April 21, 2004

Environmental Finance Center Software Tools May Go National

The Environmental Finance Center housed at Boise State University develops software tools to assist the Northwest region with the “how to pay” funding issues relative to environmental compliance. According to EFC director Bill Jarocki, two of these tools — Plan2Fund and the Directory of Watershed Resources — have come to the attention of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which has asked the EFC to consider converting the programs so that they can be replicated in other areas of the country. Jarocki also noted that:   There is strong interest in converting a regional database of watershed resources developed by the EFC, “The Directory of Watershed Resources,” into a national model. Designed by EFC project associate Amy Williams, this is an interactive, searchable database tool that allows watershed groups to search for project funding sources. Based on an immediate need to have such a tool in the New England states, the University of Southern Maine is proposing replicating the program in the New England region with EPA support. The EFC may then eventually expand the directory so it can be used across the nation.   Another EFC financial planning tool, called Plan2Fund, assists people who have formed plans for improving the environment with developing multi-year funding strategies. The EPA is considering the conversion of this Microsoft Access-based program developed for the Northwest region so that it can be easily downloaded on any computer and be relevant to watershed improvement programs nationwide. Plan2Fund was designed by EFC associate director Gary Carroll.   Finally, the EFC’s capabilities are being recognized by other university-based technical assistance programs. The Midwest Technology Assistance Center for Small Public Water Systems, housed at the University of Illinois, recently announced it will fund a grant for a program to analyze system development charges. Bill Jarocki, EFC director, and Gary Carroll, EFC associate director, are developing a user-friendly computer software tool to calculate the financial impact of new development on water utilities. This will allow water boards and other decision makers to accurately and equitably assess the cost of creating new water systems for subdivisions, industrial parks and other new developments. -30- Contact Bill Jarocki Director, Environmental Finance Center 208 426-4293   Media Contact  Kathleen Craven  communications and marketing  208 426-3275