WSB’s sustainability team has a contract with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to provide a cumulative total of approximately $200,000 in technical environmental and climate-related assistance to Minnesota Tribes at no cost to tribal communities, now through June 2026. In the coming weeks and months, WSB will be reaching out to your Tribe to listen, understand your goals, and explore opportunities to align our support with your community’s vision. This funding is designed to enhance capacity and offer free, expert assistance to identify, prioritize, and implement Tribal environmental and climate-related projects that may have otherwise faced barriers to completion, ensuring that the projects we support reflect your Tribe’s unique priorities and long-term goals.
What projects are eligible?
This technical assistance can include activities such as:
Sustainability/Climate Work
Climate plans and greenhouse gas inventories
Sustainability Plans
Renewables development
Policy development such as for solar, EVs, water conservation
Feasibility studies (such as EV or solar plans)
Community planning and economic development
Public engagement support on climate topics
Natural Resource Support
Water resources, water reuse, and hydrology modeling
Forestry services
Fisheries services
Wetland and soils services
Regulatory assistance
Limnological analysis
Vegetation surveys
GIS support
Transportation Support
Transportation or transit planning that reduce vehicle miles travelled
Trail planning and fundraising
Traffic engineering such as to support pedestrian or EV-related projects
Grant Support
Identification, writing, and administration assistance
Partnership development
Research and analysis to identify most competitive grant applications
How can WSB support my Tribe?
WSB is a trusted engineering and consulting firm with deep expertise in energy, resiliency, water, environmental stewardship, transportation, and a range of other disciplines. We have had the privilege of partnering with Tribes across the Midwest, providing tailored support in climate planning, renewable energy development, and natural resource management. Our team approaches every project with respect for Tribal sovereignty, cultural values, and traditions—prioritizing meaningful relationship building, adaptability, and genuine curiosity. Based in Minneapolis, our project team is readily available to travel to your community to engage directly and ensure our work reflects your Tribe’s unique needs and priorities.
April 21, 2025 By Nicole Muske, Senior Graduate Engineer, WSB
Earth month is an opportune time to highlight the strides being made in sustainability, particularly through initiatives like the Buy Clean Buy Fair Minnesota Act, passed in 2023. This act highlights Minnesota’s efforts and commitment to responsible environmental practices, including sustainable construction efforts.
Understanding Buy Clean
The initiative is an industry and government-focused step on carbon emissions associated with construction materials on state-funded projects. Sustainable construction is a key component of Minnesota’s Department of Transportation (MnDOT) strategy with the Buy Clean initiative, due to the state’s commitment to lower carbon materials and responsible procurement practices. This initiative is part of a larger goal to decrease the carbon footprint of construction projects throughout the state. By laying the groundwork for the use of lower embodied carbon products, states like Minnesota are providing examples for how other states can explore these types of approaches to resilient infrastructure.
Broader Adoption and Innovation
Currently, 20 states have implemented their own Buy Clean programs. This highlights the need for broader adoption across the nation, especially in sustainable construction practices. By pushing for initiatives that prioritize sustainable materials, we can pave the way for a more resilient future.
Additionally, the initiative encourages research into products that offer lower emissions and embodied carbon, without compromising on quality, resilience, or durability. This involves thorough testing and evaluation to ensure that materials meet high standards while contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, which is integral to sustainable construction.
WSB has relevant experience with helping clients analyze and adopt the use of lower embodied carbon materials in infrastructure, such as through pavements utilized in the Heights, a master development project developed by the St. Paul Port Authority. At the state level, we are coordinating a DOT project in Oklahoma on Balance Mix Design.
These and other real-life examples were discussed at a transportation materials conference that WSB recently co-sponsored. By discussing cutting-edge ideas with key stakeholders through these efforts, we work with other thought leaders to advance cost-effective solutions in sustainable construction.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)
A crucial aspect of the Buy Clean initiative is the focus on Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). By obtaining more EPDs, stakeholders can better understand the origin and composition of materials, allowing for informed decisions that prioritize sustainability. The initiative promotes sourcing and availability within a certain radius, ensuring that concrete and asphalt used in projects are both locally sourced and environmentally responsible, which is a prime aspect of sustainable construction practices.
With Earth Month here, it is essential to recognize and celebrate these efforts. The Buy Clean initiative exemplifies how state-level actions can lead to significant environmental benefits, and how collective efforts can drive change. By supporting the implementation of such programs, we are not only contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable planet but also setting a standard for future generations.
How WSB Can Help
The WSB team includes subject matter experts in materials, transportation planning and design, sustainability, resiliency, and beyond, who support communities in exploring and integrating sustainable pavements and other materials into their operational and infrastructure plans. We offer comprehensive services including project assessment, strategy development, and implementation guidance to help municipalities and states align infrastructure projects with community goals. Our expertise results in efficient, resilient, sustainable, and strategic outcomes in the realm of sustainable construction.
Nicole is a Senior Graduate Engineer in WSB’s Construction and Design-Build Division with extensive experience in contract administration, construction inspection, and material testing on large transportation projects. She has served as a Lead Inspector overseeing concrete bridge construction, bridge rehabilitation, and roadway paving. Nicole developed an app-based spreadsheet for the I-494 and TH52 Design-Build projects to track material testing and summarize results. She excels in coordinating with contractors and stakeholders to maintain project schedules and resolve issues effectively.
April 11, 2025 By Shawn Poe, Director of Municipal Services, WSB and Amy Fredregill, Senior Director of Sustainability, WSB
As we recognize Earth Month this April, it is imperative to emphasize sustainable and resilient practices in infrastructure projects. A comprehensive Sustainability Plan is most strategic, relevant and useful when it considers future capital projects planned within a community.
Introducing the Envision® Framework
One effective practice to incorporate is the Envision® framework — a holistic sustainability rating system designed to evaluate the resilience of various types of civil infrastructure.
Envision® serves as a tool for cities, consultants, and contractors, helping to deliver infrastructure that:
Utilizing the Envision® framework allows infrastructure projects to contribute positively to the environment by enhancing sustainability and resilience. This framework helps improve the quality of life for communities by addressing climate change, supporting public health, providing long-term economic benefits, and improving infrastructure longevity.
How WSB Can Help
The WSB team includes certified Envision Sustainability Professionals (ENV SP) who can support communities in integrating Envision® into their sustainability and resiliency plans, as well as transportation, transit, and other infrastructure projects. We offer comprehensive services including project assessment, strategy development, and implementation guidance to help municipalities align infrastructure projects with community goals. Our expertise ensures that sustainable, resilient, and equitable outcomes are achieved.
Shawn is the Director of Municipal Services at our Denver office, with nearly 30 years of experience in Colorado and Texas, he has served as a City Engineer and Director of Public Works. Shawn excels in relationship building, team leadership, and client service. He is also active in professional circles, having served as President of the APWA Texas Chapter and currently on the board of the APWA Colorado Chapter. At WSB, he focuses on expanding services to municipalities and fostering strong public agency relationships.
Amy has nearly 25 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, focusing on sustainability and resiliency. She has worked extensively in energy and agriculture, providing strategic solutions for complex challenges in energy, water, and waste. Amy has held key roles, including Managing Director of the Sustainable Growth Coalition at Environmental Initiative and Manager of Resource Planning at Xcel Energy. Currently, she works on climate and sustainability projects across various states, leveraging her relationship-based approach to deliver comprehensive solutions.
December 4, 2024 By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability, WSB
We would like share news about three upcoming resiliency grant opportunities that can help cities in Minnesota advance their strategic plans, reduce costs and risks, and provide new services to stakeholders.
MN Pollution Control Agency Local Climate Action Grant
The MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has opened applications for the Local Climate Action (LCA) grants. There are two types of grants available: a climate action planning grant and a climate action implementation grant. These grants are available to local governments, Tribes, community-based nonprofits, and schools working on projects to reduce climate pollution and prepare communities for climate change impacts.
The planning grant focuses on developing local action plans to combat and adapt to climate change, including community-wide greenhouse gas emissions data collection through the Regional Indicators Initiative at no cost. The implementation grants fund projects that execute existing climate or sustainability plans, aiming to increase community resilience to climate change and reduce contributions to it.
The maximum grant award for both programs is $50,000, with a match requirement based on community population size. Communities with populations under 20,000 need to match 5% of the grant amount, while those with populations of 20,000 or more need to match 50%. Applications are due by January 9, 2025.
MPCA Community Resilience Implementation Grant
The MPCA is also offering $5 million in grants for non-stormwater and non-wastewater projects to enhance community resilience to climate change. Eligible projects include extreme heat mitigation, hardening public assets against extreme weather, upgrading resilience hubs, improving transportation alternatives, wildfire resilience, public water supply projects, and climate resiliency upgrades to publicly owned housing or community storm shelters. Applications are due by December 19, 2024.
Geothermal Planning Grants
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is launching a new grant program to provide financial assistance for examining the feasibility of geothermal energy systems. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for planning geothermal systems that heat and cool buildings. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, townships, and the Metropolitan Council. The program will launch by the end of 2024, with a public webinar scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Next Steps
At WSB, we specialize in helping communities secure funding and grant opportunities through competitive applications, innovative partnerships, and cost-effective approaches. Recently, we assisted a tribe in securing $5 million from the EPA for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and helped a city obtain a Solar on Public Buildings grant. Let us know how we can assist you in securing funding to advance your goals.
Amy has nearly 25 years of experience across many industries, particularly energy and agriculture, in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This experience has provided Amy with a broad background that enables her to meet community and business needs based on the business case for sustainability. By working across interesting systems to simultaneously advance environmental, economic and social goals, she is able to uncover creative solutions. Through her relationship-based approach, Amy meets the unique needs of communities and businesses by working with all areas of the firm to provide comprehensive solutions.
September 16, 2024 By Derek Schmidt, Sr Project Manager, WSB
Once in a lifetime federal funding is providing once in a lifetime opportunities for sustainable road design projects across the country. With passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), now is the time for counties, cities and transportation agencies to redesign and redevelop deteriorating roads and bridges to meet sustainability goals. The IIJA is providing $550 billion in new infrastructure investment through 2026 and another $5 billion from the IRA.
However, in order to capitalize on these historic investments, new infrastructure projects need to be designed and constructed with environmental sustainability top of mind. For example, new projects need to ensure they meet standards that may have not existed when the original road or bridge was built like accommodating animal habitats or minimizing pollutants from transportation.
With that in mind, here are some ways counties, cities and transportation agencies can make their roads and bridges projects more sustainable and take advantage of increased federal funding.
Project Sustainability Scoring
To ensure a project qualifies for federal funding, it must be scored. Stronger scores give a project a greater chance at receiving funding.
The available grants also have strict requirements that must be adhered to. For instance, the IRA is providing $3.2 billion for projects that improve walkability, so transit improvements like bike lanes and pedestrian paths have a greater opportunity to secure funding that align with those funding goals. Other ways to achieve stronger scores include using locally available building materials to cut down transportation distances which lowers costs and limits vehicle pollution.
Decreasing Costs and Environmental Impacts
Not only is accounting for environmental impacts a way to improve the odds of securing federal grant fundings, but also a way to decrease overall costs. For example, projects can achieve greater sustainability by reducing transportation distances, using local landfills for waste and using locally available materials like sand. Reducing distances and trips not only cuts down costs but lowers vehicle pollution and a project’s footprint.
Rethinking sustainable road design can also create more environmentally friendly options that better meet community needs. The curb to curb spacing in older, rural roadways, for example, tend to be unnecessarily long. A redeveloped road with a space of 80 feet from curb to curb can be cut down to only 40 feet with the inclusion of expanded green space. This will reduce the overall pavement area, create a road that better fits the demands of the community and increase the overall green space. Ensuring roadways are designed and built to meet traffic needs and improve sustainability features cut down pavement costs and improve a project’s sustainability.
How WSB Can Help
WSB’s team of experts can help your community or agency navigate the influx of federal funding and help secure funding for your sustainable transportation project. With the use of new technology like multidimensional modeling and design, communities and transportation agencies have all the data they need at their fingertips. WSB helps communities and transportation agencies find the best possible design, leverage federal funding opportunities, improve traffic flow, increase the wellbeing of residents and protect the environment one roadway at a time.
Derek is a senior project manager with experience on numerous high profile projects including interstate, trunk highway and major county projects. Derek has the knowledge and background to carry any project from beginning to end and is very experienced in leading large teams.
November 11, 2024 By Ameer Kian, Sr Project Manager, WSB
The Minnesota Legislature established the Solar on Public Buildings (SPB) Grant Program in 2023, allocating $4.3 million in grants to local governments within Xcel Energy’s service territory. Administered by the Department of Commerce, this program aims to promote solar energy systems on public buildings, supplementing Federal Tax Credits.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligible applicants include counties, cities, towns, and federally recognized Indian Tribes in Minnesota, excluding school districts within Xcel Energy’s service territory. The grants cover up to 70% of project costs for solar arrays on public buildings, with a capacity of up to 40kW or 120% of the building’s annual energy consumption. The application deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024.
The Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program enables cities to reduce energy costs, lower carbon footprints, and demonstrate commitment to renewable energy. Economic efficiency is achieved through financial incentives and long-term energy savings. Solar energy’s environmental impact includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel reliance. Adopting solar positions local governments as sustainability leaders, enhancing community pride and fostering innovation.
How WSB Can Help
WSB has successfully applied for and received funding for our clients from the first round of this program earlier this year. We can assist in the following areas:
Streamlining the RFP process and completing the Readiness Application, ensuring compliance with the grant application requirements
Prioritizing locations for grant consideration based on energy usage data and solar feasibility
Identifying system and City eligibility for additional funding via Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Elective Pay system
Navigating through complexities with Community Solar Garden subscriptions and eligibility requirements
Estimating PV system size, annual production and assessing utility grid capacity based on publicly available tools
Providing guidance on solar best practices and setting up a successful RFP process for contractor selection
In addition to the Solar for Public Buildings RFP, WSB has experience in and can support local municipalities and governments in their energy and sustainability goals by:
Writing zoning ordinance updates to align city code with EV and Solar infrastructure
Drafting and implementing Climate Plans to secure funding for solar and renewable energy and helping design EV Charging infrastructure
Writing grants to obtain energy efficiency funds and conduct equitable community outreach to drive future climate focused investments
The SPB Program empowers local governments to lead in sustainability. With WSB’s expertise, cities can navigate the grant process, maximize funding, and implement impactful solar projects. This program not only reduces energy costs and environmental impact but also positions cities as leaders in innovation and sustainability. Embracing this program is a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future. Contact us today to get help starting the application process.
Ameer leads and executes complex renewable energy projects, with a demonstrated expertise in managing teams, optimizing project lifecycles, and delivering innovative solutions. His project management experience includes planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment and stakeholder management. He is passionate about renewable energy technologies, such as solar, battery storage and EV charging.
By Behnaz Beladi, Director of Renewable Energy, WSB
The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness about sustainability and protecting our environment. In line with this goal, WSB’s dedicated Renewables Team is actively involved in furthering this initiative by aiding in the development, design and construction of clean renewable energy projects. From initial surveying to permitting, design and construction services, WSB provides a comprehensive range of expertise and support for clean energy projects nationwide.
Empowering Renewable Expansion: WSB’s Comprehensive Service Offerings and Growth With a growing interest in renewable energy and increased grant funding opportunities at the federal level, the WSB team expanded considerably to meet the needs of clients and communities. Over the last few years, the Renewables Team has grown from a few staff members to more than 45 staff helping implement diverse projects including wind, solar and Battery Storage, providing a wide range of services across project needs.
The range of services includes:
Survey
Environmental and Permitting
Geotech (certain states)
Civil Site Design
Hydrology
Right of Way (ROW)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Construction Support
Visualization
Apart from Geotech, the range of services the renewables team provides doesn’t have geographic limitations. The WSB Renewable team can work with contractors to reduce installation costs by designing with construction in mind, automating construction processes by creating machine files for grading equipment, creating real-time grading as-builts and even troubleshooting grading equipment remotely to avoid unnecessary delays. These services have already contributed to the creation of renewable energy across the country that communities have come to rely on.
Powering Tomorrow: WSB’s Impact on Clean Energy Across the Nation
The clean energy projects that benefited from the services provided by WSB’s Renewables Team are already producing are going to produce considerable amounts of energy around the country. Over the last 2 years, our renewable team has designed over 5000 megawatts (MW) of renewable projects. For reference, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the average residential electric utility customer in 2022 used about 10,791 kilowatt-hours per year. A 9-kilowatt renewable system generates approximately 10,791 kilowatt-hours. Projects including solar, wind and battery storage are powering communities across the U.S., with more projects being designed and constructed as time goes on.
Energizing Communities: WSB’s Leadership in Renewable Energy Initiatives
WSB’s services thus far have empowered numerous renewable projects, enabling communities across the country to access the clean energy they seek. From large-scale wind, solar and battery storage projects to smaller community solar initiatives, WSB’s seasoned Renewables Team consistently delivers results. As renewables represent the future of our energy grid, WSB remains committed to leading the way in adopting cutting-edge technology and tools for a sustainable energy future. With five thousand Megawatts already achieved, this is just the outset of our journey.
Behnaz is a lead solar engineer and manager specializing in utility scale, commercial and residential solar design. She is mindful of and knowledgeable about all local state and federal environmental rules and regulations and adept at explaining complex technical engineering concepts clearly and accessibly to wide variety of professional and nonprofessional audiences.
May 13, 2024 By Behnaz Beladi, Director of Renewable Energy, WSB
Escalating environmental concerns and urbanization are driving a paradigm shift in city energy priorities, encouraging them to invest in sustainable solutions. Renewable energy offers a plethora of benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality and enhanced energy security. Transitioning to renewables presents an opportunity for cities to assert their commitment to sustainability while simultaneously reaping economic advantages through job creation and investment in clean technologies.
Key to this transition is the development of comprehensive renewable energy strategies tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of each city. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach, incorporating policy initiatives, technological innovations, funding opportunities and community engagement.
Targeting Local Policy and Embracing Innovation
At the policy level, cities must enact ambitious targets and regulations to incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions. This may involve setting renewable energy mandates, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms and phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels. Additionally, cities can leverage their purchasing power to procure renewable energy for municipal operations and encourage private sector investment in clean city energy projects.
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in facilitating the integration of renewable energy into urban infrastructure as well. From solar panels and wind turbines to energy-efficient buildings and smart grids, cities have a myriad of options at their disposal to harness clean energy sources. Embracing innovative technologies not only reduces carbon emissions but also enhances energy efficiency and promotes a more resilient urban infrastructure.
Using Federal Investment Opportunities
Recent investments from legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant cities new opportunities and room to maneuver. Some of these investments include $16.5 billion for the deployment of new transmission lines, $21.5 billion towards clean energy demonstration projects that are directed towards large projects that drive local and regional economies and $40 billion in loan authority for clean energy projects. These programs create new opportunities for cities to not only develop renewable and sustainable energy solutions, but also economic drivers for their communities.
However, these types of investments will not fund the entirety of any one project, and each grant will include a variety of requirements that first need to be met. Cities that incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions will set the groundwork necessary for the types of investments made available by federal legislation like the IIJA and IRA or from state agencies. Federal and state investments can be a boon to a city’s energy development plans.
Collaborating and Cooperating Across Communities and Industries
As cities transition to renewable energy, local community engagement is also incredibly important. Empowering residents through education, outreach and participation in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for sustainability initiatives. Community-led initiatives, such as neighborhood solar cooperatives and energy efficiency programs, can significantly contribute to the widespread adoption of renewable energy at the grassroots level.
Moreover, transitioning city energy towards renewable energy requires collaboration and cooperation across multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, academia and civil society organizations. By fostering partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms, cities can leverage collective expertise and resources to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards sustainability goals.
Challenges and How WSB Can Help Overcome Barriers
While there are numerous benefits in clean energy transitions for cities, there are also challenges. From policy barriers and technological limitations to financial constraints and community resistance, the path to achieving sustainable urban transformation is fraught with obstacles. However, WSB is uniquely positioned to help cities overcome these challenges and navigate the complexities of transitioning to clean energy.
For municipalities struggling to develop and implement policies that incentivize the adoption of renewables, WSB can provide invaluable expertise in policy analysis and development, helping cities design and enact robust regulatory frameworks that promote renewable energy deployment.
Technological barriers may also pose significant challenges to the widespread adoption of renewable energy in urban environments. WSB specializes in innovative engineering solutions, and we can work with cities to design and implement cutting-edge renewable energy technologies tailored to address the unique needs and constraints of urban infrastructure.
For cities exploring what renewable energy investments fit financially for their community, WSB can help by conducting feasibility studies, identifying funding sources and developing business models that maximize return on investment.
Finally, for those working to garner support and build community consensus for renewable energy projects, WSB specializes in stakeholder engagement, facilitating dialogue between local communities, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Overall, federal and state funding for renewable energy projects is spurring many cities toward exploring and investing in renewable energy. For cities unsure of where to start or for cities who need help navigating the complex nature of renewable energy projects, WSB brings together multidisciplinary experts with diverse skill sets and backgrounds to help cities address their unique challenges and chart a course toward a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.
Behnaz manages the multi-disciplinary renewable energy team in project and program operations. She is an accomplished academic, with a PhD of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Vienna, an associate of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and has served on the board of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, advocating for policy and regulatory initiative’s that strengthen the industry.
January 15, 2024 By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability, WSB
Sustainability can be looked at as a three-legged stool, supported by environmental, economic, and social components. As the federal government provides resources for communities to drive sustainable solutions across the country, they are balancing those three pillars and building a more resilient future. The flow of federal dollars to community projects not only modernizes infrastructure and helps meet local needs, but it also can support priorities that address important issues like sustainability and climate change. The business case for sustainability could not have been stronger, by reducing cost and risk, meeting evolving needs of stakeholders, providing new services, staying competitive, growing workforce development opportunities and advancing public health and prosperity for all communities.
Looking to the future of infrastructure across the country, ensuring it is environmentally resilient, equitable and drives collaboration are three key priorities for federal policymakers. Partnerships are key to formulating solutions to some of society’s most complex challenges by advancing comprehensive, sustainable investments across systems such as water, energy, transportation, buildings and land use.
Passing Historic Federal Funding Packages
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) were signed into law in the past few years with the goal of delivering significant economic investment in infrastructure projects across the country by providing funding for sustainable solutions, while creating a more resilient and equitable future. These programs opened the door to help communities tackle systemic issues and include a diverse array of investments that will reshape our nation in the long-term. Here are just a few of the groundbreaking investments:
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
$55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure including replacing lead pipes
$1 billion to reconnect communities that have been divided by past infrastructure projects which primarily affected people of color
$110 billion for roads and bridges
$39 billion for public transportation
Inflation Reduction Act
40% of climate and energy spending benefitting disadvantaged communities
$3 billion in environmental justice grants for community-based organizations
$225 million for tribal climate resilience
$3.2 billion in grants to support projects that improve walkability, safety and affordable transportation.
Fostering Regional Collaboration
This infusion of federal funding for sustainable solutions nurtures greater collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the ability respond to challenges. Regional collaboration means those dollars have a bigger impact on sustainability and long-term change. These partnerships break down the walls across systems and sectors to prevent silos and open the door for strategic community investments.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Another way that the federal government is driving sustainability is through environmental justice, equity and inclusion. With increased funding for traditionally underserved communities comes a renewed focus by the federal government to provide investments for low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities that have faced systemic challenges. For instance, 40% of funding from the IRA law is dedicated to environmental justice communities, ensuring community infrastructure investments are not only more sustainable, but more equitable as well.
Combating Climate Change & Building a Sustainable Future
Climate change is a significant threat to the American people, national security, the economy and communities are exploring how to adapt, invest and ensure projects will foster a sustainable future for the long-term. The building projects being funded by IRA and IIJA have created a new opportunity to strengthen our nation’s climate resiliency.
In particular, a few examples include green infrastructure that mimics nature, biological wastewater treatment that uses less chemicals, renewable energy, and electrification. These investments support the needs of local communities while also creating durable investments. These projects provide more tools in the toolbox for resiliency across different systems.
How WSB Can Help
With the recent influx of federal funding for sustainable solutions, the opportunity for cities to obtain meaningful investments in sustainable, resilient infrastructure projects is better than ever. But where do cities start and how can they build towards this future? WSB is here to help. Our experienced team can help communities develop a strategy and pursue success. From securing grant funding, cultivating meaningful partnerships, developing multi-year plans, crafting policy and designing clean technology, we are helping communities across the country navigate the best path forward for sustainable futures that meet the needs of residents, businesses and their broader communities’ long-term goals.
Amy has nearly 25 years of experience across many industries, particularly energy and agriculture, in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This experience has provided Amy with a broad background that enables her to meet community and business needs based on the business case for sustainability. By working across interesting systems to simultaneously advance environmental, economic and social goals, she is able to uncover creative solutions. Through her relationship-based approach, Amy meets the unique needs of communities and businesses by working with all areas of the firm to provide comprehensive solutions.
February 12, 2024 By Saeed Sobhi, Regional Design Manager, WSB
Emergencies will happen. Disasters will happen. Communities must have thorough plans in place to prepare for and respond to a multitude of potential emergencies, ensuring public safety and preservation of property.
As communities face more extreme weather and other climate change related events such as fire, flooding, and mudslides, exploring resiliency and sustainability of assets and advance planning in emergency response and evacuation are critical. Will a road or a bridge need to be expanded? Are current facilities like local schools capable of providing shelter during an emergency? If tragedy strikes and thousands of vehicles need to go through one road to evacuate, can that path handle the strain? Are communication tools and protocols in place to effectively and efficiently notify residents to give them instructions? Do response agencies have the proper tools and resources? Properly developing emergency response traffic management plans is critical to safety.
Recent investments from the federal government like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) have provided renewed opportunities for becoming more resilient to extreme weather events, but also to tackle sustainability goals. For example, the IIJA provided $110 billion for repairing and updating infrastructure. In the process of constructing an emergency response plan, roads and bridges and other key infrastructure that require updating can be noted allowing the city or county governments to apply for this newly accessible aid. The IIJA also provided an additional $50 billion with the explicit goal of making infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events. The combination of these types of investments both in repairs and weatherizing updates provides ample opportunity for communities to take initiative in formulating emergency response/traffic management plans and ensuring their infrastructure will hold up in the face of disaster.
Here are some ways that communities can think about building robust emergency response plans that are smart and sustainable.
Think About Roadways
Just as the average student grows up learning where to go during a fire drill, a community needs a clear picture of how to respond in case of an emergency. This is where an emergency response plan comes in.
Using Colorado as an example, communities faced severe natural fires, flooding, and mudslide events that required extensive response work and evacuations. Communities in mountainous regions are especially susceptible as a severe mudslide can cut off road access. The size of these recent events and the damage caused has led more communities to recognize the need for sustainability and resiliency measures both to defend themselves from climate related disasters, but also to attempt to prevent future events. Proper design, routine inspection and systematic maintenance of roads and bridges is a key component of preparedness.
Preparedness also requires detailing clear evacuation routes and easily accessible paths for emergency responders. Making note of not only the best currently available paths, but also what areas may be improved or expanded. If a specific bridge is developed to include additional lanes for traffic, would it become a higher priority evacuation route? Also, are there roads where counterflow can be implemented to expedite evacuation? Having a detailed perspective of the roadway system and its capabilities is tantamount in emergency planning.
Navigate Available Facilities and Capabilities
Environmental threats can come in a wide variety of forms like power outages during freezing temperatures, wildfires that encroach on communities, or heavy rains that flood residential areas. These environmental hazards, among others, are affecting people and communities all over the country. One matter that all of these have in common is what happens once people have evacuated? These abnormal weather events like the recent freezing temperatures and power outages in Texas reveal a greater need for facilities that can handle the strain of housing evacuees and are designed with the goal in mind of weathering the storm.
Emergency plans need to include the capabilities for people to reach shelter, but also the ability for facilities to handle becoming a shelter. Event centers or schools are evaluated on how many people they can accommodate as an impromptu evacuation shelter. Do the facilities have enough capacity and the necessary amenities like cooling or heating systems? Knowing a facility can provide space and heating when a nearby residential area faces power outages in subzero temperatures will be a life saver.
Collaborate to Build Success
The resiliency of emergency planning requires collaboration across local governments. The different stakeholders in the development of an emergency plan include local city government, city emergency responders like police and fire rescue, the state’s department of transportation, neighboring municipalities that share the primary roads and bridges used during evacuations, and counties for when the plans extend beyond the reach of one individual community.
Collaborative efforts come in the forms of understanding what equipment is available for communicating during emergencies or for emergency responders to properly respond. On many occasions the local department of transportation holds jurisdiction over specific roadways or can aid in developing plans for parking and access to highways. These evacuation zones can be made digital so communication is fluid through the various agencies and the residents affected can be notified as soon as possible.
How WSB Can Help
With more attention being placed on sustainability and eco-friendly construction projects, attention should be given to maintaining and improving resiliency for the growing number of extreme weather events brought on by climate change. From designing sustainable infrastructure to helping communities create in-depth emergency management plans, WSB is here to help.
Our team has rich experience covering a variety of specialties that can help communities prepare. Our team has meaningful experience developing and supporting implementation of incident management plans and emergency traffic management response plans, as well as facilitating collaboration and consensus building among stakeholders.
Saeed has 25 years of experience with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) where he worked on transportation planning, project design and delivery, transportation system management and operations, planning for operations, incident management, traffic engineering, and asset management and maintenance. He has special interest and focus on Transportation System Management and Operations (TSM&O), and application of technology in Transportation..
