VADI Dairy Processor Grants Available – Anyone involved with processing dairy products in Wisconsin – including cheese makers, milk bottlers, and farmstead dairy plant operators – can apply for help funding projects geared for innovation, market developm

jONline

An e-newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach – 7-31-08

Great Lakes Compact Advances in Congress - Both chambers of Congress took steps Wednesday to advance an agreement between eight states to prevent outsiders from tapping into water from the Great Lakes. In the House, a key committee approved the agreement, known as the Great Lakes Compact, through a unanimous vote early Wednesday. A Senate committee held its first hearing on the subject later in the day.
The actions in Washington gives supporters hope that Congress could quickly approve the compact after a painstaking process between the states that took about seven years.

FEMA Individual Assistance Deadline Extended - The deadline for Individual Assistance has been extended and is now 9/15/08. Individuals are encouraged to register for assistance with FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or online at WWW.FEMA.GOV if you believe you may qualify.

R.E.A.C.H. a Child Local Organization Makes It Big – Paul and Chris Gilbertson of Waunakee have started a phenomenon right here in the 27^th Senate District. The R.E.A.C.H. a Child program provides backpacks with books to law enforcement and emergency vehicles to give to children in stressful emergency situations. They are always looking for donations and volunteers. On September 29^th a group will go out on a Betty Lou Cruise to raise money for the group. There is more information about the cruise and the organization online at http://www.withwingsandahalo.org/ Thank you Gilbertson’s!

VADI Dairy Processor Grants Available – Anyone involved with processing dairy products in Wisconsin – including cheese makers, milk bottlers, and farmstead dairy plant operators – can apply for help funding projects geared for innovation, market development, or modernization. Applications are due September 30^th. Email submissions are preferred but mailed, faxed and hand delivered applications are acceptable. Call Matt Lange for more information 608-224-5081.

Wisconsin Web Academy Launched – The Wisconsin Web Academy (WWA) will offer online courses to students across the state. Authorized as a part of the virtual school bill (SB 396) that passed last session, the program grew from an existing operation run through CESA #9. The WWA will offer both core classes and electives, along with standardized test preparation programs for the ACT, SAT and PSAT. More information at http://dpi.wi.gov/

Homeless Grants Announced – More than $6.6 million was awarded in grants to local programs that provide assistance to homeless individuals in Wisconsin . 85 organizations across the state received the funds for emergency shelter, homeless prevention, assistance, and transition programs. The grants included Tellurian of Dane County and the Critical Assistance Program of Rural Housing Inc that served the states rural areas. WI Front Door is a free affordable housing search and services website operated by the Department of Commerce. To access this service visit http://www.wifrontdoorhousing.org

Middleton Airport Receives Grant – The Middleton Municipal Airport – Morey Field has received $453,205 for a snow removal project. The funds include $11,331 from the state with a matching local grant from the City of Middleton as well as $430,544 from the Federal Aviation Administration.