Council Gives Direction To Switch To LowCarbon Concrete For New City Projects

In another step toward curbing the City of Austin’s carbon emissions, the City Council on Thursday took action to transition to low-carbon concrete on future City construction projects.

With the Council’s vote, Austin joins other cities and states across the country in the move toward the use of sustainable concrete and other building materials.

In January, New Jersey became the first state in the U.S. to adopt a lowcarbon concrete law, which carries incentives for manufacturers.

The federal Inflation Reduction Act includes $5.8 billion toward helping municipalities and the construction industry reduce concrete’s carbon footprint with more sustainable building materials.

“We know that concrete is one of the four highest contributing construction materials to greenhouse gas emissions,” said Council Member Leslie Pool, who sponsored the resolution.

“This action is one of many the Council has taken to be part of the solution toward reducing our carbon footprint.” Council Members Zohaib ‘’Zo’’ Qadri, Alison Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, and José Velásquez co-sponsored the resolution, which passed unanimously.

The approved measure directs the City Manager to develop a plan with a clear strategy for transitioning all future City contracts and projects to low-embodied carbon concrete.

Concrete producers working with the City will be required to submit

We are especially grateful to the voters for their overwhelming support of the 2017 and 2022 Bonds to allow us to continue making these critical investments in our students.” For more information on LBJ Early College High School’s modernization and the 2017 Bond Program, visit www.austinisd2017bond.org. For more information on the 2022 Bond Program, visit www.AISDFuture.com.

ABOUT AUSTIN ISD: Austin ISD is Austin’s home for in- clusive learning: high expectations for all children, high outcomes for every student. Austin ISD students’ SAT and ACT scores exceed state and national averages, and the district has more National Board Certified Teachers than any school district in Texas. Austin ISD is recognized as the largest No Place for Hate school district in the nation by the Anti-Defamation League. Follow AISD on Facebook at www. facebook.com/austinisd, Instagram at @AustinISD or on Twitter at @ AustinISD. For more information, visit austinisd.org.

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship 2023 $1,000 Scholarship Awards

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program is funded by Southwestern National Bank (Member FDIC) to recognize and assist outstanding high school graduates reduce the financial burden for college. Southwestern National Bank Scholars are selected based on their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each year a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded to five selected scholars. Each scholar will be awarded $1,000.00.

4. Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, and/or other advisors

5. A two-page typed essay stating why you should be awarded a scholarship. Please include:

• Financial need for this scholarship for educational purposes

• Personal and academic achievements. Give specific examples.

• Academic plans and career goals. Give specific examples.

• Past and current involvement, as well as future towards making a difference in your community

Environmental Product Declarations – documents that provide data on the environmental sustainability of their product. City staff will review and approve alternative mix designs proposed by local concrete producers.

The Council also passed a second Pool-sponsored resolution urging Congress to enact a multi-year reauthorization of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

Passage of both resolutions followed Pool’s presentation of an Earth Day proclamation thanking local environmentalists on all fronts for their work toward keeping Austin green.

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, with the global theme of Invest in Our Planet.

Eligibility

1. Demonstrates financial need for college tuition, book & supplies, and expenses

2. U.S. high school graduating seniors

3. Has a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (un-weighted)

4. Will enroll in an accredited U.S. college full-time for the entire academic year 2023/2024

Documents Required (To be considered, all the following documents must be submitted)

1. A completed Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Application Form

2. An official high school transcript

3. Copies of the most recent document(s) demonstrating the financial need (Family’s 1040 Federal Income Tax Return Form, qualification for School Free/Reduced Lunch Program, etc.)

Application Process & Award Announcement

1. Please send your application package to Southwestern National Bank, Attention Scholarship Program-Ling Chuang, 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036.

2. Applications and all supporting documents must be received by May 15, 2023, for application to be considered.

3.An interview may be part of the application process for all semifinalists.

4. Scholarships for the 2023 Scholarship program will be announced by mail in June 2023.

Please Contact Us

For scholarship application and information, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator by e-mail at ling.chuang@swnbk.com