The Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.

Updates from Washington County Council of Governments 

4-8-13 - Executive Committee meeting minutes and Activty Update now posted - click here to download.

4-8-13 - Shoreland Zoning training workshop in Cherryfield on May 6 - Registration Materials now posted on Member Services page.

3-29-13 - Four new grant opportunities: For your Harbors -  Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) and Recreational Boating Grants; for your parks - Recycling Bins in Parks; and to support healther active lifestyles - Bikes Belong Grants. Click through each link for more details.

3-29-13 - April Dental Outreach Program - April 22-27, 2013 Lee Pellon Center, Machias. For those with difficulty accessing dental care - complete dental care for children and emergency dental care for adults. More information available here.

3-7-13 - Yet more training opportunities posted for both Planning Boards and Code Enforcement officers (Code Enforcement Officer basic Shoreland Zoning in Cherryfield Town Office May 6 8:30- 4:30PM; Planning Board Procedures - March 21st in Waldoboro; Septic Installers Workshop - April 2nd in Litchfield) Details on Member Services page.

2-26-13 - Several more training opportunities posted for CEOs and LPIs (Public Water Systems and Land Regulation; Keeping Clam Flats Open: Septic Tank Problems and Solutions; Septic System Installers Workshop, LPI Training). Click through to Member Services for details and registration information.

2-13-13 - Multiple Training Opportunities for Code Officers and Local Plumbing Inspectors click through to the Member Services page for more details and links to registration materials.

11-19-12 - DEP Permit by Rule Fee Increase - WCCOG has received notice from Maine DEP (via Brianne Hasty in Code Enforcement Officer Certification and Training) that the fee for Permit by Rule applications has increased from $65 to $75. The new PBR form can be downloaded here.

11-19-12 - Several training opportunities for Code Officers - Available in the next several weeks - click the titles for more information: Introduction to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design - this one has 6 legal issues contact hours. (Augusta, Jan 17, 2013 from 9AM-4PM).Codes & Loads - Residential Construction Training Seminar (Northern Maine Community College, Dec 5 from 8:30AM-12:30PM). International Existing Building Code Workshop (Brewer, Dec 4th; Augusta, Dec 5th from 8AM - 4:30PM) put on by Maine Building Officials Inspectors Association with co-sponsorship by Maine Fire Marshall's Office (7 residential building contact hours for attendance if you are already certified). 

11-1-12 - WCCOG chooses GEI Consultants for 2nd 3-yr Brownfields Assessment grant - The Selection Committee of the Washington County Regional Brownfields Program unanimously selected GEI Consultants to continue in the role of environmental consultant for the 2012-2015 Brownfields Assessment grant. Work will begin soon to continue projects from the previous site assessments and on new properties. Our Regional Committee has expanded and we look forward to continued success. For more information, or to join the regional advisory committee, click through to the WCCOG Brownfields Assessment Program web page (upper left column of links) or contact Judy East.

10-22-12 - Minutes and FY12 Financial Statements Posted - The minutes from the Annual General Meeting and the final financial statements for FY13 are available on the General Assembly Page - see the top two entries on the left hand side of the page.

10-12-12 - Annual Report FY12 Posted - The Annual Report for the Fiscal Year just ended is now available for download here in preparation for the Annual General Meeting on October 17, 2012.  The proposed Work Plan and Budget for FY 13 are included in the Annual Report.

10-9-12 - Treated Salt Information for Winter Roads Treatment - The WCCOG has received information on treated road salt that appears to offer savings to municipalities in terms of cost, reduced wear and tear on machinery, and environmental benefits. While the WCCOG is not necessarily endorsing a specific product this information appears to be of sufficient importance to forward to all public works and road commissioners for review. It also confirms an analysis received by WCCOG staff from Maine DOT a few years ago. Click the following links for the treated salt brochure and/or the order/agreement letter.

9-28-12 - WCCOG Annual General Meeting is scheduled for October 17 at the Bluebird Ranch in Machias from 5:30 - 8PM. Program to focus on Adaptation to Sea Level Rise - Wetlands to Infrastructure Speakers to include Elizabeth Hertz of the Maine Coastal Program, Peter Slovinsky of the Maine Geological Survey, Steve Walker of the Beginning with Habitat Program and Tora Johnson, GIS Service Center Director at the University of Maine at Machias. Invitation is posted here. Reservations needed & appreciated for food count.

9-26-12 - November FREE Dental Clinics - November 5-10, 2012. Machias - more details, dates and times available here.

8-30-12 - WCCOG seeks Environmental Consultant for Regional Brownfields Program:  - Three additional Q/As added to Frequently Asked Questions for bidders available for download here. 

8-17-12 - WCCOG seeks Environmental Consultant for Regional Brownfields Program:  - Responses to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the RFP for the Brownfields Environmental Consultant is available for download here.

7-30-12 - WCCOG seeks Environmental Consultant for Regional Brownfields Program:  - The Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) has been awarded a Brownfields Assessment Grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The intent of the program is to conduct brownfield assessments for sites potentially contaminated with petroleum products and hazardous substances.  WCCOG is soliciting proposals from qualified environmental consultants to assist WCCOG staff in the following areas: environmental site and risk assessment, quality assurance project plans, groundwater and soil sampling, remediation strategies, clean-up and reuse planning, cost estimates, community outreach, and public presentations. Download the full RFP here.

7-20-12 - CEO/LPI Training Opportunities in Aug&Sept, 2012:  - Local Plumbing Inspectors and Code Officers training seminars to update all plumbers on the changes to the Plumbing Code. Although this training is not mandatory, the Plumber's Examining Board strongly suggests that journeyman and master plumbers, as well as LPI’s and CEO’s, take advantage of this opportunity. Available in Machias Aug 9; click the following separate links for Notice of Training, Class Locations and Dates; Registration Form

ALSO - The Maine Association of Professional Soil Scientists, in conjunction with the Maine Association of Wetland Scientists and Maine Association of Site Evaluators is sponsoring a one day workshop on urban/altered/disturbed sites on September 6, 2012.Click the following 2 separate links for Workshop Description, Registration Form

7-17-12 - Training: 3rd Annual Maine Septic Conference - Classroom and hands-on field training sessions for site evaluators, certified inspectors, installers, Local Plumbing Inspectors and Code Enforcement Officers. Sponsored by Maine Rural Water Association and Maine Association of Site Evaluators - Aug 9, 10, 15 or 16 in Richmond, ME. Registration form and details here.

7-13-12 - WCCOG is seeking Proposals for Energy Evaluations of 3 Washington County Buildings - Washington County was awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) to establish a Community Energy Planning Committee to write a Community Energy Plan. $5,000 of the grant is targeted for an energy audit that will provide recommendations to reduce fuel/oil consumption and improve electrical efficiency in three designated Washington County owned buildings. Download the Request for Proposals here - deadline Aug 1, 2012.

6-7-12 - Join us for the Mobilize Maine/GROWashington-Aroostook Kick-off event - this meeting seeks a group of dedicated community, business and municipal leaders interested in growing wealth in Washington County. UMM Kilburn Commons (Cafeteria) June 28

8:30 AM for breakfast; 9-noon for the meeting. Click here for invitation; please RSVP to Will Tuell at Sunrise County Economic Council for a breakfast head count.

6-7-12 - WCCOG seeking web site consultant - The Washington County Council of Governments is seeking web site design services for the Bold Coast Scenic Byway web site. A detailed Request for Qualifications can be downloaded here.

6-5-12 - Alternative Septic Systems training and permitting - The Hancock County Planning Commission is offering another training opportunity in their Land Development and Personal Property Rights series on June 28 from 5-8:30PM. Details and registration form available here.

5-31-12 - WCCOG receives another 3-year Brownfields Assessment grant from USEPA - Another $400,000 will be added to the already successful Washington County Brownfields program in 2013 providing $200,000 for petroleum sites and $200,000 for hazardous materials sites. Details on all Maine grant awardees here.

4-30-12 - AARP - Public Input Meeting - AARP is sponsoring a community conversation on the future of Medicare and Social Security. They will be in Machias at the County Court House on May 15th at 2PM. More details available here.

4-30-12 - Funding Opportunity - Non Point Source Pollution Control Grants - - Maine DEP is seeking proposals to restore or protect lakes, streams, or coastal waters that are impaired or considered threatened. The Request for Proposals is available here and offers grants for NPS Watershed Implementation Projects, NPS Watershed Surveys, or Watershed-based Planning. Deadline is June 6, 2012

4-30-12 - Upcoming Training Opportunities - Issues in the Shoreland Zone May 29 (Ellsworth), May 30 (Saco), June 1 (Augusta) - registration deadline May 21,2012; this is for those preparing for the certification exam; already certified Code Officers will earn 6 re-certification credits; click here for details and registration form.

Also - the 3rd Annual Maine Code Conference, sponsored by the Maine Building Officials Inspectors Association and the Maine Fire Chief's Association will be in Sebasco Harbor May 21-22, 2012.Click here for attendee package and registration materials.

4-21-12 - WCCOG receives Governors Award for Environmental Excellence -

The awards, administered by the Maine DEP and scheduled in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22), recognize entities voluntarily going beyond regulatory requirements to creatively and collaboratively initiate innovation that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.

WCCOG won in the "Public Sector" category for its county-wide Brownfields program, which has is restoring environmental vitality in a region greatly dependent on the health of its natural resources while activating needed economic development. Full article posted here.

4-12-12 - Dental Outreach (FREE) April 30-May 5 - Free dental clinics available for Washington County residents  with difficulty accessing dental care. Details on clinic hours available here.

4-6-12 - Grant Opportunities - MaineDOT - Quality Community Program: Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP)

MaineDOT is now accepting applications for the Small Harbor Improvement Program. This competitive grant application is open to tidewater communities that can demonstrate a need to improve economic activity and improve access to a tidewater river or the ocean on publicly accessible property. Typical types of projects funded under this program include wharfs, piers, floats, gangways, boat ramps, limited dredging, etc. The goal of this program is to promote economic development, improve public marine infrastructure, and improve public access. MaineDOT will schedule site visits as needed after Letters of Intent have been filed.Deadlines May 11 (Letter of Intent) June 29 (Application); electronic forms available here.

4-5-12 - Grant Opportunities - MaineDOT - Quality Community Program: Transportation Enhancement & Safe Routes to School -

MaineDOT is now accepting applications for federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding through the MaineDOT Quality Community Program. Typical types of projects funded under this program include sidewalks, crossing improvements, off-road connections, downtown improvements, etc.   The goal of this program is to improve transportation, improve safety, and promote economic development.  MaineDOT will schedule site visits as needed after Letters of Intent have been filed. Deadlines May 11 (Letter of Intent) June 29 (Application); electronic forms available here.