SCCOG – Representing 22 towns, cities, and boroughs in southeastern Connecticut. (original) (raw)
Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments
About
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) is a public agency with representatives from twenty-two towns, cities, and boroughs, formed to provide a basis for intergovernmental cooperation in dealing with a wide range of issues. SCCOG was organized in October of 1992, taking over the mission of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (SCRPA), which had been in existence since January 1961. SCCOG is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation within southeastern Connecticut. SCCOG membership also includes the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket-Pequot Tribes (affiliate, non-voting members), CT Department of Transportation (non-voting), and Southeast Area Transit (SEAT, votes on MPO matters).
Primary focus areas of SCCOG are regional planning, which includes producing studies and plans that affect the responsible development of the region; transportation planning and prioritization of State and Federal transportation funding, as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); and providing regional services, which include staffing assistance to local land use commissions and exploring additional avenues for cost savings and inter-municipal cooperation.
Regional Planning
Duties assigned to Councils of Governments in Connecticut include establishing a plan of conservation and development for the region, assisting member municipalities, as well as State and other public and private agencies, and performing a variety of advisory review functions. SCCOG undertakes numerous studies and initiatives each year, under the guidance of member municipalities.
Transportation Planning
Under Federal transportation law, SCCOG functions as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), responsible for coordinating transportation planning in southeastern Connecticut.
Regional and Other Services
In addition to its statutorily assigned duties, SCCOG’s functions include providing a basis for intergovernmental cooperation, aiding in the solution of regional issues, serving as a technical resource to its member municipalities, and providing a collective voice for the region.
News
2025 TRIP and LOTCIP Solicitations Now Open
SCCOG is pleased to announce two solicitations for eligible transportation projects: (1) the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP) and (2) the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP). These State programs were established by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to provide funds to municipal governments for transportation capital improvements projects. Eligible projects must have an estimated cost of at least $300,000 and follow the criteria outlined in the solicitations.
A virtual Information Session has been scheduled to provide an overview of each program and answer any questions on November 20, 2024 at 2:30pm via Zoom. The presentation and meeting recording will be posted on the SCCOG website.
See more information on SCCOG’s Transportation Funding Sources and Assistance Page.
SCCOG, in partnership with Eversource and SUBASE New London, is seeking natural gas infrastructure design services to increase natural gas service resilience. Full project details are available in the Request for Quotes.
Note that quotes are due on November 26th by 4:00 PM. Please reach out to Helen Zincavage, Director of Regional Planning, at hzincavage@seccog.org with any questions on project details by November 19th.
SCCOG Climate Week – HMCAP
As a commitment to ensuring public safety, operation of necessary community services, and protection of public investments, the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) and its member municipalities undertake a variety of studies and planning processes to anticipate natural disasters. Since 2005, SCCOG member communities have complied with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which requires local communities to have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan to be eligible to receive Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program grants and Post-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, by developing a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
With the latest revision to this plan, Southeastern Connecticut became the first region in the state to build long-term climate resilience and adaptation into its FEMA-approved plan, resulting in the 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (HM-CAP). We welcome you to join in a discussion of the climate resilience elements that differentiate the HM-CAP from a traditional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and how local, regional, and partnership efforts have pivoted from planning to the implementation of specific HM-CAP Actions, especially in the areas of flooding and extreme heat mitigation.
9/24 Webinar Slides
9/24 Webinar Recording
SCCOG Municipal Solid Waste Report
SCCOG has released a report reviewing the state of solid waste management in southeastern Connecticut, highlighting the infrastructure and cost challenges that municipalities face, and potential solutions. The report includes specific recommendations for state legislative and programmatic support and highlights local innovations. The report follows the 2023 creation of a SCCOG Municipal Solid Waste Subcommittee. For additional information, contact Emily Bigl (ebigl@seccog.org).