2010 Congressional Page applications now available

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today that applications are now available for 2010 Congressional Page positions in Washington D.C. High school juniors are encouraged to apply.

"This is an outstanding opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a first-hand look at the workings of our federal government," Braley said. "It's aimed not only at those interested in politics and public policy, but any student looking to challenge themselves, meet new friends and expand their horizon.

"Students gain insight, outstanding networking skills and long-lasting friendships. Not to mention a great love and understanding for our nation's capitol. I look forward to welcoming a student from the First District to Washington D.C."

The internship begins on January 24th, 2010 and concludes on June 4th.  The applications are due by November 9th and should be submitted to the Waterloo District Offce, at 501 Sycamore St., Suite 610, Waterloo, IA 50703.

Applications are available at http://www.braley.house.gov and are due on November 9th.

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Braley created 'New Era' program which provides funding for grant.

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced that the Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) and Hawkeye Community College have been awarded $276,318 in grant money from the Department of Agriculture for curriculum in ag-based renewable energy programs. The grant is made available through the New Era Rural Technology Program established by Braley.

"Community colleges in Eastern Iowa will now be able to enhance their courses and training for students entering the renewable energy field," Braley said. "This grant will not only promote higher education in the field of bio-energy, but give students the resources to be highly-qualified in the competitive job market."

Specifically, the money will go toward the EICCD Agriculture-based Renewable Energy Center (AREC), in partnership with Hawkeye Community College. Its vision is to advance curriculum, programs and resources to increase the number of rural students who pursue and complete a two-year postsecondary degree in ag-based renewable energy.

"I want to thank Congressman Braley for his role in securing the funding for this great opportunity at the college," Eastern Iowa Community College District Chancellor Dr. Pat Keir said. "Through the years, EICCD has become a leader in the area of new and renewable energies. This grant provides us with the ability to tie that into the heart of Iowa and the Midwest, agriculture. Thanks to this funding we will be educating students, other educators and current workers throughout the country in ag-based renewable energy opportunities."

The New Era Rural Technology Program was originally proposed by Braley when he introduced H.R. 872, the National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture (NEW ERA) Act, in 2007.  Braley passed these provisions into law in 2008, creating the grant program.

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As an outreach to the community from the Lindsay Park meeting last May, a Steering Committee was formed and has been meeting to make recommendations for the park. The committee will preview the recommendations and seek additional public input at a public forum prior to presenting to the city council.

7:00 PM on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

McKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

1716 KENWOOD AVENUE, DAVENPORT

Beginning October 1, 2009, the drop-off recycling program in Rock Island County will no longer take glass.  The six-year old program recycles roughly 200 tons per month of paper products and mixed materials, such as plastics, metal and glass.  However, current economic conditions have resulted in poorer glass recycling markets, higher transportation costs and too great a cost to process glass, nearly tripling the cost of processing from the current price.

"It was a tough Board decision because glass has been an integral part of the drop-off program," said Gena McCullough, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) Staff Coordinator.  By weight, glass represents 14-15% of the recycling volume.  The drop-off program began in 2003 to reduce landfilling of recyclable products, promote recycling, encourage reuse and purchasing recycled content materials, and improve the quality of the environment in Rock Island County.  Since 2003, over 17,000 tons have been diverted from the landfill.

City Carton Recycling was awarded a new five year contract by RICWMA to process and recycle plastics, metal and paper products including cardboard and box board.  Processing costs will rise from the current $36.75 per ton to $42 per ton in the first year, increasing annually to account for inflation over the five year term.  RICWMA administers the program and pays the cost of recycling through its solid waste fee assessed at the landfills in Rock Island County.

The regional collections sites include :

• East Moline:  307 - 42nd Avenue at the fire station and 1200 - 13th Avenue at the city's Engineering and Maintenance Service Facility.
• Milan:  451 West 4th Street
• Moline:  3635 - 4th Avenue at the Public Works Department
• Rock Island:  16th Avenue and 24th Street at the Water Treatment Plant

The communities of East Moline, Milan, Moline and Rock Island continue to host regional drop-off recycling collection sites as part of the program sponsored by RICWMA, a consortium of local governments in Rock Island County.  The program has been an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation and cost effectiveness.

All residents living in Rock Island County can use any one of the five regional drop-off recycling sites within the county.  Recyclable materials are collected from each site through a two stream process.  To retain a viable recycling program, clean recyclable material is needed and highly valued.  With the downturn in the economy, marketing the best and cleanest recyclables helps retain jobs and allows the recycling industry to thrive.

Separate containers are provided for a mixture of plastics and metal containers, washed and clean, including:

• Plastics #1-#5 and #7 (milk jugs, detergent, shampoo & liter bottles, food containers, etc.)
• Steel cans and aluminum cans

Separate containers willl be provided for a mixture of fiber, including:

• Corrugated cardboard
• Chipboard or box board
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Mixed office paper
• Phonebooks
• Textbooks
• Brown paper bags

Unacceptable items or garbage include glass, aerosol cans, any liquids, appliances, ashes, building materials or scraps, ceramic plates and cups, clothing, electronics, fiurniture, garbage, paint cans, plastic bags, Styrofoam, tires, toys, windows and mirrors, and yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, sticks and brush.  A full description of what not to toss in the recycling bins is outlined on the agency website at www.ricwma.org

As part of the "no glass" restriction, City Carton Recycling is offering a recycling option for glass to be dropped off at their facility in Davenport.  Beginning October 1st, residents of Rock Island County can take their glass to City Carton Recycling, 4002 Kimmel Drive in the Davenport Industrial Park off of Rockingham Road and West River Drive.  Glass must be separated clear from colored.  The alternative is to throw glass away with the rest of their residential garbage.

For more information, Rock Island County residents can contact RICWMA at 309-788-8925 or visit their website at www.ricwma.org.

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