparent. Some that are similar to what we see in New England , others that are unique to this region.
The ones most evident are the light houses. Touring any local shop in town will provide calendars and pictures of these often photographed features in every possible light from every possible angle. The size of these large brick structures is impressive. Many have been moved since they were active to inland locations less susceptible to erosion, wind, and ocean tides. Lately public access to many national landmarks are slowly disappearing either due a function of maintenance needs or security issues.
These are still impressive structures and important landmarks along the shore roads even if they no longer guide mariners safely home. They are especially impressive when considering the time period when they were designed and constructed. Many long before the high rise buildings began gracing the sky lines of this country's major cities. There are many stories on how they were built, events that they witnessed, and even in some cases the storms in which they met their demise. Minot Light comes to mind for New Englanders.
Similar to the Cog Railroad in New Hampshire, the Cape Hatteras light house (upper photo) was recognized as an ASCE civil engineering national landmark. Equally impressive, but probably held back by limited vantage points for photographs is the Currituck Beach lighthouse. Both are valuable features for navigating the roads of the Outer Banks if you didn't bring your GPS unit.
A less publicized engineering feat is the constant battle between the dunes and the ocean. The Outer Banks is a narrow ribbon of land that has been built up with a series of large beautiful vacation houses. On one side of the banks is the ocean and on the other is the sound. The natural world is intent on reconnecting these two large water features at the cost of any structures constructed in between. Every couple of decades the ocean reexerts itself by carving a new channel through the banks taking out any man-made features that exist in between. Signs along the dunes strictly prohibit trespass on the dunes. Special programs have been organized to 
establish and maintain vegetation to minimize erosion. Walking along the beach, sections of fencing can be seen oriented to foster the health of the dunes. The fencing would recall for New Englanders the fences set up during the winter to discourage the drifting of snow in exposed sections of highway.
The dunes provide a natural barrier between the ocean and the inland features. They also provide a haven for many of the wildlife in the area. Patrolling the dunes are a number of wild horses that have adapted to the coarse grasses that grow along the dunes. The horses look as tough as the grasses that grow with a higher tolerance for salt, stomachs adapted to the limited vegetation and an acceptance of the many vehicles that share the beach environment.
The sand below the waves also changes continuously and sometimes radically. On lazy days on the beach, one can witness daily changes in the way the waves come ashore as sands under the water shift constantly and create new patterns for the waves rising and breaking on shore. This was very evident following a storm where this large object was spotted for a few days. It was a distance off shore so I didn't have an opportunity to inspect it up close. It appeared to be a large anchor with the head and two spines sticking out of the water. It was visible for two days, but completely gone the third day. It had disappeared before I had a chance to investigate.
Looking at the houses in the outer bank, it is interesting that as spectacular as the architecture and stature of the buildings, the bottom floors are built almost sacrificially. These large structures are built almost like pole buildings with the main living spaces usually on the second or third floor. The bottom floors are often sided with lattice work with the basement rooms almost anticipating a day when the waters could wash through the house.
As with the devastation that recently visited 
In previous years, we had came south to this area to watch the kite surfing. This year it was a very sobering as we passed through the devastation. Piles of debris lined the road from flooded items removed from the first floors. The worst hit area was a series of beautiful homes with the adjacent road and patios collapsed into a newly formed canal. One house listed precariously to one side leaving no doubt that its foundation had passed the point where simple repairs could restore the building structure. On the ocean side there were a few homes founded on piles with the leading columns touching the water. The failure of these columns had led to deck failures several levels above the water. Posted to the doors were the condemnation papers from the county announcing to the world that they structures were no longer suitable for human habitation.We drove through very somberly knowing that only a slight change of fates in either North Carolina or even at our home in New Hampshire and we would share the fate of these property owners. Our trips to the Outer Banks are spent with good friends with a lot of stories told and a great deal of laughter. It would be hard to imagine the loss of the vacation home that has been our home away from home for more than five years now.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Give back interest rate controls to the States
There is a lot of discussion about cutting taxes and government services in order to reinvigorate the economy. This is a simple subject since anyone paying taxes generally believes they are paying too much. The reasoning behind cutting taxes normally centers around the assumption that the government spends too much and that when people pay less tax they run out and buy consumer goods. It is also assumed that when taxes are cut for higher income individuals, they all run out and expand their businesses. This may be an odd discussion for an Infrastructure blog, but we need to make sound decisions on taxation in order to properly fund our Infrastructure programs.
I think there is an easier way to get more money back in the hands of consumers. This would be by simply better managing the amount of interest the average Americans are paying. I find it criminal that banks can obtain money at the federal prime rate of about 3.25%, then lend the same money out to consumers at rates that can exceed 30%. Recall that when the banks were in financial crisis, the Federal Reserve provided many of the bail out loans at 0%. I am certainly oversimplifying these facts. To walk a mile in the banking industry’s shoes, I should go out and try lending money to one of my neighbors to better understand the risks. The interesting part is that by State of New Hampshire
For individual State rates see http://www.lectlaw.com/files/ban02.htm
Further research shows that most States have statutory usury laws that prevent individuals from charging much more than about 15%. Since many of the laws were set during the runaway inflation of the 1970’s and 1980’s several of the States have a higher maximum rate, but are then indexed to Treasury bill rates or prime. They were trying to be fair to the banks while home mortgage insurance rates were up around 18%, but the indexes are about 5% over prime or less than 10%. Since then prime has dropped, but the maximums were never adjusted.
So why can banks charge so much for interest rates? Again in the runaway inflationary period of the late 1970’s first the Supreme Court in Marquette
In 2009, the US Census showed that the average American owed about $8400 in credit card debt. Federal Reserve studies show the revolving debt of American families to be about $793.1 billion dollars with the number of households that carry revolving debt more than 30 days being 50.2 million households. That would place the average household using credit cards at about $15,800 in debt. The average credit card interest rate is about 13%, with a range from a 0% introductory rate to about 36% for default rates. Interestingly, default rates were once based upon the history of the actual credit card account. New regulations now allow for banks to raise rates on accounts when the borrower is late on any of their debt, including accounts not managed by the lender!
So here is my incentive program. For the 50.2 million American households paying 13% interest on $15,800 balances or about $2054 per year in interest, and everyone else, let's provide a national interest structure that is fair. It would be best to allow States to dictate the rates, but since the Supreme Court has already ruled that the bank’s home state can dictate the credit terms (allowing banks to relocate to the states with the best terms anyway!), let’s set allowable national rates indexed to prime. The average rate should be closer to about 5% above prime. With the maximum rate about 10% above prime (today the average works out to a little less than 10% above prime with some of the maximum rates over 30% over prime). Note that right now there is no maximum interest rate on credit cards as long as the bank has a repeatable formula and that the formula is detailed in the small print of the credit card application. If the average credit card interest rate was reduced to 8%, the average credit householder as stated above would receive an additional $790 per year. This would provide the same stimulus as a major tax reduction, without deferring critical investments such as infrastructure.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fluoride in Public Water Polarizing Subject
I have been amazed at how polarizing the subject of Fluoridation of drinking water can be to a community. Many years ago I innocently investigated the technical and cost implications of adding fluoride to the community water system for a small town where I was then living. I was surprised to find that the owner of the system would be willing to provide fluoridation for no additional cost, if I could provide documentation that the town supported the measure.
I had mistakenly believed that it would be technology, and ultimately money, that would be the restricting factor. I had begun my inquiry with the understanding that fluoride added to municipal water systems was responsible for a reduction in cavities of about 20-40% in children assuming they were already brushing. My community had many people not receiving adequate health and dental care, so this appeared to be a reasonable line of inquiry to promote general health.
My first hint that this might be a bigger issue was when I talked to some local dentists. Each supported fluoridation, but just smiled when I suggested they join me in backing the measure. They would support fluoridation if asked individually, but would not support the effort on record. At the time I did not fully understand the difference in these semantics.
Others told me that fluoride was toxic and led to radical facial deformations in high percentages of children. My understanding was that the levels prescribed for public water were between 0.5-1.0 mg/l. When taken in significantly larger doses fluoride is in fact toxic, but that can be said for many of the minerals the body needs. The more people I talked to the more opposition I met.
I had become involved with this subject in hopes of helping children who may not have access to the appropriate dental care, but had somehow become viewed as a revolutionary intent on usurping the individual rights of American citizens. Today I see were the issue has been more carefully framed as an ethical issue. The practice is viewed by some as a mass medication where the consent of all users has not and can not be proven. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls the practice one of the greatest public health achievements of the century, but the debate continues as a very polarizing subject.
The recent case in Clearwater, Florida is a good example of the current debate. I never went forward with any suggestion to add fluoride to the water after hearing some of the negative response. I thought at the time of only helping the children. Hopefully no one felt my acts as part of a plot "to keep the people stupid so they don't realize what's going on" as suggested in the Clearwater article.
I had mistakenly believed that it would be technology, and ultimately money, that would be the restricting factor. I had begun my inquiry with the understanding that fluoride added to municipal water systems was responsible for a reduction in cavities of about 20-40% in children assuming they were already brushing. My community had many people not receiving adequate health and dental care, so this appeared to be a reasonable line of inquiry to promote general health.
My first hint that this might be a bigger issue was when I talked to some local dentists. Each supported fluoridation, but just smiled when I suggested they join me in backing the measure. They would support fluoridation if asked individually, but would not support the effort on record. At the time I did not fully understand the difference in these semantics.
Others told me that fluoride was toxic and led to radical facial deformations in high percentages of children. My understanding was that the levels prescribed for public water were between 0.5-1.0 mg/l. When taken in significantly larger doses fluoride is in fact toxic, but that can be said for many of the minerals the body needs. The more people I talked to the more opposition I met.
I had become involved with this subject in hopes of helping children who may not have access to the appropriate dental care, but had somehow become viewed as a revolutionary intent on usurping the individual rights of American citizens. Today I see were the issue has been more carefully framed as an ethical issue. The practice is viewed by some as a mass medication where the consent of all users has not and can not be proven. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls the practice one of the greatest public health achievements of the century, but the debate continues as a very polarizing subject.
The recent case in Clearwater, Florida is a good example of the current debate. I never went forward with any suggestion to add fluoride to the water after hearing some of the negative response. I thought at the time of only helping the children. Hopefully no one felt my acts as part of a plot "to keep the people stupid so they don't realize what's going on" as suggested in the Clearwater article.
Proposed Increase to Davis-Bacon Contract Threshold
On October 6, 2011, HR 3135 was introduced. This resolution proposes to amend Title 40 of the United States code, more commonly known as the Davis-Bacon Act, by increasing the threshold dollar amount for construction contracts subject to the prevailing wage restrictions.
The bill was introduced by congressman Jeff Duncan (R-SC). This republican-backed resolution currently has 21 republican co-sponsors (none from NH). There is little information available on the bill at this time including any suggested thresholds.
After introduction, a House Resolution is assigned to House Education and Workforce committee. This is very early in the process. It should be noted that the majority of resolutions never make it out of their respective committees.
The bill was introduced by congressman Jeff Duncan (R-SC). This republican-backed resolution currently has 21 republican co-sponsors (none from NH). There is little information available on the bill at this time including any suggested thresholds.
After introduction, a House Resolution is assigned to House Education and Workforce committee. This is very early in the process. It should be noted that the majority of resolutions never make it out of their respective committees.
BACKGROUND REPORT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE December 1, 2007
An older report on transmission infrastructure needs prior to the Northern Pass discussions. Produced by the PUC for the General Court.
http://www.puc.nh.gov/Transmission%20Commission/Transmission%20Infrastructure/NHPUC%20SB140%20Report%2012-1-07%20REDACTED.pdf
http://www.puc.nh.gov/Transmission%20Commission/Transmission%20Infrastructure/NHPUC%20SB140%20Report%2012-1-07%20REDACTED.pdf
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
State 10-year transportation plan could mean delays in local roadwork - SentinelSource.com: Local News
State 10-year transportation plan could mean delays in local roadwork - SentinelSource.com: Local News: A number of major road construction projects — including
Connecticut River bridge work in Hinsdale and Walpole — have been
whacked from the st…
Connecticut River bridge work in Hinsdale and Walpole — have been
whacked from the st…
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
GACIT Hearing Schedule See how the Ten-Year Transportation Plan is Developed
~ PUBLIC NOTICE ~
Pursuant to RSA 228:99 and RSA 240, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal
Transportation (GACIT), which is composed of the five Executive Councilors and the Commissioner
of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces that Public Hearings will be held to
review and receive input on the update of the State’s Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan
(2013-2022).
The purpose of these Public Hearings is to receive public comments/testimony on the projects and
materials included in the draft 2013-2022 Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan as
recommended by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to GACIT. Those not able to
attend the meetings can submit written testimony within 10 days of the completion of the Public
Hearings, but no later than November 10, 2011.
Copies of any documents related to the Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (2013-2022) will be
available for review on the NHDOT website prior to the first Public Hearing:
http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/planning/typ/index.htm
& Community Assistance at the Department of Transportation (603-271-3344).
Written Comments should be addressed to:
William E. Watson, P.E.
Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
John O. Morton Building, 7 Hazen Drive
P.O. Box 483
Concord, NH 03302-0483
Any individuals needing assistance or auxiliary communication equipment due to sensory
impairment or other disability, should contact Sharon Allaire, (603) 271-3344, NHDOT, P.O. Box
483, Concord, N.H. 03302-0483 - TDD access: Relay N.H. 1-800-735-2964. Notification of the
need for assistance must be made no later than 7 days before the meeting.
The projects developed through the Ten Year Plan process will be administered according to the
requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes to ensure nondiscrimination.
Executive Councilor Raymond Burton
Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT)
Dated at Concord, NH
this 26th day of August 2011
Public Hearings are scheduled statewide as follows:
or by contacting the Bureau of PlanningRevised September 23, 2011
Public Hearing Schedule for 2013 - 2022 Ten Year Plan
Executive Councilor Date Town/City Time Location
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 12 (Mon)
2011 Charlestown 8:00 AM
Charlestown Town Hall
19 Summer Street
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 12 (Mon)
2011 Lebanon 10:30 AM
Lebanon City Hall
51 Park St 5
th FloorDistrict 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 12 (Mon)
2011 Haverhill 1:30 PM
Town Office
James Morrill Meeting Room
2975 Dartmouth College HW
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 12 (Mon)
2011 Littleton 4:00 PM
Littleton Community Center
Community House Annex
120 Main Street
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 12 (Mon)
2011 Lancaster 7:00 PM
DRED Building
629B Main Street
District 2
Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Sept 15 (Thur)
2011 Franklin 7:00 PM
Franklin City Hall
Council Chambers
316 Central Street
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 19 (Mon)
2011 Wakefield 8:00 AM
Sanbornville Public Safety
Bldg
2017 Wakefield Road
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 19 (Mon)
2011 Moultonborough 11:00 AM
Moultonborough Town Office
6 Holland Street
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 19 (Mon)
2011 *Conway 2:30 PM
Town Hall Upstairs
1634 East Main Street
Center Conway
District 4
Cnclr. Ray Wieczorek
Sept 21 (Wed)
2011 Derry 7:00 PM
Derry Municipal Center
14 Manning Street
District 3
Cnclr. Christopher
Sununu
Sept 22 (Thurs)
2011 Durham 7:00 PM
Durham Town Hall
Council Chambers
15 Newmarket Road
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 26 (Mon)
2011 Laconia 8:00 AM
City Council Chambers
Room 200-A
45 Beacon Street East
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 26 (Mon)
2011 Plymouth 11:00 AM
Town Hall – upstairs
6 Post Office Square
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 26 (Mon)
2011 Warren 1:30 PM
Town Hall
19 Water Street
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 26 (Mon)
2011 Lincoln 4:30 PM
Lincoln Public Library
Conference Room
22 Church
District 1
Cnclr. Raymond Burton
Sept 26 (Mon)
2011 Berlin 7:30 PM
Town Hall Auditorium
168 Main Street
District 2
Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Sept 28 (Wed)
2011 Northwood 7:00 PM
Northwood Town Hall
818 First NH Turnpike
District 5
Cnclr. David Wheeler
Sept 29 (Thur)
2011 Nashua 7:00 PM
City Auditorium-3
229 Main Street
(use Elm Street Entrance)
rd FloorDistrict 2
Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Oct 3 (Mon)
2011 *Concord 7:00 PM
City Council Chambers
41 Green Street
District 4
Cnclr. Ray Wieczorek
Oct 5 (Wed)
2011 *Manchester 7:00 PM
Aldermanic Chambers
3
1 City Hall Plaza
rd Floor, City HallDistrict 5
Cnclr. David Wheeler
Co-Hosted with
District 2Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Oct 6 (Thur)
2011 Peterborough 7:00 PM
Town Hall – Upper Hall
1 Grove Street
District 3
Cnclr. Christopher
Sununu
Oct 13 (Thur)
2011 Plaistow 7:00 PM
Plaistow Town Hall
145 Main Street
District 3
Cnclr. Christopher
Sununu
Oct 18(Tue)
2011 Salem 7:00 PM
Salem Town Hall
33 Geremonty Drive
District 4
Cnclr. Ray Wieczorek
Oct 19 (Wed)
2011 *Bedford 7:00 PM
Bedford Cable TV Meeting
Room
10 Meetinghouse Road
District 5
Cnclr. David Wheeler
Co-Hosted with
District 2
Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Oct 20 (Thur)
2011 Keene 7:00 PM
Keene Parks & Recreation
312 Washington Street
Room 14
District 3**
Cnclr. Christopher
Sununu
Oct 26 (Wed)
2011 North Hampton 7:00 PM
Town Hall
231 Atlantic Avenue
District 2
Cnclr. Dan St. Hilaire
Oct 27 (Thur)
2011 Rochester 7:00 PM
Community Center
150 Wakefield Street
Conference Room 1-A
*Denotes Public Hearing to be taped and broadcast by local television stations
**Denotes Meeting moved to October 26th from October 11th at the same location
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