We've added a new feature to the site - a Public Works Daily News publication offering links to stories, blogs, video, and any other online content related to public works: http://www.publicworksgroup.com/dailynews. This feature was possible thanks to John F. Moore who posted information about the service on a LinkedIn group.

The USDOT is asking for input on their Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 at the DOT Strategic Plan site. The widget below showcases random suggestions from people commenting on the site. Make sure you stop over and vote the ideas up or down or add your own idea to the growing list:

Each year Ready.gov offers information and resources for local agencies to pass onto their residents and businesses. This year their site offers a widget that agencies can place on their own sites. Below is an example of this widget and here is the link to get your own: http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/widget.html

Although I have participated in several mixed reality events, on Thurs., June 10, 2010, I will be trying to host one and manage the technology side. If all goes well, you should be able to watch the live stream of the event tomorrow from 8 am to 3 pm CST.

The following is a newsletter just released from the GSA focusing on Government Collaboration:

The Underwriters Laboratories has a water conservation tool on their Website to help people determine how much water they use each day. The tool also offers tips on how to conserve water. You can access their "Save Your Water" page here: http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/waterandfood/water/saveyourwater/

It's census time! And most government agencies are busy encouraging their citizens to mail back those forms. You can see how well your community is participating compared to others across the country by visiting this site: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/. There is also code on the page you can use to embed your participation rate on your own agency's site. Here is an example of the widget:

Earth Hour is an hour long event held annually to support climate change understanding. This year, Earth Hour will be held on March 27, 2010, at 9:30 pm EST. Below is a widget showing the countdown until Earth Hour. Communities and organizations can visit the Earth Hour Web site to get additional promotional materials: https://www.myearthhour.org/home

 The week of March 15-21, 2010, is Fix A Leak Week. Join the EPA WaterSense program as a partner and help promote responsible water use: http://epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/fix_a_leak.html

National Flood Awareness Week begins March 15, 2010. The U.S. government offers several sites with information related to preparing for or dealing with the devastation of a flood. Communities can publish links to these sites in their newsletters or embed videos on their own Websites. Following are a few links offering more information.

http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/info.shtm

http://www.floodsmart.gov