Program Allows Operators to Upload Files to Agency Digitally

In yet another move to take advantage of improvements in technologies, the Railroad Commission today launched its new Pipeline Inspection Permitting Evaluation System (RRC PIPES).

RRC PIPES is a centralized cloud-based portal, which streamlines agency processes and provides a valuable tool for RRC’s Pipeline Safety staff and operators to upload documents, including inspection and incident reports, and complaints, while automatically making more documents available to the public.

Not only does the new system improve transparency, allowing the public to see inspection and violation information 24/7, but it reduces staff time spent working on data entry and processing open records requests, helping Pipeline Safety staff focus more of their efforts on the oversight of about 1,600 operators and 248,000 miles of intrastate pipelines which include: natural gas and LP-gas distribution lines; hazardous liquid and natural gas transmission lines; and hazardous liquid, and natural gas regulated gathering lines.

Inspection packages uploaded by pipeline inspectors are made publicly available once the internal review process has been completed and a letter has been sent to the operator.

The system also makes it easier for operators. It reduces the amount of paperwork they must mail to the RRC and allows for the payment of fees online. Operators may, after becoming authenticated users, now submit and upload applications and other documents for review and approval by the RRC.

“PIPES is the latest example of our work to modernize the Railroad Commission and take advantage of the most advanced digital tools available,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “Our goal is to find efficiencies where we can so staff can focus on their core duties. PIPES makes data more readily available for us to analyze and for the public to view. Online systems like PIPES help us better serve the public and help with the experience of operators in complying with our rules and requirements.”

Other recent advancements at the RRC include the launching of an award-wining database in 2019 called RRC OIL (Online Inspection Lookup), which is updated daily and allows the public to see inspection and violation information 24/7, and the CASES portal (Case Administration Service Electronic System) in 2020, which enabled the agency to process all hearings and enforcement case types electronically, reducing the reliance on paper and automatically making documents for the cases available to the public.

Source: www.rrc.texas.gov

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will hold the next series of Silver Line Regional Rail Virtual Community Meetings beginning on Monday, July 19. DART staff and the design-build contractor will be on hand to outline the latest design and construction developments and answer questions.

With revenue service scheduled for 2024, the 26-mile Silver Line project will traverse seven cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano, and include 10 new stations. The primary purpose of the Silver Line is to provide passenger rail connections and service that will improve mobility, accessibility and system linkages to major employment, population, and activity centers in the northern part of the DART service area.

The Silver Line will connect with the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line at DFW North station providing access to Downtown Fort Worth and various other Tarrant County locales. The Silver Line will also connect with the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) A-train commuter rail line providing access to various Denton County locations, DART’s Green Line providing access to Dallas Love Field and Downtown Dallas via Downtown Carrollton Station, and DART’s Red and Orange Lines at CityLine/Bush Station, giving riders easy access to Downtown Plano and the eastern side of the DART network.

Silver Line Community Meeting – Coppell / Cypress Waters
Monday, July 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 469 991 010

Silver Line Community Meeting – Carrollton
Wednesday, July 21, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 603 227 673

Silver Line Community Meeting – Addison
Thursday, July 22, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 662 024 173

Silver Line Community Meeting – Richardson
Tuesday, July 27, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 947 152 510

Silver Line Community Meeting – Plano
Wednesday, July 28, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 290 948 296

Silver Line Community Meeting – Dallas
Tuesday, August 3, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Phone #: 469-391-0632
Conference ID: 528 886 184

Source: dart.org

El centro residencial estatal (SSLC) de Corpus Christi está organizando un evento de contratación exprés para el martes 13 de julio, con el fin de encontrar y contratar a candidatos calificados para más de 100 puestos disponibles. Los candidatos calificados podrían recibir ofertas de trabajo en el momento.

El SSLC de Corpus Christi proporciona atención residencial a los texanos con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo. El centro tiene vacantes para enfermeras registradas, enfermeras vocacionales con licencia, personal de atención directa, custodios y trabajadores del servicio de alimentos.

“Trabajar en el centro da a las personas solidarias la oportunidad de utilizar sus habilidades para cambiar realmente las vidas de los demás”, dijo Melissa Gongaware, directora del SSLC de Corpus Christi. “Es una oportunidad de convertir su gran esfuerzo y su compasión en una carrera con grandes beneficios”.

Con el fin de ayudar a prevenir la propagación del COVID-19, se requerirá el uso de mascarillas y distanciamiento social en el evento, y el personal seguirá las normas de seguridad de los CDC.

Los solicitantes de empleo deberán presentar documentos I-9 aceptables(link is external) para poder obtener una oferta de trabajo en el momento. Si reciben una oferta, deberán pasar una verificación de antecedentes antes de empezar a trabajar.

Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas, que administra 13 centros residenciales estatales, (en inglés) ofrece numerosas prestaciones a sus empleados, como seguro médico y dental, oportunidades de promoción profesional, capacitación laboral remunerada, y vacaciones y permisos por enfermedad pagados.

Para ver los puestos vacantes, los candidatos pueden visitar la página de empleos (en inglés). Para más información, llame a Lori Garcia, directora de Relaciones con la Comunidad, al 361-563-8040, o envíe un correo electrónico a.

Source: www.hhs.texas.gov

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police department held a memorial service honoring the sacrifice of the police officers from both the Dallas and DART police departments following a protest march in Dallas on July 7, 2016.

Dallas Police Sergeant Michael Smith, Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Officer Patricio Zamarripa, and DART Police Officer Brent Thompson sacrificed their lives to protect the lives of others.

DART Police Officer Thompson, 43, became the first DART police officer killed in the line of duty when he gave his life, saving the lives of countless civilians and fellow officers.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that it will publish a notice in the Federal Register to extend the comment period for the COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS) to August 20, 2021.

OSHA is extending the comment period by 30 days to allow stakeholders additional time to review the ETS and collect information and data necessary for comment.

Comments can be submitted electronically for Docket No. OSHA-2020-0004 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for making electronic submissions.

On June 21, 2021, OSHA published an ETS to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where workers are likely to have contact with someone infected with the virus. More information about the ETS is available at:  https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/ets.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Source: www.osha.gov

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Texas Music Office (TMO) and Visit Port Aransas will co-host a Music Friendly Community workshop on Tuesday, July 13.

TMO Community Relations & Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will be present to explain the Music Friendly Community designation and answer questions.

Participation in TMO’s Music Friendly Community program provides Texas communities with a network for fostering music industry development and sends a clear message to industry professionals that certified communities are serious about attracting and developing music industry growth. Port Aransas’s workshop is the first step in the certification process. When complete, Port Aransas will join more than 20 other Texas cities that have earned the coveted designation “Music Friendly.”

“As we unleash the full might of the Texas economy, I am committed to working alongside community and business leaders in Port Aransas to ensure they have the knowledge and tools they need to succeed,” said Governor Abbott. “Music is a big part of the Texas brand and our local economies, and I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities large and small to amplify creative partnerships and spur new business growth.”

“Port Aransas is already a musical powerhouse for the celebration of the live music scene in Texas,” said Brett Stawar, President & CEO of the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce. “Port Aransas is home to over 25 live music venues that offer regular live music performances. On the Gulf, Port Aransas is on the forefront of showcasing live music performances and welcomes the opportunity of being a Music Friendly Community.”

Musicians, venues, and the general public are all welcome to attend.

Music Friendly Community Workshop – Port Aransas

Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 5 pm CT

Port Aransas City Hall Council Chambers 710 West Ave A Port Aransas, TX 78373

FREE registration and tickets: portaransas.org/chamber/improve/workshops/port-aransas-music-friendly-community-workshop

Questions and media inquiries can be directed to Lisa Shelton: LShelton@visitportaransas.com

More information on TMO’s Music Friendly Community program: gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities

Source: gov.texas.gov