25 Sep 2015

Loebsack Applauds New White House Report on Expanding Broadband Access

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded a new report from the White House Broadband Opportunity Council that details coordinated steps to expand access to high speed internet in poorly connected areas over the next 18 months. The report says more than 25 percent of US households do not have high speed internet because of income or geography. The Broadband Opportunity Council is chaired by Penny Pritzker, Secretary of the US Department of Commerce and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture.

Earlier this summer, Loebsack joined with fellow Members to call on the Council to modernize regulations for Rural Utility Service's (RUS) Telecommunications Program to better facilitate high speed rural broadband development. The report calls for the RUS program to revise their regulations, which will open additional funding opportunities. Loebsack is a member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over broadband issues.

"Ensuring everyone has access to high speed internet, no matter where they live, is important for rural economic development, education, job growth, businesses, farmers, and families across Iowa," said Loebsack. "I have met with many small businesses, farmers, and rural telecommunication companies who have stressed the importance of expanding high speed internet to rural areas. Broadband also gives small and rural schools the power to vastly expand their educational options, providing students with a cutting-edge 21st Century education regardless of geography.

"I am pleased President Obama, along with Secretaries Pritzker and Vilsack, laid out this plan to make sure Iowans and others in rural areas are not left behind. Expanding broadband is critical for all Iowans."

Moving forward, the federal government has made four specific commitments in response to the report to expand high speed internet, including:

·         Changing federal programs to allow broadband as an eligible expense in communities participating in the programs;

·         Creating an online inventory with details on federal assets such as telecommunications towers;

·         Streamlining applications for broadband to allow faster deployment and boost competition;

·         Creating an online information hub for communities to learn about federal broadband loan programs.

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21 Sep 2015

Putnam Museum Family Science Night

By Putnam Museum
Dynamic Demos!
Friday, September 25
Extended Hours 5:00 - 9:00pm
Join us at the Putnam Museum & Science Center for our extended hour evenings with your family and friends! Explore the museum, learn about history and discover all there is to see and do! Experience hands-on fun for everyone in our interactive Science Center, catch a film on the National Geographic GIANT Screen and enjoy the fun science events of the night!
21 Sep 2015

Upcoming Quad City STEM Events for Students, Teachers, Parents & Volunteers

By The Quad City Engineering & Science Council
Upcoming Events with Volunteer Needs and Reminders:
  • FIRST LEGO League (FLL) 3rd Annual Kickoff Saturday, September 26 from 8:30 A.M. until 12:05 P.M. at the Putnam Museum & Science Center. 
    Quad City area FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams from Iowa & Illinois including students, coaches and mentors are cordially invited to attend the 3rd Annual FLL Kickoff free of charge.

    The Kickoff is a fun way to meet other teams, learn and share FLL information including opportunities to talk with trash experts, FLL judges and referees. In addition, several returning teams from last year who won awards and participated at State Championships and International Tournaments will be on hand to share their experiences.  At the kickoff, we will also be sharing the plans for FLL qualifiers for Iowa & Illinois teams including dates, locations, and the registration process.
    Nov. 7 Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival.
    Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
  • Sept. 30 STEM Teachers Night Out Event at Moline High School.
    Free event for area STEM Teachers, School Administration & key STEM Stakeholders to collaborate and share information & ideas and see local STEM education facilities. Pizza and pop provided by the QCESC at
    6:00 PM with an optional tour after the meeting.  Pre-registration is required.
  • Saturday, October 3rd "CORNcon" 8am-6pm at St. Ambrose University, McCarthy Hall, Davenport, Iowa
    Link to flyer
    For Adults and Kids
    Adults: QC Security Conference
    Kids: Kids Hacker Camp for ages 7-17
    REGISTER at: www.corncon.net
  • Nov. 7 Quad Cities STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Festival.
    Interactive style conference for youth in grades 3-8 from 8:00 AM - Noon at Western Illinois University Quad City Campus.
    Link to further information


  • Reminder - Applications for John Deere grants are still be accepted for new and returning FIRST Robotic Teams for Junior FIRST LEGO League (K-3 graders), FIRST Tech Challenge (7-12), and FIRST Robotics Competition (9-12) teams.
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11 Sep 2015

USDA Announces State Finalists for the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership

By USDA Office of Communications

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Sept. 10, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 21 states will receive grants through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to add infrastructure needed to supply more renewable fuel to America's drivers. Since announcing the program in May 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) received applications requesting over $130 million, outpacing the $100 million that is available. With a more than 1:1 match from private and state resources, USDA estimates that the BIP grants will support nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 fueling stations across the country.

"The quality and geographic diversity of the applications, backed by supportive state and private partners, demonstrate the strong demand across the country for cleaner, more affordable fuel," said Secretary Vilsack. "The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership is one approach USDA is using to aggressively pursue investments in American-grown renewable energy to create new markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers, help Americans save money on their energy bills, support America's clean energy economy, cut carbon pollution and reduce dependence on foreign oil and costly fossil fuels."

A typical gas pump delivers fuel with 10 percent ethanol, which limits the amount of renewable energy most consumers can purchase at the pump. USDA estimates that this investment will more than double the number of stations that offer intermediate blends of ethanol, mainly E15 fuel levels, nationwide.

Through BIP, USDA will award competitive grants, matched by states, to expand the infrastructure for distribution of higher blends of ethanol. BIP funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation must be used to pay a portion of the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps and related infrastructure dedicated to the distribution of higher ethanol blends, for example E15 and E85, at vehicle fueling locations. The matching contributions may be used for these items or for related costs such as additional infrastructure to support pumps, marketing, education, data collection, program evaluation and administrative costs. This partnership will expand markets for farmers, support rural economic growth and the jobs that come with it, and ultimately give consumers more choices at the pump.

The preliminary list of state finalists and estimated pumps includes:

Colorado 28

Florida 892

Illinois 428

Indiana 110

Iowa 187

Kansas 174

Louisiana 110

Michigan 89

Minnesota 620

Missouri 171

Nebraska 80

North Carolina 190

North Dakota 90

Ohio 148

Pennsylvania 308

South Dakota 74

Texas 763

Virginia-Maryland 191

West Virginia 107

Wisconsin 120

TOTAL 4880

Funding amounts for each state will be announced at a later date. For more information about BIP, visit the Energy Programs website.

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03 Sep 2015

Governor Branstad announces appointments to STEM Advisory Council

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's STEM Advisory Council.  The following individuals' appointments are effective September 1, 2015, are unpaid and are not subject to Iowa Senate Confirmation:

 

STEM Advisory Council:

State Senator Mark Chelgren, Ottumwa

State Senator Brian Schoenjahn, Arlington

State Representative Liz Bennett, Cedar Rapids

State Representative Josh Byrnes, Osage

Sharon Rosenboom, Orange City

Tamara Trinder, West Des Moines

Craig Johnson, Cedar Falls

Kathryn Kunert, Des Moines

Robert Cramer, Grimes

Deb Dunkhase, Iowa City

Teri Vos, Pella

Catherine Swoboda, Pleasant Hill

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02 Sep 2015

Branstad, Reynolds announce broadband expansion to nearly 90,000 homes across Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Federal grants through the FCC accepted by four companies will foster high-speed broadband Internet growth

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined at the administration's weekly press conference by leaders from CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications to announce that the companies will expand broadband internet services across Iowa to nearly 90,000 homes. The broadband internet expansion, a priority of the Branstad-Reynolds administration, was made possible by $53.2 million in grants from the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Connect America Fund (CAF).

SEE THE MAP OF THE EXPANSION TO UNSERVED AND UNDERSERVED AREAS

"In Iowa, technology and access to broadband Internet is the great equalizer for our rural communities," said Branstad. "We have put a focus on broadband Internet expansion because if our small businesses are to compete in a global economy, our schools are to have access to an abundance of online learning resources and our farmers are to connect their modern equipment for precision farming, we must connect every acre with broadband infrastructure.  I'm pleased that CenturyLink, Windstream, Frontier and Consolidated Communications are all choosing to invest in Iowa to connect our communities."

"To date, nineteen communities across our state have become certified Connected Communities. These cities and towns have demonstrated a commitment to continued economic growth by embracing the opportunity presented by 21st century technology," said Reynolds. "As an elected official who grew up in rural Iowa, I know that a key part of maintaining continued growth in all corners of our state is our vision to connect every acre with broadband Internet and becoming the most connected state in the Midwest."

The FCC created the CAF in 2011 to foster growth in broadband access by transitioning funding that was supporting rural landline service to broadband service.

Joining the governor and lt. governor at the press conference were Michael Sadler, Assistant Vice President Public Policy and Government Relations of CenturyLink, Gregory Gray, Iowa Operations Chief of Windstream, Jack Phillips, Director of Government and External Affairs of Frontier and Mike Shultz, Vice President Regulatory and Public Policy of Consolidated Communications. The companies are planning the following buildout of broadband Internet in Iowa:

  • CenturyLink will be receiving $17,893,887 to build out broadband to 34,827 locations.
  • Windstream will be receiving $28,672,554 to build out broadband to 44,930 locations.
  • Frontier will be receiving $4,240,587 to build out broadband to 5,438 locations.
  • Consolidated Communications will be receiving $2,393,216 to build out broadband to 3,019 locations.
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30 Jul 2015

Governor's STEM Advisory Council announces new co-chair

By Rick Martin

Dr. Chris Nelson of Kemin Industries accepts appointment as co-chair alongside Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds

 

(CEDAR FALLS, Iowa) - Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson will serve as co-chair of the Iowa Governor's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council starting this month. Appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad, Nelson succeeds Vermeer CEO and Chair of the Board Mary Andringa, who completed her two-year term as STEM Council co-chair in May.

In 2013, STEMconnector named Nelson as one of the top 100 CEO leaders in STEM at the U.S. News & World Report's STEM Solutions Summit. STEM education is important to Nelson as Kemin is a bioscience leader in the Cultivation Corridor, manufacturing and distributing approximately 500 specialty ingredients for the global feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition, and beauty markets.

"I established the STEM Council in 2011 with the goal of inspiring our next generation of innovators who can take full advantage of the great careers waiting for them across Iowa," said Governor Branstad. "Kemin is one of our state's outstanding career destinations, and Dr. Nelson is one of our most inspiring STEM leaders. I am grateful that he is willing to co-lead the STEM Council alongside Lt. Governor Reynolds."

"Kemin and Dr. Nelson have been outstanding partners to the Governor's STEM Advisory Council since the beginning," said Lt. Governor Reynolds. "So, it is a natural expansion of that partnership to invite Dr. Nelson to co-chair the STEM Council. His global perspective, STEM expertise and leadership skills will help us take Iowa STEM to new heights."

In 1980, Nelson began his career with Kemin as Director of Research and Development. Since 1993, he has served as President and CEO of the global nutritional ingredient company that specializes in improving human and animal health through molecular innovations. Under his leadership, the company has more than quadrupled in size and now employs nearly 2,000 people, operating internationally in more than 90 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and the United States. Nelson received his undergraduate training at Northwestern University and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Washington State University. He is the holder of 15 patents and has authored numerous peer-reviewed, published research studies.

"There is an increasingly global need for preparing students to become skilled in STEM subjects. The challenges presented by the scale and pace of change throughout the world calls for new innovative solutions from the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," says Nelson. "I'm proud to personally further support the advancement of STEM in Iowa schools."

Outside of his role at Kemin, Nelson serves on the board of a leading international corporation, the National Institutes of Health Technical Advisory Committee, National Forum for Agricultural Executives Council, the Des Moines Symphony and the Des Moines Community Foundation among others. He continues to have a passion for science education and serves on the Board of the Science Center of Iowa where he helped lead a successful development effort for the construction of the $62 million Science Center.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our State's historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 47-member STEM Council is chaired by Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.
23 Jul 2015

Kids & Volunteers Needed - July 27-31 Engineering Kids Camp, Putnam Museum

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

Please share the below information with students, parents, and anyone interested in attending or volunteering.

There is still time for kids(Incoming 2nd-8th graders) and/or to volunteer to attend a one day, Engineering Kids Camp. Camps will be held July 27-31 at the Putnam Museum supported by Iowa State University College of Engineering in partnership with the QCESC, John Deere, NDIA and the Putnam Museum.

Students can continue to pre-register for the camps until we reach capacity for each day.  The July 29 (2nd-3rd graders) camp is SOLD OUT.

To register a student for the camp OR volunteer, click here.

July 27-31, Engineering Kids Camp @ Putnam Museum & Science Center
Students and volunteers are being sought for the 7th Annual Engineering Kids one day camps for students in grades 2nd through 8th grade (as of Fall). Nearly 400 students attended this very popular camp last year.  This camp is one of the best summer  STEM learning opportunities in the region with an exciting, engaging experience for your young innovator. Fun, imaginative sessions including three fun, hands on activities with LEGO Robotics, Software Coding and Innovation Challenge along with special showing of 3D Robotics Movie (National Geographic).  Attendees and volunteers receive lunch and a camp T-Shirt.

New volunteers should fill out the on-line volunteer form.  Volunteers will continue to be accepted until we reach capacity.  Link to list by day of volunteer openings.

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If you are interested in regular updates  on the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC or getting involved further, please consider subscribing for e-mail updates including volunteering or following/joining us using:  Facebook (QCESC), Twitter (@QCESC), LinkedIn, and the recently upgraded website at www.qcesc.org which includes a calendar of events & a volunteer page that is updated on-going with new volunteer opportunities.
21 Jul 2015

USDA Announces $349 Million in Funding for Rural Electric Infrastructure Projects including $17 Million in Smart Grid Technology

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $349 million in funding for 15 rural electric infrastructure projects to build or improve more than 1,844 miles of transmission and distribution lines for rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 13 states.

"Eighty years ago, USDA took on the challenge of bringing power to rural America and it helped make this the greatest, most productive country on Earth," said Vilsack. "Today we are continuing that commitment by investing in the next generation of power transmission - smart grid technology - to make our electric system more reliable, efficient and effective. Upgrading the electric grid will not only improve reliability and better manage costs, but it will also bring jobs and increased economic opportunities, helping to build a sustainable and dynamic future for rural residents and businesses."

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Electric Program, which makes insured loans and loan guarantees to non-profit and cooperative associations, public bodies and other utilities. The loans primarily finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas.

For example, the Macon Electric Cooperative in Missouri has been selected to receive a $15.2 million loan to build or improve 51 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $2 million for smart grid projects.

The Douglas Electric Cooperative, Inc. in South Dakota is receiving $1.3 million to build and improve 15 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $270,000 for smart grid projects.

The Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative will receive a $25.5 million loan to build or improve 171 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $2 million for smart grid projects and $222,000 for service to Native Americans.

The total of $349 million in electric loans includes a $44 million loan to Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative announced by Vilsack on July 17.

Smart grid increases the reliability of electric power by helping utilities better manage the electric grid to improve operational efficiencies. It includes metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications, geospatial information systems, and other system improvements.

USDA has been committed to improving production and transmission of electricity for rural America since the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration in 1935. In 2014 alone, USDA's Rural Utilities Service awarded $2.7 billion in electric loans. These loans helped 4.6 million rural residents receive improved electric service.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

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21 Jul 2015

Grassley, Murray, Blunt, Heitkamp Lead Bipartisan Call on EPA to Boost Biodiesel Volumes

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) today led a bipartisan group of 36 senators in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the proposed volumes it set for biodiesel production under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

"While the proposal is a positive step for biodiesel, we remain concerned that the proposed biodiesel volumes for 2016 and 2017 fail to adequately recognize the domestic biodiesel industry's production capacity and its ability to increase production," the senators wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.   "Biodiesel is the first EPA-designated advanced biofuel under the RFS to reach commercial scale production nationwide. It is exceeding the goals that Congress envisioned when it created the RFS with bipartisan support in 2005, while creating jobs, generating tax revenues, reducing pollution, and improving energy security. We urge you to support continued growth in the domestic biodiesel industry by making reasonable and sustainable increases in the biodiesel volumes for 2016 and 2017 in the final rule."

The senators noted that the EPA's prior delays in setting biodiesel volumes led to tremendous uncertainty and hardship for U.S. biodiesel producers and thousands of their employees, causing reduced production and even shutdowns, leading to layoffs and lost economic productivity.

Also, the agency's decision earlier this year to allow imports from Argentinean renewable fuel producers to participate in the RFS must be considered, and biodiesel volumes must be set at high enough levels to prevent displacement of domestic production, the senators wrote.

The EPA's proposed volumes for 2014 through 2017 are expected to become final by November 30, giving the agency an opportunity to increase them before then.  The public comment period on the current proposal closes July 27.

The text of the senators' letter is available here.

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