Latest news with #Project3
Technical.ly
14-03-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Southwest PA students are upskilling for automation with a federally-backed program — and it's seeking instructors
A new local training program is offering job seekers a free opportunity to develop in-demand skills in an increasingly automated industry. Launched earlier this month, Butler County Community College's (BC3) Industrial Equipment Technician program trains students on how to use equipment that goes hand-in-hand with the increased automation of manufacturing processes. Classes are already full through September, but the program is looking for additional instructors to train those who join the waitlist, the coordinator of professional education and certificate programs at BC3, Kate Buza, told 'Since we've had such a great response to it,' Buza said, 'now we are looking to find another instructor so we don't have to wait all the way until September to offer it again.' The program was designed specifically for job seekers and to upskill current workers by offering hands-on training in equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting, safety and maintenance in several key areas: AC/DE electrical systems Hydraulics and pneumatics Industrial electrical wiring Programmable logic controllers $850k in funding and other partnerships crucial to programming This year is the first year a program like this has been offered at BC3, Buza said, and it's thanks to $850,000 from the Build Back Better (BBB) Regional Challenge Grant, a $62.7 million investment in Southwestern Pennsylvania's economic development. The nonprofit New Economy Collaborative (NEC) is tasked with distributing the BBB funding across five distinct projects, all focused on adoption, upskilling infrastructure and commercialization in the robotics sector. BC3's new training program falls under Project 3, which aims to expand pathways to new careers and is the upskilling element of NEC's efforts to support economic development in the region. BC3 also tapped an advisory board of local manufacturers to help design the program, Buza said. 'Our advisory board talked about the need for more automation,' Buza said, 'and finding workers who have skills, at least on a basic level, of electrical work, working with programmable logic controllers and motor control.'
CBC
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Winnipeg mayor nixes proposed 'massive' increase to water bills
Tapping into Winnipeggers' wallets by increasing water and sewer rates by $1,000 per year is just not going to happen, says Mayor Scott Gillingham, who calls a proposed hike "simply not reasonable." City administrators proposed the hefty increase to fund Phase 3 of the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades — an estimated $1.5-billion expense. Gillingham revealed the recommended increase at a news conference on Tuesday, saying administration drafted its proposal based on city's existing debt-management policy. The proposal includes large increases each year, reaching $1,000 more on a typical household bill by 2027, in order to pay for the project up front and in full, Gillingham said. "Let me be clear, I cannot and do not support this proposal," he said, standing alongside Coun. Ross Eadie, chair of the city's standing police committee on water, waste and environment. Instead of the rate hikes, Gillingham is proposing a single rate increase for 2025 that would add $18.67 per month to the average household bill for the remainder of the year ($168 total) "to keep Project 3 moving forward" while he works to "find a reasonable, affordable and sustainable way" to fund it. All options will be examined before the 2026 and 2027 sewer and water rates are set, Eadie said. Currently, the annual bill for an average household is $1,308, Gillingham said. Under the administration proposal, that bill would go to $1,532 in 2025, $1,968 in 2026 and $2,308 in 2027. In order to avoid that, the city will meet with the federal and provincial governments to find financing options that could amortize the project's cost "over many, many years," Gillingham said. "This could dramatically reduce the impact of rate hikes, spread the cost fairly over multiple years and still fully fund the project," he said. Gillingham has already started discussions with premier's office, federal officials and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. He has also worked with the city's chief financial officer to create the funding model he is recommending for this year. Now more time is required to see if the discussions can lead to better solutions, he said. The city's new chief construction officer will also review the $1.5-billion cost to identify potential savings. "The north end plant is Winnipeg's largest, most complicated, most expensive project in history. For us, right now, this is the most important project. We need the additional capacity so we can add jobs and homes to the city," Gillingham said. A little over a month ago, city council approved the largest property tax hike in decades, and as it faces rising costs for major capital projects, including the $3-billion sewage treatment plant overhaul. The project was mandated by the provincial government in 2003 but successive city, provincial and federal governments failed to move it forward quickly enough to contain costs, Gillingham said. "It's like they pulled the pin on a grenade and finally, this year, it lands on our laps. And we, as a council, have to deal with it. We can't avoid it anymore." The water, waste and environment committee will consider the administration proposal on March 10. Eadie will introduce a motion to amend it with the recommendations outlined by Gillingham to borrow the money. The expansion of the treatment plant will enable thousands of additional homes built and serviced, which means thousands more customers paying water and sewer bills, helping to cover the amortized debt, Eadie said. "Future growth is going to pay for it. It will," he said. Phase 3 is anticipated to be finished by 2030, Eadie said.
