17 Jul 2015

USDA and NASA Expand Innovative Partnership to Better Predict Wildfires, Monitor Drought from Space

By USDA Office of Communications

Updated Memorandum of Understanding strengthens research and data sharing, promotes STEM and agriculture to younger generations

MOFFETT FIELD, California, July 16, 2015–Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman today announced an expanded partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) designed to better protect America's working lands, predict and prevent natural disasters, and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and agriculture.

"Space is a unique laboratory that can be a gateway to solving some of the greatest agricultural challenges of our time," says Deputy Secretary Harden. "This partnership is a powerful opportunity for USDA and NASA to yield new tools and techniques to help farmers and ranchers as they deal with the ongoing impacts of climate change and drought. Perhaps most importantly, this partnership will expose more young people to the power of science and innovation to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges."

"There are many areas where NASA and USDA have overlapping interests," said NASA's Deputy Administrator Dava Newman. "We can now better coordinate and build on the resources of both NASA and the USDA to help learn more about our planet's vital resources and inspire the next generation to become better stewards of our planet."

Among other things, the agreement will expand cooperation on space-borne remote sensing efforts to gather soil moisture data. One potential outcome of the expanded partnership between USDA and NASA could be using satellite data to create a series of soil moisture maps for California that could be used to improve weather and water availability forecasting and provide a drought early-warning system to producers, particularly in California.

Under the new agreement, USDA now has expanded access to data from NASA satellites that will help Forest Service fire fighters and first responders better detect wildfires and predict their behavior. USDA and the Department of the Interior have spent nearly $1.5 billion annually over the past decade on wildfire suppression, but this new technology has the potential to stop wildfires before they start, saving money, land, and even lives.

Deputy Secretary Harden and Deputy Administrator Newman were joined by California 4-H members at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the expanded collaboration between USDA and NASA. As hunger and climate change are rapidly escalating threats to public health and national security, both NASA and USDA have a role to play in inspiring the next generation of students to pursue careers in STEM and agricultural fields.

Ames Research Center, one of ten NASA field enters, is located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. For more than 75 years, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science aligned with the center's core capabilities. The International Space Station (ISS), operated by NASA, includes a National Laboratory where ground-breaking scientific research is conducted every day. Currently, NASA has a mini veggie farm at the International Space Station to grow fresh produce like lettuce.

Since 2009, USDA has invested $4.32 billion in research and development grants. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in agricultural research now returns over $20 to our economy. In recent years, research by USDA scientists has led to discoveries of everything from a potential solution for millions who suffer allergies from peanuts to safe mosquito control that can help halt the transmission of diseases they spread, among others. For the latest on discoveries by USDA researchers, read the 2014 Annual Report on Technology Transfer.

#

17 Jul 2015

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Available Funding and Changes to USDA's Biorefinery and Biobased Product Program

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for funding under a program that supports the production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing.

"This critical financing will enhance our efforts to build a robust, rural bioeconomy by helping to expand the availability of biobased products and to increase the number of commercial-scale biorefineries in the country," Vilsack said. "In addition to the available funding, I am proud to announce that USDA has significantly improved the biorefinery program to help create lasting job opportunities in rural America."

USDA is making the funding available through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. It was formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program.

The new program provides loan guarantees of up to $250 million to construct and retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries and to develop renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing facilities. Vilsack and USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Lillian Salerno today hosted a seminar at USDA headquarters to discuss changes to the program and the opportunities available to produce more biobased products.

Two funding cycles are being held. Applications for round one are due October 1. Applications for the second round are due April 1, 2016. For information on how to apply, see page 38432 of the July 6, 2015 Federal Register.

USDA has made significant improvements to the program. Biorefineries are now able to receive funding to produce more renewable chemicals and other biobased products in addition to advanced biofuels.

Also, biobased product manufacturing facilities are eligible to convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs into "end-user" products. Further, USDA has streamlined the application process.

Sapphire Energy's "Green Crude Farm" in Columbus, N.M., is an example of how USDA funding and partnerships with the private sector are helping to support the development of biorefineries. In 2011, USDA provided Sapphire Energy a $54.5 million loan guarantee to build a refined algal oil commercial facility.

The plant opened in May 2012 and is producing renewable algal oil that can be further refined to replace petroleum-derived diesel and jet fuel. According to the company, more than 600 jobs were created throughout the first phase of construction at the facility, and 30 full-time employees currently operate the plant. After Sapphire received additional equity from private investors, it repaid the remaining balance on its USDA-backed loan in 2013.

USDA released a new report on June 17 that shows America's biobased industry is generating substantial economic activity and creating American jobs. According to the report, the U.S. biobased industry contributed four million jobs and nearly $370 billion to the American economy in 2013 alone.

Today's funding announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life.

17 Jul 2015

State Treasury Invests in Iowa's Economy

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (07/16/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced that, as a result of Tuesday's online auction, $100 million will be deposited in thirty-four banks across the state. The state will receive an average rate of return of 0.23% on these six-month certificates of deposit. "This was our most successful auction to date," Fitzgerald said. "This is the largest amount we have distributed at one time through this program."

Fitzgerald created the Invest in Iowa program in 1983 as a way to deposit state funds in Iowa financial institutions. The treasurer's office uses an auction format offering state deposits to Iowa banks six times a year, which allows the state to earn a competitive return on the funds while ensuring local banks have the money they need to keep the economy moving. The financial institutions hold the funds as CDs and use the money to make loans. Currently the Invest in Iowa program has over $262 million invested in Iowa banks

"Demand for funds has been great this year," Fitzgerald stated. "This is a reflection of the current market. I am glad this program is available to help facilitate lending around the state."

Invest in Iowa quarterly auctions are held on the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October. In response to growing interest in this program, two auctions offering one-year term CDs are also held throughout the year. The next auction is scheduled for August 18, 2015 at 10 a.m and will offer one-year term CDs. Each auction has an established minimum interest rate and a minimum bid. To learn more about the Invest in Iowa program, visit IowaTreasurer.gov, select "Invest in Iowa" under the "For Businesses" tab or contact the treasurer's office at 515-281-5368.

###

17 Jul 2015

BANDITS PLAYOFF TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY

By Marco LaNave
Ticket plan holders receive free playoff tickets with $100-per-seat renewal deposit for a 2016 package
DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 16, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits' first-half Western Division Championship means fans have an early chance to get playoff tickets. Tickets for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. playoff home game Thursday, Sept. 10, against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Modern Woodmen Park will go on sale Friday, July 17, via riverbandits.com and at the River Bandits box office.
To see the River Bandits 2015 playoff home games at Modern Woodmen Park - recently voted as the best ballpark in Ballpark Digest's Class-A Battle of the Ballparks - box seat tickets will be $9 each, while all bleacher and general admission tickets will be $5 each. Current ticket plan holders (12 games or more) receive free playoff tickets by making a $100-per-seat renewal deposit toward a 2016 ticket package. Ticket plan holders are guaranteed their regular season seats for the playoffs with a deposit by Aug. 14. Group area picnic pricing for 2015 playoff games is the same as regular season pricing, with full details available at riverbandits.com/groups. Suite rentals are $350 per game, which includes 16 tickets per suite.
"Our fans have shown unprecedented support for the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park this season, and we are delighted to give them an early opportunity to secure playoff tickets and cheer on the team with the best record in the Midwest League," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the excitement on the field and an award-winning ballpark, the playoff packages offer outstanding value to River Bandits fans!"
The River Bandits' first playoff home game is Game 2 of the best-of-three Midwest League Western Division semifinal against Cedar Rapids on Sept. 10. Further potential home playoff games are Sept. 11-12 and Sept. 19-21. This September will mark the 26th playoff appearance for the Quad Cities franchise, which has won six Midwest League Championships (1968, 1971, 1979, 1990, 2011, 2013).
"Already host to championship clinchers in two of the last four seasons, Modern Woodmen Park is again the place to be for the rest of the summer and into September with playoff baseball!" said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "River Bandits fans can enjoy the unique combination of a top team, a top ballpark, and affordable, family-friendly entertainment for every game of the season and another River Bandits playoff run."
Only tickets for the Sept. 10 will become available before the playoffs. Tickets for each of the other five possible playoff games at Modern Woodmen Park will only be made available once the River Bandits advance in the postseason or the game has become necessary. Below is a full schedule of the possible 2015 home playoff games for the River Bandits:
Western Division Semifinal (best-of-three)
Game 2 vs. Cedar Rapids Thursday, Sept. 10 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Game 3 vs. Cedar Rapids (if necessary) Friday, Sept. 11 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Western Division Final (best-of-three)
Game 1 vs. 2nd-half qualifier Saturday, Sept. 12 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Midwest League Championship Series (best-of-five)
Game 3 vs. Eastern Division Champion Saturday, Sept. 19 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
Game 4 vs. Eastern Division Champion (if necessary) Sunday, Sept. 20 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
Game 5 vs. Eastern Division Champion (if necessary) Monday, Sept. 21 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
17 Jul 2015

USDA Announces Three New Centers of Excellence with a Consortium of 1890 Colleges and Universities

By USDA Office of Communications

New Centers to assist small farmers, develop a diverse workforce, and increase global food security

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making a $1 million initial investment to support three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges, building and strengthening USDA's historic partnership with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at the Convocation commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act becoming law, creating the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

"When Congress passed the act in 1890 creating additional Land-Grant Universities, they were creating access to economic mobility through educational opportunity for all. These schools have been instrumental in growing our nation into a multicultural economic power," said Vilsack. "The three new Centers of Excellence will build on this legacy of cooperation and success to help sustain our nation for the next 125 years and beyond."

These three new centers will serve as a consortium to increase coordination and collaboration between USDA and the 1890s schools. Each center will focus on a specific identified need:

  • Creating an integrated center to benefit Small Farms, Ranches and Forest Landowners in high poverty areas;
  • Establishing a virtual center to support the science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM) pipeline of students and address the growing need for talented career candidates to meet future workforce needs; and
  • Satisfying the nation's need in the areas of international engagement and global food security to increase international cooperation, trade and development.

Secretary Vilsack said USDA would provide additional related funding through existing programs and agreements, and that the initial funding will help the 1890s schools improve their access to USDA programs and attract additional outside investment.

Over the past six years, USDA has partnered with 1890s schools in a number of ways to make a positive impact in the lives of underserved farmers, youth and communities. Some recent actions include :

  • Providing more than $132 million in funding to 1890s schools through 350 different awards across the entire department last year;
  • Continuing the 1890s Scholars program, currently assisting 55 Scholars in agencies throughout USDA with scholarships worth approximately $35,000 each, and permanently employing more than 600 Land-Grant University graduates through the program.
17 Jul 2015

Loebsack, Kinzinger Lead Bipartisan Effort to Increase Rural Communities' Access to Wireless Broadband

By Rick Martin

Bill would provide incentives for wireless carriers to make unused spectrum available for use by rural and smaller carriers in order to expand wireless coverage in rural communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today introduced the bipartisan Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act. This bill would provide incentives for wireless carriers to lease unused spectrum to rural or smaller carriers in order to expand wireless coverage in rural communities. Both Congressmen serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee which oversees the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"The future of economic development in Iowa and across the country depends, in large part, on access to the internet and mobility," said Congressman Loebsack. "I have met with many small businesses, farmers, and rural telecommunication companies who have stressed the importance of mobile internet access in rural areas. I am pleased to work with Rep. Kinzinger to introduce this legislation that will increase access to wireless broadband to help boost economic development, education opportunities and job growth in rural areas."

"The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act promotes better utilization of spectrum to help rural America reap the full benefits of communications technology," said Congressman Kinzinger. "From small businesses trying to stay competitive in a global market or remote health clinics working to deliver expert telemedicine to underserved populations, expanding wireless coverage will help rural communities overcome the challenges they face. I am glad we could work together on this important legislation that will boost economic development in the 16th District as well as across the country."

The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act would direct the FCC to establish a program that would provide a 3-year extension of the spectrum license to wireless carriers that lease unused spectrum to rural and smaller carriers, encouraging collaboration between companies to bridge service gaps in rural areas.

Click here for the text of the Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act.

###
17 Jul 2015

Governor Branstad announces appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions.

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions. The following individuals' appointments are effective July 16, 2015, unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Prison Industries Advisory Board:

Jennifer Foster, Des Moines

 

Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission:

Martin Graber, Fort Madison

 

Consumer Advisory Panel:

Gary Clark, Huxley

Mary Hunter, Clive

 

Medical Assistance Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee:

Linda Gehrke, Iowa Falls

 

###
17 Jul 2015

Gov. Branstad issues disaster proclamation for Jefferson and Wayne counties

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) –Governor Terry E. Branstad yesterday issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Jefferson and Wayne counties in response to recent severe weather.

The governor`s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding that significantly impacted the two counties beginning on June 20, 2015, and continuing.

###
17 Jul 2015

Smiddy Meets with Opportunity Council; Renews Calls to Resolve State Budget

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - After a meeting with members of the Tri-County Opportunities Council, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging Governor Rauner to resume good-faith budget negotiations after 25 employees at the Council were laid off in the absence of a state budget.
"The Tri-County Opportunities Council helps countless families across the region navigate the confusing network of red tape that too often accompanies accessing critical services, and the value of these dedicated professionals to our community is immeasurable," Smiddy said. "I want everyone to recognize the value of the service these men and women provide, and work with me to craft a compassionate spending plan that ensures community action agencies like Tri-County can continue to serve the people of Illinois."
Smiddy learned of layoffs at the Tri-County Opportunities Council during a meeting with Terri Lawrence, who is the director of the organization. The Tri-County Opportunities Council serves the nine counties of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, and Whiteside. Approximately 2,100 residents participate in the various programs the Council helps administrate, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Weatherization and Housing Programs, home cooling aid and Childcare Assistance. Each of these programs has seen dramatic decreases to the state funding it depends on and has been forced to eliminate services for residents and/or lay off workers.
"These programs represent relatively small items in the state budget, but have enormous impacts on thousands of families right here in our communities," said Terri Lawrence, director of the Tri-County Opportunities Council. "It's the people most in need that are suffering from an absence of a budget and without dependable state support; we simply will not be able to give residents the service they need. I want to thank Representative Smiddy for taking the time to investigate the impacts of this funding shortage, and I urge the Governor and the General Assembly to find a way to restore these programs that are so vital to our community."
###
17 Jul 2015

Davenport Community Advisory Panel to Receive Update on Traffic Stop Data on July 28th

By Lattrice Lacy

On July 28, 2015, St. Ambrose University Professor Chris Barnum will be releasing the analysis conducted by his research team of the 2014 traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department.

The members of the Davenport Community Advisory Panel which includes representatives from the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), NAACP, Quad City Interfaith and other community members entered into a partnership with the Davenport Police Department in 2011 to conduct a racial profiling traffic study. The purpose of the study was to determine whether racial disparities exist with the City of Davenport's law enforcement interactions and to come up with measures to address the disparities. The Davenport Police Department began collecting data regarding the race of all drivers involved in traffic stops in 2011.

In 2011, the City of Davenport hired Christopher Barnum, Professor of Criminal Justice at St. Ambrose University, and his research team to review traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department. Professor Barnum began the study by calculating a baseline of the race of drivers in the observation zones throughout the City of Davenport and to compare the baseline data with the traffic stop data collected by the police department. Professor Barnum and his research team released the analysis of the 2013 collected data in June 2014.

On Tuesday, July 28th, Professor Barnum will provide an analysis of the 2014 data.

The Davenport Community Advisory Panel will continue to work together with the Davenport Police Department to help evaluate the data and to ensure that race is not considered in policing interactions.

The briefing gets underway at 1PM, Tuesday, July 28th, at LULAC, 4224 Ricker Hill Road.

Questions regarding this release should be directed to Latrice Lacey, Davenport Civil Rights Commission Director, 326-7888 or Don Schaeffer, Davenport Police Chief, 326-7778.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar