Fire Chiefs Present New Equipment Purchased for Region
The Region has greatly improved capabilities for responding to emergencies thanks to improved equipment, members of COG's Fire Chiefs Committee said at a press conference. The chiefs presented new equipment purchased with Urban Area Security Initiative Grants, including an ambulance bus designed to handle 20 stretchered patients and a device that can refill as many as 60 oxygen tanks per hour. "We are proud that the COG Fire Chiefs Committee has worked so hard and diligently to improve response capabilities for the region," said COG Executive Director Dave Robertson.

Board Votes to Support D.C. House Voting Rights Bill
A measure approved by the COG Board of Directors in March to support the D.C. House Voting Rights Act was a "wonderful boost for the entire region," according to Chair Vincent C. Gray, who also serves as chair of the District of Columbia Council. Gray said the Board vote signified an understanding of the "injustice endured by the people of the District." The historic bill -- which would grant a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to the delegate representing the District -- was expected to be passed quickly. The measure was postponed, however, when some congressmen requested adding amendments unrelated to the central issue of House voting rights.

Panelists Discuss Climate Change On Post Radio
Local governments are moving forward with initiatives to help curb global warming, save taxpayer dollars, and create healthier cities, according to panelists who took part in a discussion on Washington Post Radio. Nancy Floreen, MWAQC Chair and Montgomery County Council Member, was joined by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly and Arlington County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson for the 22-minute radio interview. The panelists discussed measures in place in area jurisdictions such as wind power purchases, environmentally-friendly construction requirements and public outreach.

Student Action Committee Begins Cleanup of Potomac
Members of the Student Action Committee created by COG and the Alice Ferguson Foundation were featured on Fox 5 when they dedicated a day to cleaning up the shores of the Potomac Watershed. The students volunteered to pick up trash as a way to help garner interest in the Foundation's Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup.

TPB Approves Local Projects for Transportation Assistance Program
Local governments will receive assistance for six new transportation projects under the TPB's Transportation/Land Use Connections Pilot Program (TLC) . The TPB approved proposals during its March meeting, paving the way for governments to move forward on projects such as a pedestrian safety study, planning efforts for the Potomac Avenue Metro station area, and an evaluation of community impacts resulting from the Base Realignment and Closure decision. If the TLC program is successful, the TPB plans to pursue additional funding to expand it after the initial pilot phase.

COG Honors Local Citizens For Service To Animals
COG's Animal Services Committee works hard to make sure that those working in animal control, humane society positions and similar professions are recognized for the important work they do. The committee's third annual Animal Services Awards program in March honored outstanding animal service professionals with awards in more than a dozen categories. “The significance of this awards ceremony is to recognize the hard work that animal service professionals provide for the animals in our region,” said Committee Chair Rodney Taylor. “They work tirelessly and spend countless hours for the safety and livelihood of the animals.”