HolcimUS’ Post

Interesting to read the proposed definition of #GreyBelt in the consultation on the #NPPF. We will be in for an interesting time arguing about the purposes of land being in the #GreenBelt. #planning Grey belt: For the purposes of Plan-making and decision-making, grey belt is defined as land in the Green Belt comprising Previously Developed Land and any other parcels and/or areas of Green Belt land that make a limited contribution to the five Green Belt purposes (as defined in para 140 of this Framework) but excluding those areas or assets of particular importance listed in footnote 7 of this Framework (other than land designated as Green Belt). https://lnkd.in/gTtHe9zM

Do you have a project that will be ready in the next 6 to 12 months? Now’s the time to take advantage of low-cost financing opportunities available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)—but understanding federal compliance requirements is key to success. Key Compliance Areas for GGRF Projects: 1️⃣ Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA): Applicable to all federally funded construction projects. 2️⃣ Build America, Buy America Act (BABA): Applicable to all federally funded projects that qualify as “public infrastructure,” which is determined by the Public Function test, even if infrastructure is not the primary purpose of the project and if the project includes non-federal funding. 3️⃣ National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Applies specifically to renovations on buildings over 50 years old or to buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more about navigating compliance in our blog post: https://lnkd.in/dJYsQ-7M

At yesterday's Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) meeting, President and CEO Griff Lynch highlighted new initiatives to reduce environmental impact and increase operational sustainability in the #Port of Savannah and Brunswick. By securing three federal grants totaling over $120 million, GPA will fund electrical and rail infrastructure projects. These grants complement GPA's ongoing efforts to lower its carbon footprint, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen business resiliency. Read more about Georgia Ports Authority's new projects and efforts toward zero carbon emissions here: https://lnkd.in/g_z7iNtN

A fact sheet released by the White House highlighted how the ACHP is fully engaged in the Biden-Harris Administration’s all-of-government approach to permitting and streamlining government’s work on infrastructure progress. The fact sheet pointed to three recent ACHP actions that show our contributions to speeding up permitting processes and improving the efficiency and inclusivity of the federal historic preservation review process, including: Shortening reviews of communications infrastructure projects on and off federal lands; exempting most federally-funded or -permitted electric vehicle charging infrastructure from review; and issuing the Policy Statement on Indigenous Knowledge and Historic Preservation. Read the White House Fact Sheet: https://lnkd.in/eZrqMeNh Communications Infrastructure Project Review: https://lnkd.in/eX93_vMm ACHP Exemption for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment: https://lnkd.in/eARcX5Ww Indigenous Knowledge and Historic Preservation Policy statement:  https://lnkd.in/e_E2b8eg National Trust for Historic Preservation National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Permitting Council

Puerto Rico’s infrastructure is getting a major boost with the $110M upgrade to the Culebrinas Filtration Plant in Aguadilla: https://lnkd.in/eAVVqvEH This project, backed by PRASA, FEMA, and CDBG-DR funding, will double the plant's water capacity, benefiting around 20,000 residents across the region. At MZLS, we support public infrastructure projects like these. Whether it's securing federal funding, navigating procurement processes, or ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations, our team is equipped to guide clients every step of the way. Learn how we can support your project: https://www.mzls.com/

A statewide coalition of Texas business leaders and organizations has launched a crucial initiative, urging the Texas Legislature to establish a dedicated revenue source to fund future water projects. #WaterInfrastructure https://ow.ly/s7O350Ur36z

Registration is now open for our webinars taking place in December and January. To sign up, head to: https://lnkd.in/dhuTiuBz ➡ Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Date: Friday, 13 December 2024 Time: 13:00 - 14:30 This session, presented by highly experienced Examining Inspectors, will provide valuable guidance for national infrastructure promoters and their design teams, statutory consultees, central government representatives, and local authorities. It will also be of interest to those involved with major projects where National Policy Statements may be important. ➡ Approach to decision making in Green Belt appeals Date: Friday, 10 January 2025 Time: 11:30 - 12:30 How do Inspectors approach development proposals affecting Green Belt land? This session is aimed at local planning authorities and developers involved in planning applications or appeals affecting Green Belt areas. It will assume that those attending are familiar with national policy in the National Planning Policy Framework on Protecting Green Belt land.

The end of term is here and it would be remiss of us not to send you off on your holidays without some reading material with which to pass the time. As the new Labour government promises to accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects – a familiar refrain for those familiar with the slew of initiatives promoted by previous administrations – let’s take a look at three of the key legal and policy developments in infrastructure planning since the start of 2024.

The end of term is here and it would be remiss of us not to send you off on your holidays without some reading material with which to pass the time. As the new Labour government promises to accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects – a familiar refrain for those familiar with the slew of initiatives promoted by previous administrations – let’s take a look at three of the key legal and policy developments in infrastructure planning since the start of 2024.

The end of term is here and it would be remiss of us not to send you off on your holidays without some reading material with which to pass the time. As the new Labour government promises to accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects – a familiar refrain for those familiar with the slew of initiatives promoted by previous administrations – let’s take a look at three of the key legal and policy developments in infrastructure planning since the start of 2024.