Inclining Block Rate Structures as a Price Incentive for Conservation in the North Central Region – Part II of a Two-Part Series

Inclining block rates can be an important component of a multi-faceted conservation plan. In recent years, many water utilities in our region have moved away from declining block and uniform block rates to an inclining block rate structure. If you are contemplating the benefits of such a change, there are some considerations to be taken … Read more

Inclining Block Rate Structures as a Price Incentive for Conservation in the North Central Region – Part I of a Two-Part Series

As a result of the trend toward water conservation, one area of interest targeted in the 2010 North Central Region Utility Rate Study was the use of inclining block rate structures. In recent years, conservation measures have been widely implemented throughout the country. In our region, we have seen many communities offer plumbing and appliance … Read more

Congress Seeks to Extend Bond Programs

House Resolution 5893 was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on July 28, 2010, in an effort to continue sparking the economy through various governmental incentives.  Entitled “Investing in American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010,” the Resolution covers an assortment of incentives.  Specifically, the Resolution would: Extend the Build America … Read more

President Obama Pitches Infrastructure Bank

As communities continue to face challenges in financing capital projects, an idea that has been kicked around for the past several years has resurfaced.  President Obama would like to establish a permanent Infrastructure Bank to fund infrastructure projects starting with high-speed rail and surface transportation.  The Infrastructure Bank would be initially capitalized with $50 billion … Read more

ND Department of Transportation Accepting Applications

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is now accepting applications for three of their grant programs.  The application deadline for all three programs is December 17, 2010. Director’s Task Force Transportation Enhancement (TE) Current federal legislation supporting this program was enacted in September 2009, and Congress is developing the legislation that will become the … Read more