2017 TX Technical Assistant Grant

Overview

Main Objective

Undr this grant agreement, West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG), will conduct the proposed Pipeline Safety Outreach and Technical Assistance Program throughout the West Central Texas region, which is comprised of nineteen counties and sixty-two cities. The program will increase the public awareness of pipeline infrastructure and the threat hazards associated. The Program will promote the Texas 811 and LoneStar 811, one call procedures for the general public, construction and building contractors, agriculture workers - to include but not limited to farmers and ranchers, public emergency personnel, volunteer fire department personnel, public officials, and students throughout the region. The programwill sponsor public service announcements through radio and/or billboards, disseminate education materials through public events, and at area schools, staff will engage in the region's (4) Damage Prevention Council(s), and engage in other activities promoting pipeline safety awareness. WCTCOG will establish a partnership with the 811 providers, line locators and pipeline industry service providers that will promote involvement of local government, local emergency personnel, and the region's Homeland Securit program in pipeline Safety issues. WCTCOG will address the improtance of local leadership attending pipeline pubic safety meetings. WCTCOG will work to extend knowledge of pipeline mapping systems to guide local elected officials in future development projects.WCTCOG will provide local governments and local enforcement agencies the opportunity to participate in pipeline public safety meetings and other events coordinated by the Texas Railroad Commission and regional Pipeline Safety Directory to include all federal, state, and local government agency contacts; pipeline operators; law enforcement personnel, utility company contacts; and all other stakeholders.

Public Abstract

Under the terms of this grant agreement, the Recipient will address the following applicable elements listed in the approvewd application, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60134(a),(b).

• The program measurements also known as project results and/or outcomes will include tabulation of Damage prevention meeting attendance and participation, awareness and outreach activities aimed to reach local leaders, emergency management personnel; direct contacts with individuals, media events, public events and health and safety fairs.
• Evaluation will include but is not limited to analysis of increased coordinated activities between local jurisdictions and pipeline industry representatives. The Texas Railroad Commission, 811 service providers, and local leaders will be included in evaluation procedures to determine that best management practices are utilizied.
• The findings and results will be disseminated through the Damage Prevention Councils and through WCTCOG leadership and will be made available to the public upon request. This information will be presented to PHMSA.

Relevant Files & Links