Panel Discussion facilitated by Roger Merit, Sam Olmsted, Jennifer Greenburg, Bob Stovall, & Ben Fineman
As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented demand for data centers, states that align infrastructure strategy with digital infrastructure needs will lead the next wave of economic development.
This session presents a real-world case study of Project IMPACC, a collaborative initiative designed to bridge traditional infrastructure planning with next-generation digital infrastructure requirements.
This story involves all of the key emphasis areas of cross-asset collaboration and coordination, integrated solutions and ideas, as well as a case study that highlights the communities and process. We’ll clearly present information about the people, the project, and the potential as we overview this incredible 3P project.
Presentation featuring Ulrika Zay and Cyndi Rachol
Lidar point clouds represent the 3D positions of objects on the landscape as well as the elevation of Earth’s surface and are typically collected through aerial surveys.
Michigan has a statewide lidar elevation collection that ranges in age from 2016 to 2020. The Michigan Statewide Authoritative Imagery & LiDAR Program (MiSAIL) is collaborating with local governments to update this collection in partnership with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS Data Collaboration Announcement is the vehicle for MiSAIL to partner with the USGS for funding this collection, but local investment is needed to match federal dollars.
This presentation will introduce attendees to the uses of lidar data for infrastructure management, how to access existing lidar resources, and how to participate in this funding opportunity to update our State’s dataset.
Presentation by Palencia Mobley, P.E.
This session explores how communities can overcome financial and policy barriers to achieve full lead service line (LSL) replacement.
Participants will learn how traditional funding models fall short and what it takes to design equitable, fully funded programs. The presentation introduces a layered capital stack approach, combining federal, state, and local resources with innovative financing tools such as environmental impact bonds and alternative revenue mechanisms.
Attendees will gain practical insights into structuring programs that prioritize public health, affordability, and environmental justice, and leave equipped with actionable strategies to accelerate complete LSL replacement in their communities.
