NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Sky’s Not the Limit: Testing Precision Landing Tech for Future Space Missions

    Source: NASA

    Nestled in a pod under an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft wing, flying above California, and traveling up to the speed of sound, NASA put a commercial sensor technology to the test. The flight tests demonstrated the sensor accuracy and navigation precision in challenging conditions, helping prepare the technology to land robots and astronauts on the Moon and Mars. 
    The Psionic Space Navigation Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) system is rooted in NASA technology that Psionic, Inc. of Hampton, Virginia, licensed and further developed. They miniaturized the NASA technology, added further functionality, and incorporated component redundancies that make it more rugged for spaceflight. The PSNDL navigation system also includes cameras and an inertial measurement unit to make it a complete navigation system capable of accurately determining a vehicle’s position and velocity for precision landing and other spaceflight applications. 

    The aircraft departed from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and conducted a variety of flight paths over several days in February 2025. It flew a large figure-8 loop and conducted several highly dynamic maneuvers over Death Valley, California, to collect navigation data at various altitudes, velocities, and orientations relevant for lunar and Mars entry and descent. Refurbished for these tests, the NASA F/A-18 pod can support critical data collection for other technologies and users at a low cost. 
    Doppler Lidar sensors provide a highly accurate measurement of speed by measuring the frequency shift between laser light emitted from the sensor reflected from the ground. Lidar are extremely useful in sunlight-challenged areas that may have long shadows and stark contrasts, such as the lunar South Pole. Pairing PSNDL with cameras adds the ability to visually compare pictures with surface reconnaissance maps of rocky terrain and navigate to landing at interesting locations on Mars. All the data is fed into a computer to make quick, real-time decisions to enable precise touchdowns at safe locations. 

    Since licensing NDL in 2016, Psionic has received funding and development support from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate through its Small Business Innovative Research program and Tipping Point initiative. The company has also tested PSNDL prototypes on suborbital vehicles via the Flight Opportunities program. In 2024, onboard a commercial lunar lander, NASA successfully demonstrated the predecessor NDL system developed by the agency’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Starling and SpaceX Starlink Improve Space Traffic Coordination

    Source: NASA

    As missions to low Earth orbit become more frequent, space traffic coordination remains a key element to efficiently operating in space. Different satellite operators using autonomous systems need to operate together and manage increasing workloads. NASA’s Starling spacecraft swarm recently tested a coordination with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, demonstrating a potential solution to enhance space traffic coordination.
    Led by the Small Spacecraft Technology program at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, Starling originally set out to demonstrate autonomous planning and execution of orbital maneuvers with the mission’s four small spacecraft. After achieving its primary objectives, the Starling mission expanded to become Starling 1.5, an experiment to demonstrate maneuvers between the Starling swarm and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, which also maneuver autonomously.
    Coordination in Low Earth Orbit
    Current space traffic coordination systems screen trajectories of spacecraft and objects in space and alert operators on the ground of potential conjunctions, which occur when two objects exceed an operator’s tolerance for a close approach along their orbital paths. Spacecraft operators can request notification at a range of probabilities, often anywhere from a 1 in 10,000 likelihood of a collision to 1 in 1,000,000 or lower.
    Conjunction mitigation between satellite operators requires manual coordination through calls or emails on the ground. An operator may receive a notification for a number of reasons including recently maneuvering their satellite, nearby space debris, or if another satellite adjusts its orbit.
    Once an operator is aware of a potential conjunction, they must work together with other operators to reduce the probability of a collision. This can result in time-consuming calls or emails between ground operations teams with different approaches to safe operations. It also means maneuvers may require several days to plan and implement. This timeline can be challenging for missions that require quick adjustments to capture important data.
    “Occasionally, we’ll do a maneuver that we find out wasn’t necessary if we could have waited before making a decision. Sometimes you can’t wait three days to reposition and observe. Being able to react within a few hours can make new satellite observations possible,” said Nathan Benz, project manager of Starling 1.5 at NASA Ames.
    Improving Coordination for Autonomous Maneuvering
    The first step in improving coordination was to develop a reliable way to signal maneuver responsibility between operators. “Usually, SpaceX takes the responsibility to move out of the way when another operator shares their predicted trajectory information,” said Benz.
    SpaceX and NASA collaborated to design a conjunction screening service, which SpaceX then implemented. Satellite operators can submit trajectories and receive conjunction data quickly, then accept responsibility to maneuver away from a potential conjunction.
    “For this experiment, NASA’s Starling accepted responsibility to move using the screening service, successfully tested our system’s performance, then autonomously planned and executed the maneuver for the NASA Starling satellite, resolving a close approach with a Starlink satellite,” said Benz.
    Through NASA’s Starling 1.5 experiment, the agency helped validate SpaceX’s Starlink screening service. The Office of Space Commerce within the U.S. Department of Commerce also worked with SpaceX to understand and assess the Starlink screening service.
    Quicker Response to Changes on Earth
    The time it takes to plan maneuvers in today’s orbital traffic environment limits the number of satellites a human operator can manage and their ability to collect data or serve customers.
    “A fully automated system that is flexible and adaptable between satellite constellations is ideal for an environment of multiple satellite operators, all of whom have differing criteria for mitigating collision risks,” said Lauri Newman, program officer for NASA’s Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis program at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.
    Reducing the time necessary to plan maneuvers could open up a new class of missions, where quick responses to changes in space or on Earth’s surface are possible. Satellites capable of making quicker movements could adjust their orbital position to capture a natural disaster from above, or respond to one swarm member’s interesting observations, moving to provide a more thorough look.
    “With improved access and use of low Earth orbit and the necessity to provide a more advanced space traffic coordination system, Starling 1.5 is providing critical data.  Starling 1.5 is the result of a successful partnership between NASA, the Department of Commerce, and SpaceX, maturing technology to solve such challenges,” said Roger Hunter, program manager of the Small Spacecraft Technology program. “We look forward to the sustained impact of the Starling technologies as they continue demonstrating advancements in spacecraft coordination, cooperation, and autonomy.”    
    NASA Ames leads the Starling projects. NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate funds and manages the Starling mission. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pulse Oximeter Basics

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Image

    Español中文한국의TagalogTiếng Việt
    We need oxygen to survive. Sometimes the amount of oxygen in the blood falls too low for the body to function well. Asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the flu, and heart disease are among the health conditions that can cause oxygen levels to drop. Being at higher altitudes, where the amount of oxygen in the air can be less than at sea level, can be another factor that can cause oxygen levels to drop.
    One way to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood is by using a device called a pulse oximeter, or pulse ox.  A pulse oximeter can estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood without having to draw a blood sample.
    What is a pulse oximeter?
    A pulse oximeter is a device that is usually clipped on a fingertip and uses light beams to estimate a person’s blood oxygen level (oxygen saturation) and their pulse rate.
    Most pulse oximeters show two or three numbers. The most important number, oxygen saturation level, is usually abbreviated SpO2, and is presented as a percentage. The pulse rate (similar to heart rate) is typically abbreviated PR. Sometimes there is a third number for strength of the signal.
    Oxygen saturation values are between 95% and 100% for most healthy individuals but sometimes can be lower in people with lung and heart problems, for example. Oxygen saturation levels are also generally slightly lower for those living at higher altitudes.
    Using a pulse oximeter
    If you are using a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels at home, in addition to your pulse oximeter reading, keep track of your symptoms and how you feel. Contact a health care provider if you are concerned about the pulse oximeter reading, or your symptoms are serious or get worse.
    To get the best reading when using a pulse oximeter at home:

    Follow your health care provider’s advice about when and how often to check your oxygen levels.
    Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
    When placing the pulse oximeter on your finger, make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and held below the level of the heart. Remove any fingernail polish on that finger.
    Sit still and do not move the part of your body where the pulse oximeter is located.
    Wait a few seconds until the reading stops changing and displays one steady number.
    Write down your oxygen level and the date and time of the reading so you can track any changes and report these to your health care provider.

    Be familiar with signs or symptoms of low oxygen levels:

    Bluish coloring in the face, lips, or nails.
    Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a cough that gets worse.
    Restlessness and discomfort.
    Chest pain or tightness.
    Fast/racing pulse rate.

    Be aware that some people with low oxygen levels may not show any or all these symptoms. Only a health care provider can diagnose a medical condition such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Pulse oximeter readings should be considered in context with other information, including signs and symptoms of low oxygen.
    As with any device, there is always a risk of an inaccurate reading. Be aware multiple factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, such as poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fingernail polish.
    Categories of pulse oximeters and FDA clearance
    Certain pulse oximeters are intended for medical purposes and are primarily used in hospital settings or doctors’ offices. Pulse oximeters for medical purposes are typically used to monitor (i.e. trending or spot checking) oxygen saturation levels of patients to help in clinical decision-making.
    Currently, a small number of these pulse oximeters intended for medical purposes are available over the counter (OTC) following clearance by the FDA.
    There also are pulse oximeters that are sold as general wellness products or sporting/aviation products. These are not reviewed or evaluated by the agency before being available to the public. Such products are often sold directly to consumers in stores or online and are intended for estimating oxygen saturation often for purposes of general wellness (such as encouraging a general state of health or healthy lifestyle).
    The FDA recognizes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people purchased OTC pulse oximeters that are considered general wellness products. These products are not evaluated by the agency for use in clinical decision-making or determining whether to seek medical intervention.
    Current scientific evidence suggests there are some accuracy differences in pulse oximeter performance between individuals with lighter and darker skin pigmentation. The FDA previously informed patients and health care professionals that although pulse oximetry is useful for estimating blood oxygen levels, pulse oximeters have limitations and a risk of inaccuracy under certain circumstances, including use on patients with darker skin pigmentation, that should be considered.
    In addition to the safety communication, to address concerns around the accuracy of these devices, the FDA held advisory committee meetings, published a discussion paper for comment, and published a draft guidance in January 2025 that outlines proposed recommendations to help improve the accuracy and performance of pulse oximeters that are used for medical purposes across the range of skin pigmentations.
    Reporting Problems with a Device
    If you experienced a problem or injury that you think may be related to a pulse oximeter, you can voluntarily report it through the FDA’s MedWatch program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How NASA’s Perseverance Is Helping Prepare Astronauts for Mars

    Source: NASA

    The rover carries several swatches of spacesuit materials, and scientists are assessing how they’ve held up after four years on the Red Planet.
    NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Mars in 2021 to search for signs of ancient microbial life and to help scientists understand the planet’s climate and geography. But another key objective is to pave the way for human exploration of Mars, and as part of that effort, the rover carries a set of five spacesuit material samples. Now, after those samples have endured four years of exposure on Mars’ dusty, radiation-soaked surface, scientists are beginning the next phase of studying them.
    The end goal is to predict accurately the usable lifetime of a Mars spacesuit. What the agency learns about how the materials perform on Mars will inform the design of future spacesuits for the first astronauts on the Red Planet.

    “This is one of the forward-looking aspects of the rover’s mission — not just thinking about its current science, but also about what comes next,” said planetary scientist Marc Fries of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, who helped provide the spacesuit materials. “We’re preparing for people to eventually go and explore Mars.”
    The swatches, each three-quarters of an inch square (20 millimeters square), are part of a calibration target used to test the settings of SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals), an instrument on the end of Perseverance’s arm.
    The samples include a piece of polycarbonate helmet visor; Vectran, a cut-resistant material used for the palms of astronaut gloves; two kinds of Teflon, which has dust-repelling nonstick properties; and a commonly used spacesuit material called Ortho-Fabric. This last fabric features multiple layers, including Nomex, a flame-resistant material found in firefighter outfits; Gore-Tex, which is waterproof but breathable; and Kevlar, a strong material used in bulletproof vests that makes spacesuits more rip-resistant.
    Martian Wear and Tear
    Mars is far from hospitable. It has freezing temperatures, fine dust that can stick to solar panels and spacesuits (causing wear and tear on the latter), and a surface rife with perchlorates, a kind of corrosive salt that can be toxic to humans.
    There’s also lots of solar radiation. Unlike Earth, which has a magnetic field that deflects much of the Sun’s radiation, Mars lost its magnetic field billions of years ago, followed by much of its atmosphere. Its surface has little protection from the Sun’s ultraviolet light (which is why researchers have looked into how rock formations and caves could provide astronauts some shielding).
    “Mars is a really harsh, tough place,” said SHERLOC science team member Joby Razzell Hollis of the Natural History Museum in London. “Don’t underestimate that — the radiation in particular is pretty nasty.”
    Razzell Hollis was a postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California from 2018 to 2021, where he helped prepare SHERLOC for arrival on Mars and took part in science operations once the rover landed. A materials scientist, Razzell Hollis has previously studied the chemical effects of sunlight on a new kind of solar panel made from plastic, as well as on plastic pollution floating in the Earth’s oceans.
    He likened those effects to how white plastic lawn chairs become yellow and brittle after years in sunlight. Roughly the same thing happens on Mars, but the weathering likely happens faster because of the high exposure to ultraviolet light there.
    The key to developing safer spacesuit materials will be understanding how quickly they would wear down on the Martian surface. About 50% of the changes SHERLOC witnessed in the samples happened within Perseverance’s first 200 days on Mars, with the Vectran appearing to change first.
    Another nuance will be figuring out how much solar radiation different parts of a spacesuit will have to withstand. For example, an astronaut’s shoulders will be more exposed — and likely encounter more radiation — than his or her palms.
    Next Steps
    The SHERLOC team is working on a science paper detailing initial data on how the samples have fared on Mars. Meanwhile, scientists at NASA Johnson are eager to simulate that weathering in special chambers that mimic the carbon dioxide atmosphere, air pressure, and ultraviolet light on the Martian surface. They could then compare the results generated on Earth while putting the materials to the test with those seen in the SHERLOC data. For example, the researchers could stretch the materials until they break to check if they become more brittle over time.
    “The fabric materials are designed to be tough but flexible, so they protect astronauts but can bend freely,” Fries said. “We want to know the extent to which the fabrics lose their strength and flexibility over time. As the fabrics weaken, they can fray and tear, allowing a spacesuit to leak both heat and air.”
    More About Perseverance
    A key objective for Perseverance’s mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover is characterizing the planet’s geology and past climate, to help pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and is the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith.
    NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), is designed to send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.
    The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program (MEP) portfolio and the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet.
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, built and manages operations of the Perseverance rover.
    For more about Perseverance:
    News Media Contacts
    Andrew GoodJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-2433andrew.c.good@jpl.nasa.gov
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – Today, March 26, 2025, marks one month since FEMA Individual Assistance was declared for West Virginia following the winter floods on February 15 – 18, 2025

    Since then, FEMA and the state of West Virginia, along with other partner agencies and organizations, have been working to provide resources and connect with the residents in the impacted areas

     To date, six counties – Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming – have been designated for Individual Assistance

    FEMA Individual Assistance provides assistance to meet basic needs for eligible individuals and households impacted by the winter floods

    Additionally, 10 counties have been designated for Public Assistance

    FEMA Public Assistance provides grants so that communities, and the general public as a whole, can respond to and recover from the floods

    “Under the leadership of Governor Morrisey, the state of West Virginia remains dedicated in its commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by the winter floods,” said WVEMD Director GE McCabe

    “We appreciate the ongoing partnership with FEMA, local governments, and communities to ensure those impacted receive the assistance they need

    We urge all eligible residents to apply for Individual Assistance and remain in contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process

    ”If you registered your damages through a state survey, you still need to register separately for FEMA Individual Assistance

    The information from the state survey was used to help the damage assistance teams scope the extent of the damages

    But residents in the designated counties must additionally apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and may receive help with expenses related to essential items, temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs as a result of the winter flooding

    “It has been a remarkable coordinated effort between local, state, and federal agencies to execute response and recovery missions to the residents and communities of West Virginia who were impacted by the storm,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark O’Hanlon

    “FEMA has been working diligently to connect with residents and ensure they have registered for Individual Assistance, by setting up six disaster recovery centers, canvassing communities and speaking to residents at their homes, visiting community locations, and messaging the four ways that residents can apply

    We encourage all residents in the six counties to apply for Individual Assistance and to stay in touch with FEMA about the status of their application

    ” Over 1,600 people have visited a Disaster Recovery Center in West Virginia and more than 3,475 West Virginians have applied for FEMA Individual Assistance

    Residents, both homeowners and renters, in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who sustained losses can apply for Individual Assistance or track the status of their application in several ways:Visiting DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Downloading the FEMA App

    Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service

    Speaking with someone in person

    Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance

    In coordination with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) and officials in the impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming Counties

    At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can get help applying for federal assistance, update your application, and learn about other resources available

    Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    to 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center  Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturday March 29: 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    , weather dependentClosed on SundaysBradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817 Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysAs a reminder, accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

     FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid, but residents should file insurance claims as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot cover expenses that have already been covered by other sources like insurance, crowdfunding, local or state programs, donations, or financial assistance from voluntary agencies

    The deadline for residents to apply for Individual Assistance is April 28, 2025, and when applying for FEMA Individual Assistance, provide your 911 address as the location at the time of disaster to ensure accuracy in your application

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861, and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

    ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam

     For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

      
    kelly

    magarity
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 13:12

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ABC South East Breakfast with Eddie Williams

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    EDDIE WILLIAMS: Well, tax cuts for all workers. Energy Bill Relief. But Budget deficits as far as the eye can see. They are some of the takeaways from the Federal Budget, with a closer look at what it might mean closer to home. Kristy McBain is the Member for Eden-Monaro and the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government. Good morning. 

    KRISTY MCBAIN: Good morning, Eddie. 

    WILLIAMS: What practical difference will this Budget make in the South East? 

    MCBAIN: As you said, there are two new rounds of tax cuts. They’re modest tax cuts, but when they’re combined with the tax cuts that are already in the system, on average by 2026-27, Eden-Monaro taxpayers will be getting an average tax cut of $2,169. Modest changes for the next two years as those two rounds come in, but when we look at the cumulative total, that is good news for workers right across our communities. Obviously, the new round of Urgent Care Clinics, another 50 to the 87 that are already out there in our communities. One of those areas is going to be in the Bega Valley.

    WILLIAMS: Whether it’s health or whether it’s housing, the challenges that regional and rural Australia face play out a bit differently to those in the city. The National Rural Health Alliance says there’s a lack of a targeted strategy to address those unique health challenges in rural communities. Is the Government taking any specific steps to address those specific issues in regional Australia? 

    MCBAIN: We’ve obviously made an announcement about $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare. There’s a huge amount of money in there, which is all about the health workforce. $662.6 million, which is about growing our health workforce. There’ll be hundreds more GP and rural generalist training places. There are 100 more Commonwealth supported university places for medical students from next year. There are hundreds of scholarships for nurses and midwives to continue to grow their skill set. There are more incentives for our doctors to work in regional and rural Australia, and that builds on our previous announcement to wipe HECS for doctors and nurse practitioners to work in rural and remote Australia. We know it’s really important to deal with the health workforce side of things. It’s not a quick fix to grow our doctor numbers and make sure that they’re trained up and ready to go in our regions, which is why we’re investing really heavily in it. It’s something that should have been happening for decades and unfortunately wasn’t. We’ve seen the freezing of Medicare rebates, which has significantly hampered GP numbers, but we are seeing more students go through and enter our GP training courses now than we have seen in a number of years. 

    WILLIAMS: The Budget is forecast to remain in structural deficit for the next decade. Net debt is rising. Is the Government making any effort at all to pay down Australia’s debt? 

    MCBAIN: We’ve made some significant inroads into that. We’ve reduced the overall national debt by over $170 billion. It will mean that as taxpayers, we’re paying $70 billion less in interest on that debt. Even in this Budget, there’s been $2 billion worth of savings found. Over the four budgets we’ve done there’s been $90 billion of savings made through cutting wastage and rorts, and making sure our departments are working efficiently and effectively. We’ve seen the fruits of that labour by making sure we’ve got Government departments working well. During Cyclone Alfred, where NEMA did such a fantastic job of coordinating response and recovery efforts. Where Services Australia were out on the ground making sure payments were rolled out to people directly impacted. The national emergency stockpile delivering out sandbags, pre-placing generators, and making sure we had a heavy lift helicopters pre-placed in Queensland and New South Wales. You can see the fruits of better, more effective coordination when it comes to those real time disasters. 

    WILLIAMS: 7:15 on ABC South East. If you want to have your say on the Budget, you can call or text 0467 902 684. Joe raises the issue of Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, and she says she’s disappointed that the Budget doesn’t seem to have anything new on climate adaptation or emissions reduction. Is that an area where the Government’s dropped the ball? 

    MCBAIN: We’ve been the only Government to really take forward climate action for decades. A legislated emissions reduction target. There’s been significant work on pre-preparing places by having the National Emergency Management Agency set up, which came into effect after we took Government. We’ve had the Disaster Ready fund, which is all about resilience and mitigation in our communities. Something that local governments and insurance companies were calling for to make sure our infrastructure was ready to go. We’ve seen that with the Watergums Bridge in Womboin, a significant investment by the three levels of government to ensure that a community doesn’t get cut off every time it rains and there is a flood. So there’s been some heavy work in that space and that will continue. 

    WILLIAMS: Phil at Bombala asks why Australia can’t build manufacturing again to survive a changing world. The Government’s spoken a lot about its Future Made in Australia policies. How realistic is a manufacturing industry future in Australia? 

    MCBAIN: We’ve said from day one that we need to invest heavily in a Future Made in Australia, and in our last Budget we committed $22 billion towards that very thing. We’ve seen with our National Reconstruction Fund, equity stakes taken in manufacturing mining equipment in Toowoomba, working with some of our defence primes to manufacture more things in this country. There is a significant commitment to making sure we manufacture more in Australia, including the stake that we’ve taken now in South Australian steel manufacturing. It is really important as a country that is a little bit further away from the rest of the world, that we do learn the lessons of COVID, that we are more self-sustainable, and we’re a Government that’s committed to that and putting money into it. 

    WILLIAMS: Will you match the funding commitment that the coalition has made to help upgrade the bigger pool? 

    MCBAIN: I’ll have more to say in the coming days and weeks on my election commitments for the Bega Valley and for Eden-Monaro as a whole, but I’m incredibly proud to have secured tens of millions of dollars in funding for local roads, for community infrastructure, and for other critical projects to date. The way I work is working with our local communities to make sure projects that are funded are key priorities. 

    WILLIAMS: Kristy McBain, appreciate your time this morning. Thank you. 

    MCBAIN: Good to be with you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ABC Radio Adelaide Mornings with Rory McClaren

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    RORY MCCLAREN: We’ve also had another call. The Federal Minister, Catherine King, for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, has rung in. Good morning to you, Minister.

    CATHERINE KING: Good morning. How are you?

    RORY MCCLAREN: Going very well, Catherine King. We’ve been talking a lot about infrastructure across 891 this morning. We know that there is a lot of money that has already been allocated to South Australia in regards to infrastructure funding, particularly on things like the North-South Corridor, the Torrens to Darlington upgrade. How do you respond to criticism that of that $17 billion worth of money that was announced last night, only $125 million is going on one project in Adelaide’s north? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, someone seems to have missed in the Budget, we’ve actually put $690 million into South Australia, so I’m not sure how that occurred. Of course, one of those projects is $125 million to remove the Curtis Road level crossing, and that is a huge project for the North, a really important project. So I wouldn’t underestimate how significant that is.

    But the other project, which is a really big project, is over $525 million has been committed to the High Productivity Vehicle Network. This is actually about getting upgrades between the South Eastern Freeway and the Sturt Highway, which include things like the duplication of the Swanport Bridge and Murray Bridge Township Bypass in Monarto. That is really important to enable trucks to actually not be in Adelaide, keeping trucks off Cross Road, which I understand the member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost, has been calling for [Indistinct]…

    RORY MCCLAREN: [Interrupts] And Catherine King, of that money, how much of that money is new money? So we’re really clear. 

    CATHERINE KING: $525 million is new money in the Budget for the High Productivity Vehicle Network. That is new money in the Budget decision that we’ve made. There’s also $40 million for Main South Road upgrades. That is, again, new money in the Budget. So over $600 million of new money in the Budget for South Australia last night. Again, as I said, Curtis Level Road Crossing removal is huge.

    But really, this Heavy Vehicle Productivity Network, we’ve been talking about it for ages. It is really great news for the people of Adelaide’s southern suburbs. You can be rest assured that there won’t be additional trucks clogging Cross Road. This is an investment we’ve been working on closely with the South Australian Government. They submitted the business case to us back in October for this network to Infrastructure Australia, and this is now us stepping up now that we’ve properly done the work, properly understood what can be done, and work with the South Australian Government to deliver this project.

    RORY MCCLAREN: Catherine King, thank you for your contribution. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Lane Capital Corp. Announces Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending July 31, August 31, and September 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) (NasdaqGS: OXLCO) (NasdaqGS: OXLCZ) (NasdaqGS: OXLCN) (NasdaqGS: OXLCI) (NasdaqGS: OXLCG) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the following distributions on the Company’s common stock as follows:

    Month Ending Record Date Payment Date Amount Per Share
    July 31, 2025 July 17, 2025 July 31, 2025 $0.09
    August 31, 2025 August 15, 2025 August 29, 2025 $0.09
    September 30, 2025 September 16, 2025 September 30, 2025 $0.09
           

    About Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

    Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:

    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Usio Increases and Extends Share Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN ANTONIO, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Usio, Inc: (Nasdaq: USIO), a leading FinTech company that operates a full stack of integrated, cloud-based electronic payment and embedded financial solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized to renew the Company’s Share Repurchase Program for an additional 3 years or until funds are depleted, with an aggregate total purchase limit of $4,000,000.   The original May 15, 2025 expiration date has been extended to May 15, 2028.

    “Usio has utilized virtually all of the original $4 Million the Board of Directors authorized to buyback shares in May 2022, including the repurchase of $1.5 million in stock in 2024. The management team and Board of Directors remain highly confident in the Company’s intrinsic value, and believe the new, Usio ONE initiative will prove a catalyst to unlocking the Company’s significant inherent value,” stated Louis Hoch, President and CEO of Usio. “Having generated positive cash flow over the past several years, and expecting to do so again this year, repurchasing our shares represents another means to create value for our shareholders.”

    The timing and the amount of any repurchases of common stock will be determined by Usio’s management based on the market price of Usio common stock, evaluation of market and economic conditions and other factors. Repurchases of common stock may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had unrestricted cash of approximately $8.1 million.

    The Company had approximately 26.5 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 24, 2025.

    Repurchases may be made in open market purchases, block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases, if any, under the program will be made at the discretion of management, and will depend upon market pricing and conditions, business, legal, accounting and other considerations. Open market purchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Repurchases may be made pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with SEC Rule 10b5-1, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. Under applicable law, repurchased shares will be cancelled and revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares.

    The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without notice, in the Company’s discretion, based upon a number of factors, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, the need for capital in the Company’s operations and other factors deemed appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares.

    About Usio, Inc.

    Usio, Inc. (Nasdaq: USIO), is a leading Fintech that operates a full stack of proprietary, cloud-based integrated payment and embedded financial solutions in a single ecosystem to a wide range of merchants, billers, banks, service bureaus and card issuers. The Company operates credit/debit and ACH payment processing platforms, as well as a turn-key card issuing platform to deliver convenient, world-class payment solutions and services to their clients. The company, through its Usio Output Solutions division offers services relating to electronic bill presentment, document composition, document decomposition and printing and mailing services. The strength of the Company lies in its ability to provide tailored solutions for card issuance, payment acceptance, and bill payments as well as its unique technology in the prepaid sector. Usio is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has a development office in Austin, Texas.

    Websites: www.usio.com, www.payfacinabox.com, www.akimbocard.com and www.usiooutput.com. Find us on Facebook® and Twitter.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLAIMER

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements which are covered by safe harbors. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding management’s intent, belief and expectations, such as statements concerning our future and our operating and growth strategy. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “look forward,” “anticipate,” “schedule,” and “expect” among others. Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business that could cause actual results to vary, including such risks related to an economic downturn, the realization of opportunities from the IMS acquisition, the management of the Company’s growth, the loss of key resellers, the relationships with the Automated Clearinghouse network, bank sponsors, third-party card processing providers and merchants, the security of our software, hardware and information, the volatility of the stock price, the need to obtain additional financing, risks associated with new legislation, and compliance with complex federal, state and local laws and regulations, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future, could affect the Company’s businesses and financial results in the future and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. The Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on information presently available to management. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Paul Manley
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
    Paul.Manley@usio.com
    612-834-1804

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Usio Announces Improved Profitability; Fourth Quarter GAAP Earnings of $0.02 per share and Full Year GAAP Earnings of $0.12 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Full Year Revenues up in each of ACH & Complementary Services, Card and Output Solutions Business Units

    Record Full Year 2024 Dollar Processing Volume of $7.1 Billion, a 33% Increase Compared to Fiscal 2023; Transactions Processed also up a Strong 26% Year-over-Year

    Cash Position Increases to Record High of $8.1 Million

    SAN ANTONIO, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Usio, Inc: (Nasdaq: USIO), a leading FinTech company that operates a full stack of integrated, cloud-based electronic payment and embedded financial solutions, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Louis Hoch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Usio, said, “We are delivering on our commitments as profitability improved, cash flow was strong, and revenue grew in each of our ACH & Complementary Services, Card and Output Solutions businesses in both the fourth quarter and full year 2024. We also delivered another year of positive Adjusted EBITDA1. Results were driven across Usio by a 33% increase in total dollar processing volume, which rose to $7.1 billion from $5.3 billion in 2023, while transactions processed reached record levels on 26% year-over-year growth. We attribute this solid revenue performance to our innovative technology and complementary business strategy while the bottom line continues to improve as we implement our disciplined cost control and enhance our results through operating leverage that our business model provides.

    “For the quarter, we reported top line growth as well as our third consecutive quarter of positive GAAP net income, approximately $0.6 million, or $0.02 per share. For both the quarter and the year, revenues were up in three of our business units, and in the fourth, prepaid revenues were up when excluding the COVID incentive programs that was essentially wound down in fiscal 2023. Cash flow remains strong, enabling us to bolster our balance sheet, which provides us with resources to support our growth initiatives. In addition, cash flow in 2024 was also used to repurchase $1.4 million of our stock. And, today, the Board reauthorized a new repurchase agreement of $4 million which further illustrates our confidence in the business’ long-term prospects. Together, this is a strong set up for what we believe will be another year of both top line and Adjusted EBITDA1 growth in 2025.”

    Momentum continues to accelerate in ACH and complementary services, with revenues up 17% in the quarter and 12% for the year, in large part reflecting success cross-selling ACH into existing Card and Prepaid accounts. Card revenue growth remains solid, up 6% for the quarter and 3% for the year, led by PayFac, where revenues were up 29% in the quarter, and 22% on the year. Output Solutions had a strong fourth quarter, growing revenues a healthy 13%, which drove the business to full year growth after facing headwinds in prior quarters during the year. Total dollars loaded on prepaid cards exceeded $111 million in the fourth quarter, the sixth consecutive quarter of over $100 million in prepaid card loads. Fiscal 2024 revenues comparisons in prepaid continue to reflect last year’s expiration of COVID incentive programs, but we believe that Prepaid should begin to benefit from the over 90 client agreements signed in 2024 and a more concerted focus on recurring revenue, ‘evergreen’ clients.”

    Gross profits and margins were down modestly for both the quarter and the year, due primarily to product mix. Selling, general and administrative expenses were up just 3% for the year, reflecting continued strong expense control. The Company closed the 2024 fiscal year with $8.1 million cash on hand compared to year end cash of $7.2 million in 2023. The Company expects this trend of positive cash growth to continue in fiscal 2025.

    Mr. Hoch concluded, “In 2024 our various growth initiatives enabled us to regain nearly all of the revenue lost with the planned expiration of large COVID related card programs while improving profitability and further strengthening our financial position. More importantly, we are fully embarking on our new One Usio strategy, better integrating all of our various product offerings so that we approach the market as a unified force with a portfolio of capabilities that can meet our customer’s various electronic payment and associated needs. Already, we are seeing success selling multiple, complementary Usio products to an increasing number of clients who benefit from the synergies and efficiencies that arise from consolidating their relationships. While this has always been one of our competitive advantages, in 2025 we are redoubling our efforts and organizing around this concept to better unlock the inherent value of this strategy. At the same time, we believe we have the infrastructure to support our growth initiatives such that we can expect to see continued improvement in our operating leverage. We believe 2025 will be another year of growth as we create value for our shareholders.”

    Fiscal 2025 Guidance

    The Company continues to expect strong 14 – 16% growth in revenue in 2025 while also anticipating Adjusted EBITDA1 margins in the 5 – 7% range. Guidance is conditioned on no appreciable deterioration in economic conditions.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Summary

    Revenues were $20.6 million for the fourth quarter, up 2% compared to $20.1 million in the same period in 2023.

        Three Months Ended December 31,  
        (in millions, except percentages)  
        2024     2023     $ Change     % Change  
                                     
    ACH and complementary service revenue   $ 4.6     $ 3.9     $ 0.7       17 %
    Credit card revenue     7.2       6.9       0.4       6 %
    Prepaid card services revenue     3.0       4.0       (1.0 )     (24 )%
    Output Solutions revenue     5.1       4.6       0.6       13 %
    Interest – ACH and complementary services     0.2       0.2       (0.1 )     (22 )%
    Interest – Prepaid card services     0.3       0.5       (0.2 )     (41 )%
    Interest – Output Solutions     0.0       0.0       0.0       73 %
    Total Revenue   $ 20.6     $ 20.1     $ 0.4       2 %
     

    Revenue growth was primarily attributable to 17% growth in our ACH and complementary services revenue, alongside 13% growth in Output solutions, helping offset a 24% decrease in Prepaid revenues associated with the anticipated wind down of COVID incentive programs in 2024. Credit card revenues also saw a 6% increase, due to the success of our PayFac portfolio achieving 29% growth in the quarter, mitigating the continued attrition of our legacy credit card portfolios.

    Gross profits were $5.1 million, down 4% from $5.3 million for the in 2023. Gross margins were 24.6% compared to 26.1% in the same period in 2023. Gross margins in the quarter primarily reflect a shift in revenue mix, and a decline in interest revenues versus the prior year period due to the lower interest rates in the period. 

    The Company had an operating loss of $0.6 million, compared to an operating loss of $0.0 million from the same period in 2023. 

    Adjusted EBITDA1 was positive $0.5 million in the quarter, down $0.5 million from $1.1 million in the same period in 2023, due primarily to lower gross profit margins, and an 8% increase in SG&A expense.

    For the quarter, the Company generated $0.5 million of interest revenue compared to $0.8 million in the year ago quarter.

    Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $0.6 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to net income of $0.03 million or $0.00 per share for the same period in 2023. Results in the current quarter primarily by the receipt and recognition of approximately $1.5 million in funds related to the employee retention tax credit made available through the CARES Act, and extended through the American Rescue Plan Act.

    During the quarter, the Company repurchased 331,222 shares of its stock at an average price of $1.46 for a total cost of $482,426 as part of its share buyback program.

    1 See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below.

    Financial Results for Full Year 2024

    Revenues for 2024 were $82.9 million, down 1% from $84.1 million for the same period in 2023.

        Year Ended December 31,  
        (in millions, except percentages)  
        2024     2023     $ Change     % Change  
                                     
    ACH and complementary service revenue   $ 16.7     $ 14.9     $ 1.8       12 %
    Credit card revenue   29.3       28.5       0.8       3 %
    Prepaid card services revenue     14.1       18.7       (4.6 )     (25 )%
    Output Solutions revenue     20.6       20.5       0.1       1 %
    Interest – ACH and complementary services     0.8       0.5       0.3       59 %
    Interest – Prepaid card services     1.3       0.9       0.4       44 %
    Interest – Output Solutions     0.2       0.0       0.1       220 %
    Total Revenue   $ 82.9     $ 84.1     $ (1.1 )     (1 )%
     

    The Company experienced strong revenue growth in its ACH and complementary services business segment, seeing an $1.8 million, or 12% increase over 2023. This revenue growth, alongside a 55% increase in aggregate interest revenues, helped to offset the 25% decline in our prepaid card services, as we saw the anticipated wind down of revenues associated with COVID incentive programs in 2024. Strong net new customer and organic growth, specifically in our corporate and commercial card programs, generated over $7 million of revenues in 2024, greatly offsetting the revenues in 2023 associated with those COVID programs. Credit card revenues were also up 3%, with PayFac growing 22% in 2024, mitigating attrition in our legacy credit card lines of business. Revenues associated with our PayFac portfolio now exceed 50% of total credit card processing revenues, and performance associated with our PayFac model is anticipated to become more representative of overall credit card revenue growth. Output Solutions revenues were up 1%, as we fully implemented our new processing equipment through the year in order to position the business unit for continued growth in 2025 due to the increased capacity, efficiency, and speed our new equipment provides.

    Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $19.6 million, down 2% from $20.1 million in fiscal 2023. Gross margins were 23.7% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 23.9% in fiscal 2023, generally reflecting a shift in business mix over the year.

    The Company reported $2.9 million in Adjusted EBITDA1 for the year ended December 31, 2024, a $1.0 million decline versus $3.9 million in 2023, due primarily to slightly lower revenues and gross margin, alongside a 3% increase in SG&A expense in 2024. The Company increased its cash balance by $0.9 million, while utilizing $1.4 million on share repurchases in 2024. The Company significantly improved its net income for the year by $3.8 million to $3.3 million compared to a loss of $0.5 million for fiscal 2023 due to the recognition of an approximate $3.1 million federal tax benefit. The Company reported earnings of $0.12 per share, a significant improvement compared to loss of $(0.02) per share, in fiscal 2023. 

    Conference Call and Webcast

    Usio, Inc.’s management will host a conference call with a live webcast Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 4:30 pm Eastern time to provide a business update. To listen to the conference call, interested parties within the U.S. should call +1-844-883-3890. International callers should call + 1-412-317-9246. All callers should ask for the Usio conference call. The conference call will also be available through a live webcast, which can be accessed via the company’s website at www.usio.com/invest.

    A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call through April 10, 2025. The replay can be accessed via the Company’s website or by dialing +1-877-344-7529 (U.S.) or +1-412-317-0088 (international). The replay conference playback code is 2388192.

    About Usio, Inc.

    Usio, Inc. (Nasdaq: USIO), is a leading Fintech that operates a full stack of proprietary, cloud-based integrated payment and embedded financial solutions in a single ecosystem to a wide range of merchants, billers, banks, service bureaus and card issuers. The Company operates credit/debit and ACH payment processing platforms, as well as a turn-key card issuing platform to deliver convenient, world-class payment solutions and services to their clients. The company, through its Usio Output Solutions division offers services relating to electronic bill presentment, document composition, document decomposition and printing and mailing services. The strength of the Company lies in its ability to provide tailored solutions for card issuance, payment acceptance, and bill payments as well as its unique technology in the prepaid sector. Usio is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and has a development office in Austin, Texas.

    Websites: www.usio.com, www.payfacinabox.com, www.akimbocard.com and www.usiooutput.com. Find us on Facebook® and Twitter.

    About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margins, as defined in Regulation G of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company reports its financial results in compliance with GAAP, but believes that also discussing non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with financial measures it uses in the management of its business. The Company defines EBITDA as operating income (loss), before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangibles. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, as defined above, plus non-cash stock option costs and certain non-recurring items, such as costs related to acquisitions. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Management uses EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margins as indicators of the Company’s operating performance and ability to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures and other investments and, in the absence of refinancing options, to repay debt obligations. 

    In previous periods, the Company reported the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted operating cash flows, which excluded certain items from operating cash flows to provide a measure of cash generated from its core operations. Beginning with the current reporting period, the Company is no longer presenting adjusted operating cash flows as a non-GAAP financial measure. The decision to discontinue reporting adjusted operating cash flows is due to changes in the presentation of certain assets, specifically the movement of assets held for customers, into the financing activities section of our cash flow statement. As a result of this reclassification, the need for the adjusted operating cash flows measure is no longer required, as the adjustments previously made to exclude these amounts are not necessary. 

    Management believes EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margins are helpful to investors in evaluating the Company’s operating performance because non-cash costs and other items that management believes are not indicative of its results of operations are excluded. 

    EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margins should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. They are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to revenue, or net income, as applicable, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other businesses. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margins have limitations as analytical tools and you should not consider these Non-GAAP measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP.

    1 See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures below.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLAIMER

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements which are covered by safe harbors. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding management’s intent, belief and expectations, such as statements concerning our future and our operating and growth strategy. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “look forward,” “anticipate,” “schedule,” and “expect” among others. Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business that could cause actual results to vary, including such risks related to an economic downturn, the realization of opportunities from the IMS acquisition, the management of the Company’s growth, the loss of key resellers, the relationships with the Automated Clearinghouse network, bank sponsors, third-party card processing providers and merchants, the security of our software, hardware and information, the volatility of the stock price, the need to obtain additional financing, risks associated with new legislation, and compliance with complex federal, state and local laws and regulations, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future, could affect the Company’s businesses and financial results in the future and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. The Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on information presently available to management. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Paul Manley
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
    Paul.Manley@usio.com
    612-834-1804

    USIO, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    ASSETS                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 8,056,891     $ 7,155,687  
    Accounts receivable     5,053,639       5,564,138  
    Accounts receivable, tax credit     1,494,612       —  
    Settlement processing assets     47,104,006       44,899,603  
    Prepaid card load assets     25,648,688       31,578,973  
    Customer deposits     1,918,805       1,865,731  
    Inventory     403,796       422,808  
    Prepaid expenses and other     585,500       444,071  
    Current assets before merchant reserves     90,265,937       91,931,011  
    Merchant reserves     4,890,101       5,310,095  
    Total current assets     95,156,038       97,241,106  
                     
    Property and equipment, net     3,194,818       3,660,092  
                     
    Other assets:                
    Intangibles, net     881,346       1,753,333  
    Deferred tax asset     4,580,440       1,504,000  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     3,037,928       2,420,782  
    Other assets     357,877       355,357  
    Total other assets     8,857,591       6,033,472  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 107,208,447     $ 106,934,670  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 1,256,819     $ 1,031,141  
    Accrued expenses     3,366,925       3,801,278  
    Operating lease liabilities, current portion     612,680       633,616  
    Equipment loan, current portion     147,581       107,270  
    Settlement processing obligations     47,104,006       44,899,603  
    Prepaid card load liabilities     25,648,688       31,578,973  
    Customer deposits     1,918,805       1,865,731  
    Current liabilities before merchant reserve obligations     80,055,504       83,917,612  
    Merchant reserve obligations     4,890,101       5,310,095  
    Total current liabilities     84,945,605       89,227,707  
                     
    Non-current liabilities:                
    Equipment loan, non-current portion     571,862       718,980  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion     2,534,017       1,919,144  
    Total liabilities     88,051,484       91,865,831  
                     
    Commitments and Contingencies                
    Stockholders’ Equity:                
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023     —       —  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 29,902,415 and 28,671,606 issued and 26,609,651 and 26,332,523 outstanding in 2024 and 2023 (see Note 12)     198,317       197,087  
    Additional paid-in capital     99,676,457       97,479,830  
    Treasury stock, at cost; 3,292,764 and 2,339,083 shares in 2024 and 2023 (see Note 12)     (5,770,592 )     (4,362,150 )
    Deferred compensation     (6,914,563 )     (6,907,775 )
    Accumulated deficit     (68,032,656 )     (71,338,153 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     19,156,963       15,068,839  
                     
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 107,208,447     $ 106,934,670  
       
    USIO, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
     
        Three Months Ended (unaudited)     Twelve Months Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023     December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    Revenues   $ 20,560,088     $ 20,130,642     $ 82,931,840     $ 84,066,245  
    Cost of services     15,495,310       14,871,207       63,317,396       63,992,417  
    Gross profit     5,064,778       5,259,435       19,614,444       20,073,828  
                                     
    Selling, general and administrative:                                
    Stock-based compensation     564,300       545,711       2,093,406       2,222,969  
    Other expenses     4,547,694       4,195,580       16,728,081       16,216,690  
    Depreciation and Amortization     555,581       521,932       2,263,302       2,081,533  
    Total operating expenses     5,667,575       5,263,223       21,084,789       20,521,192  
                                     
    Operating loss     (602,797 )     (3,788 )     (1,470,345 )     (447,364 )
                                     
    Other income:                                
    Interest income     116,558       103,337       464,746       219,986  
    Other income     1,476,272       —       1,737,685       50,000  
    Interest expense     (12,267 )     (3,614 )     (53,802 )     (5,202 )
    Other income, net     1,580,563       99,723       2,148,629       264,784  
                                     
    Income (loss) before income taxes     977,766       95,935       678,284       (182,580 )
                                     
    Federal income tax expense (benefit)     109,613       —       (3,076,440 )     —  
    State income tax expense     239,227       70,000       449,227       292,524  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     348,840       70,000       (2,627,213 )     292,524  
                                     
    Net Income (Loss)   $ 628,926     $ 25,935     $ 3,305,497     $ (475,104 )
                                     
    Earnings (Loss) Per Share                                
    Basic income (loss) per common share:   $ 0.02     $ 0.00     $ 0.12     $ (0.02 )
    Diluted income (loss) per common share:   $ 0.02     $ 0.00     $ 0.12     $ (0.02 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                                
    Basic     27,162,675       26,503,251       26,852,129       26,490,868  
    Diluted     27,162,675       26,503,251       26,852,129       26,490,868  
     
    USIO, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    Operating Activities                
    Net income (loss)   $ 3,305,497     $ (475,104 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:                
    Depreciation     1,391,315       1,209,506  
    Amortization     871,987       872,027  
    Loss on disposal of equipment     18,340       —  
    Deferred federal income tax     (3,076,440 )     —  
    Employee stock-based compensation     2,093,406       2,190,369  
    Vendor stock-based compensation     —       32,600  
    Non-cash revenue from return of treasury stock     —       (156,162 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     510,499       (1,192,498 )
    Accounts receivable, tax credit     (1,494,612 )     —  
    Prepaid expenses and other     (141,429 )     6,318  
    Operating lease right-to-use assets     (617,146 )     374,701  
    Other assets     (2,520 )     —  
    Inventory     19,012       84,547  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (208,675 )     252,689  
    Operating lease liabilities     593,937       (403,506 )
    Merchant reserves     (419,994 )     400,594  
    Customer deposits     53,074       311,609  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     2,896,251       3,507,690  
                     
    Investing Activities                
    Purchases of property and equipment     (991,881 )     (834,964 )
    Sale of equipment     47,500       —  
    Net cash used by investing activities     (944,381 )     (834,964 )
                     
    Financing Activities                
    Payments on equipment loan     (106,807 )     (56,992 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock     97,663       —  
    Purchases of treasury stock     (1,408,442 )     (456,961 )
    Assets held for customers     (3,725,882 )     6,570,747  
    Net cash provided (used) by financing activities     (5,143,468 )     6,056,794  
                     
    Change in cash, cash equivalents, customer deposits and merchant reserves     (3,191,598 )     8,729,520  
    Cash, cash equivalents, customer deposits and merchant reserves, beginning of year     90,810,089       82,080,569  
                     
    Cash, Cash Equivalents, Settlement Processing Assets, Prepaid Card Load Assets, Customer Deposits and Merchant Reserves, End of Year   $ 87,618,491     $ 90,810,089  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information                
    Cash paid during the period for:                
    Interest   $ 53,802     $ 5,202  
    Income taxes     290,144       116,204  
    Non-cash operating activities:                
    Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities   $ 1,156,543     $ –  
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
    Issuance of deferred stock compensation   $ 1,497,300     $ 2,650,505  
    Non-cash transaction for acquisition of equipment in exchange for note payable     —       811,819  
                     
    USIO, INC.
    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
     
        Common Stock     Additional Paid- In     Treasury     Deferred     Accumulated     Total Stockholders’  
        Shares     Amount     Capital     Stock     Compensation     Deficit     Equity  
                                                             
    Balance at December 31, 2022     27,044,900     $ 195,471     $ 94,048,603     $ (3,749,027 )   $ (5,697,900 )   $ (70,863,049 )   $ 13,934,098  
                                                             
    Issuance of common stock under equity incentive plan     1,731,506       1,731       3,619,315       —       (2,650,505 )     —       970,541  
    Reversal of deferred compensation amortization that did not vest     (115,000 )     (115 )     (188,088 )     —       103,091       —       (85,112 )
    Deferred compensation amortization     —       —       —       —       1,337,539       —       1,337,539  
    Non-cash return of treasury stock     —       —       —       (156,162 )     —       —       (156,162 )
    Purchase of treasury stock     —       —       —       (456,961 )     —       —       (456,961 )
    Net loss     —       —       —       —       —       (475,104 )     (475,104 )
                                                             
    Balance at December 31, 2023     28,661,406     $ 197,087     $ 97,479,830     $ (4,362,150 )   $ (6,907,775 )   $ (71,338,153 )   $ 15,068,839  
                                                             
    Issuance of common stock under equity incentive plan     1,189,050       1,178       2,130,336       —       (1,497,300 )     —       634,214  
    Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan     66,959       67       97,596       —       —       —       97,663  
    Reversal of deferred compensation amortization that did not vest     (15,000 )     (15 )     (31,305 )     —       31,320       —       —  
    Deferred compensation amortization     —       —       —       —       1,459,192       —       1,459,192  
    Purchase of treasury stock     —       —       —       (1,408,442 )     —       —       (1,408,442 )
    Net income     —       —       —       —       —       3,305,497       3,305,497  
                                                             
    Balance at December 31, 2024     29,902,415     $ 198,317     $ 99,676,457     $ (5,770,592 )   $ (6,914,563 )   $ (68,032,656 )   $ 19,156,963  
     
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
     
        Three Months Ended (unaudited)     Twelve Months Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023     December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
                                     
    Reconciliation from Operating Income/(Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:                                
    Operating income (loss)   $ (602,797 )   $ (3,788 )   $ (1,470,345 )   $ (447,364 )
    Depreciation and amortization     555,581       521,932       2,263,302       2,081,533  
    EBITDA     (47,216 )     518,144       792,957       1,634,169  
    Non-cash stock-based compensation expense, net     564,300       545,711       2,093,406       2,222,969  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 517,084     $ 1,063,855     $ 2,886,363     $ 3,857,138  
                                     
                                     
    Calculation of Adjusted EBITDA margins:                                
    Revenues   $ 20,560,088     $ 20,130,642     $ 82,931,840     $ 84,066,245  
    Adjusted EBITDA     517,084       1,063,855       2,886,363       3,857,138  
    Adjusted EBITDA margins     2.5 %     5.3 %     3.5 %     4.6 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GigaCloud Technology Inc Welcomes Scott Living by Drew & Jonathan™, the Signature Home Brand of Drew and Jonathan Scott, to Its BaaS Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EL MONTE, Calif., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GigaCloud Technology Inc (Nasdaq: GCT) (“GigaCloud” or the “Company”), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced that Scott Living by Drew & Jonathan™, the home furnishings brand created by TV hosts and renovation experts Drew and Jonathan Scott, has joined its Branding-as-a-Service (BaaS) Program. This collaboration will bring Scott Living’s trusted brand into the GigaCloud B2B Marketplace, creating new avenues for sellers and broadening product selection for buyers. Scott Living’s expertise in outdoor furniture and décor aligns with current consumer trends and presents potential growth opportunities for sellers and retailers in this product category.

    “Brand has always been a powerful driver in the industry, and by introducing Scott Living into BaaS, we aim to help our marketplace participants reach consumers faster with the right combination of quality products and design solutions from a brand they can trust,” said Larry Wu, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of GigaCloud.

    “GigaCloud is more than just a marketplace,” added Wu. “We are a service toolbox offering diverse, tailored solutions that empower our customers to build and scale efficiently. Our Supplier Fulfilled Retailing model serves as the backbone of the program, streamlining supply chain management while enhancing our ecosystem through advanced technology and robust infrastructure to drive operational efficiency. This partnership unlocks new opportunities for our sellers and delivers greater value across our marketplace network worldwide.”

    “Partnering with GigaCloud marks an exciting new chapter for Scott Living,” said Drew and Jonathan Scott. “Since launching our very first product line over a decade ago, our mission has always been to make high-quality home furnishings that work for a variety of families and lifestyles. GigaCloud’s platform opens new doors for us to reach a broader audience and allows us to collaborate with more suppliers and retail channels to continue delivering home products that our customers love. We look forward to seeing how this partnership will help us connect with even more families, create opportunities, and inspire future innovations in the home space.”

    “Scott Living brings a fresh, design-forward appeal that resonates with younger and trend-conscious consumers, a perfect complement to our growing ecosystem that is redefining how furniture is marketed and distributed globally,” said Marshall Bernes, Head of GigaCloud’s BaaS Program and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. 

    About GigaCloud Technology Inc
    GigaCloud Technology Inc is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company’s B2B ecommerce platform, the “GigaCloud Marketplace,” integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company’s global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the end customer’s doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.gigacloudtech.com.

    About Scott Living by Drew & Jonathan
    Scott Living by Drew & Jonathan helps people create a home that looks good and feels good. After transforming houses for hundreds of families, the designers, renovators, entrepreneurs, and Property Brothers hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott know that each family is unique in the way they live, love, grow, and gather, and the best design solutions prioritize functionality and value. With curated collections of quality furniture, lighting, textiles, decor, and home improvement products, the brothers help families reimagine what’s possible in their spaces to reflect their personal style.

    Scott Living collections are widely available at a variety of North American and online retailers, including Amazon, Wayfair, Costco, Sam’s Club, QVC, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and Home Goods.

    In 2025, Drew and Jonathan Scott are celebrating ten years of creating home products that help families make beautiful, functional spaces that feel as good as they look through their Scott Living and Drew & Jonathan Home brands.

    For more information, please visit ScottLivingHome.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements reflect our current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    GigaCloud Technology Inc
    Investor Relations – ir@gigacloudtech.com

    PondelWilkinson, Inc.
    Laurie Berman (Investors) –lberman@pondel.com
    George Medici (Media) – gmedici@pondel.com

    Scott Brothers Global
    Media – SBG@Rubenstein.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The ImaSpiiR-X consortium receives support from France 2030 to improve the management of cancer and cardiovascular diseases through medical imaging

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: The ImaSpiiR-X consortium receives support from France 2030 to improve the management of cancer and cardiovascular diseases through medical imaging

    France 2030 has announced its support for the ImaSpiiR-X consortium, providing €18.2 million in funding over 60 months to move from black-and-white X-ray medical imaging (which displays only tissue density) to full-colour spectral imaging (capable of identifying tissue composition). To achieve this, the consortium will develop next-generation flat-panel detectors that will provide enriched digital radiographic images, along with advanced analysis algorithms.

    ImaSpiiR-X will help physicians in real time to perform more comprehensive and accurate diagnoses, better guide their procedures with the assistance of an advanced imaging system, and therefore save precious minutes in patient care. This is particularly crucial for certain critical conditions such as strokes (cerebrovascular accidents), during which two million neurons are lost every minute. Strokes are the leading cause of disability and the third-leading cause of death in France.

    ImaSpiiR-X brings together key national players from industry and academia: Trixell, the project coordinator, CEA, Thales, Pyxalis, and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region within the world-class competitiveness clusters of Minalogic and Lyonbiopôle, they complement each other by providing the necessary expertise in materials, semiconductors, electronics, and algorithms, with breakthrough technologies serving the medical community. These five partners will oversee the technological development of the project, preclinical validations, and industrial optimisation for the commercialisation of spectral flat-panel detectors. They will also rely on a team of international medical experts.

    This project will strengthen the French ecosystem, a global leader in interventional radiology and real-time image-guided surgery, while improving the quality of care provided to patients. The flat-panel detectors resulting from this collaboration will be manufactured in France, with the majority of supplies sourced from more than 200 French suppliers.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Dominican Republic: The fight against racism must be respected and protected by the authorities

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Amnesty International calls on the Dominican authorities to comply with their international obligations to respect and guarantee the right to defend human rights without discriminating against those fighting structural racism in the country. In this regard, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:

    “The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society.”  

    The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    The Dominican authorities must end the anti-human rights discourse, practices, policies and decisions that sustain structural racism and have created an enabling environment for discrimination. This includes guaranteeing the right to nationality of Dominicans of Haitian descent who were made stateless in 2013 through judgment 168-13 of the Constitutional Court, and ending the racist migration policy based on the collective expulsions of Haitians and the racial profiling of black persons.

    The authorities must also refrain from making stigmatizing statements against Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent and those who defend their rights. This includes ending denials and acknowledging the arbitrariness and human rights violations committed as part of a racist migration policy, as well as ceasing to put the blame on the Haitian migrant population for the deterioration of public services such as education and health.

    The lack of guarantees and protection measures to enable individuals to exercise their right to defend human rights, the context of attacks on defenders and an environment of structural racism result in indirect racial discrimination, as these conditions restrict access to justice for victims of racism and racial discrimination. The state has an obligation to adopt effective measures for protection, access to justice and reparation, and to cooperate with organizations to prevent racial discrimination.

    “The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International

    It is alarming that racist discourse has also increased in the media and on social media. This has led to a digital siege that is stigmatizing, discrediting and defamatory, and even includes threats against human rights defenders. Amnesty International has heard of cases where personal details have been published – a practice known as “doxing” –, which is not only a violation of privacy, but also a threat to the person’s physical integrity in a context of xenophobia and systemic racism. Women defenders have told Amnesty International that the messages they receive are usually misogynistic. There is at least one documented case of cyberattacks succeeding in disabling the website of a non-governmental organization.

    Since the end of last year, the Sociocultural Movement for Humanitarian and Environmental Work (MOSCTHA) and the National Commission on Human Rights reported attacks against their headquarters. The media and the Participación Ciudadana organization also reported similar incidents. As rallies that espouse and promote racist and xenophobic discourse multiply, racial justice defenders have expressed fears that the digital and verbal threats they receive may materialize into physical attacks.

    The authorities have also curtailed freedom of expression in public spaces on the basis of racial prejudice. On 8 March, police officers disrupted a public event to mark International Women’s Day because they confused a syncretic expression of Dominican national culture with a song in Creole. In addition to unjustifiably restricting the freedom of peaceful assembly of those present, their intervention constituted a violation of cultural rights based on racial stereotypes on grounds of language, reflecting the stigma against Haitian culture and those who are perceived to be allies of the Haitian population. The authorities should facilitate rather than restrict peaceful anti-discrimination events in physical public spaces, in line with the objectives stated by the organizers, and ensure that police operations are carried out free from racial bias.

    In this regard, Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International, stated: “The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country.”

    The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country

    – Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International

    Finally, these threats and attacks against human rights defenders must be investigated independently and impartially without discrimination, including an investigation into possible discriminatory motives. Only if the state acts, provides preventive protection measures and condemns these actions will there be any guarantee that they will not happen again. Amnesty International has received information regarding complaints lodged with the Attorney General’s Office and the National Police, which are allegedly not being investigated with due diligence, and progress whereon would depend solely on the efforts of the defenders involved.

    “President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination,” said Ana Piquer.

    President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    Amnesty International urges the government of the Dominican Republic to adopt urgent and enhanced measures to guarantee the right to defend human rights without discrimination, especially for those fighting racial discrimination.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Opaque ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ targeting Afghan refugees must be withdrawn 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Pakistani government’s plans to arbitrarily and forcibly expel Afghan nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers, as part of the opaque ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ will only add to their plight, Amnesty International said today, ahead of the authorities’ 31 March deadline to oust Afghan nationals from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The exact content of the Pakistan government’s ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ used for deportations has never been made public, but it comes amid a campaign to wrongfully demonize Afghan nationals as so-called criminals and terrorists.  

    “The Pakistani government’s unyielding and cruel deadline, which is less than a week away, to remove Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from two major cities, resulting in deportation of many at risk, shows little respect for international human rights law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement. The opaque executive orders contravene the government’s own promises and repeated calls by human rights organizations to uphold the rights of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers,” said Isabelle Lassée, deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International. 

    “It is disingenuous to frame Afghan refugees as a menace to the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Government of Pakistan is only making a scapegoat of a community that has long been disenfranchised and fleeing persecution.” 

    It is disingenuous to frame Afghan refugees as a menace to the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Government of Pakistan is only making a scapegoat of a community that has long been disenfranchised and fleeing persecution.

    Isabelle Lassée, Deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International

    Risk of relocations and deportations 

    According to a government notification dated 29 January 2025, reviewed by Amnesty International, all Afghan nationals are required to leave the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi by 31 March —some due to be relocated to other cities within Pakistan and others to be deported back to Afghanistan.  

    Those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), are to be moved outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi by the deadline. Speaking to Amnesty, human rights lawyer Moniza Kakar pointed out that forcing Afghan refugees to relocate even within Pakistan is devastating for families. “Many PoR card holders are people who’ve been here for decades, asking them to relocate means you’re asking them to leave homes, businesses, communities and lives they’ve built for years,” she said. 

    Meanwhile, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders are to be immediately and unlawfully deported to Afghanistan, along with other undocumented refugees and asylum seekers, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement as set out in international human rights law. Afghan refugees due to be resettled in a third country will also be moved outside the cities, far from foreign missions who had promised visas and travel documents, and risk deportation due to the increased difficulty in coordinating their relocation with missions such as the United States. 

    Lawyer Umer Gillani, who has challenged the government’s decision to deport refugees at the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court, said that “the official notification [for the 31 March deadline] has not been issued under any particular law, it is just an executive instruction. This is not just against fundamental rights, but also against plain black letter law.” 

    Demonization campaign amid conflicting directives 

    While the government has largely failed to give any rationale for its hardline stance against Afghan refugees and those seeking asylum, calls for their deportation have been frequently accompanied by the portrayal of refugees as ‘traitors’, terrorists, drug peddlers, and criminals by Pakistani media. “A significant portion of those involved in criminal and terrorist activities are among these illegal immigrants,” said Pakistan’s then interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in November 2023. This signaling has been used as a pretext to impose restrictions on Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, leading to widespread discrimination and harassment, amongst numerous conflicting directives from government officials. 

    In January 2025, Minister of Interior, Moshin Naqvi, announced that no Afghan refugees would be allowed to stay in Islamabad without a no-objection certificate (NOC) – a notoriously difficult document to obtain. He gave no explanation for the legal basis of this requirement. Shortly afterwards, Amnesty International noted a surge in arbitrary detentions at the start of the year and 986 deportations were recorded in January by UN International Organization for Migration.  

    In another notification dated 7 March 2025, the Ministry of Interior again stepped-up pressure on Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, urging all “illegal foreigners” and ACC holders to “leave Pakistan voluntarily before 31 March 2025”. The notification was removed from the ministry’s website within hours, but a copy of the text was reproduced on the Joint Action Committee for Refugees (JAC-R) website which has also documented similar eviction notices beyond the capital’s twin cities.   

    In addition to these threats, Afghans living in Islamabad have also been subjected to racial profiling following statements by Pakistani officials, including the country’s interior minister, who have accused Afghan refugees of being involved in political unrest following protests by opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on 26 November 2024 in Islamabad. These developments became a precursor to the March 31st deadline. 

    We call on the authorities to immediately withdraw the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ and take corrective action in accordance with international human rights law.

    Isabelle Lassée

    “The Pakistani authorities are violating the rights of Afghan refugees with impunity, subjecting them to arbitrary decisions that are shrouded in secrecy, totally lacking transparency and accountability. Carrying out this brazen plan of expelling Afghan refugees and asylum seekers who have long resided in these two cities, will undo the years of hard work that the Afghans have put in rebuilding their lives in Pakistan,” said Isabelle Lassée. 

    “We call on the authorities to immediately withdraw the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ and take corrective action in accordance with international human rights law.”  

    Background: 

    Between September 2023 and February 2025, Pakistan forcibly deported at least 844,499 Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan where they are at real risk of persecution by the Taliban and an ongoing economic crisis. Many of those facing forced return to Afghanistan, including journalists, human rights defenders, women protestors, artists, and former government officials are at imminent risk of persecution and repression by the Taliban if forced to return to Afghanistan. 

    In January 2025, the government assured the Supreme Court of Pakistan that all Afghan refugees who have been registered in “any way” would not be “apprehended” nor “deported”. Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to cease all harassment of PoR card holders. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio Visits the Foreign Service Institute

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    The mission of the ⁨@FSI4000⁩ is to provide high-quality, innovative training, and resources to empower foreign affairs professionals, advancing U.S. foreign policy to serve the American people. FSI hosts a series of trainings on topics ranging from tradecraft to information technology to leadership training, as well as offering instruction in 60 languages.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70eq_Vx7csc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Holness – 1:35 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State, Marco A. Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 26, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNeIdpU5wmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State, Marco A. Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 26, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eiK-RNLl9c

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Oregon National Guard conducts heavy lift operations in support of Army Futures Command exercise

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    Oregon National Guard Soldiers use CH-47F Chinook helicopters to conduct heavy lift operations in support of Project Convergence Capstone 5. The aircraft transported Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade and equipment from Army Futures Command during field training exercises. The Oregon crews operated alongside British Soldiers and North Carolina personnel to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground components with infantry forces in simulated battlefield movements. Despite variable weather conditions, the CH-47 crews executed mission objectives and gained real-world training experience through live cargo operations.
    (U.S. Army National Guard video by Aaron Perkins; edited by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t19tdUp0Zs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: How the Coast Guard Seizes 45,000 lbs of Cocaine at Sea

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    INSIDE THE U.S. COAST GUARD’S COCAINE SEIZURE AT SEA

    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone has offloaded over 45,600 pounds of cocaine worth $517.5 million at Port Everglades following 14 high-stakes drug interdictions in international waters. These operations, spanning from the Eastern Pacific Ocean to the waters off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica, resulted in the apprehension of 35 suspected smugglers—a major blow to transnational drug cartels, including Sinaloa and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

    Highlights from the CGC Stone’s Deployment
    Interdicted four go-fast vessels in just 15 minutes—seizing 11,000 pounds of cocaine
    HITRON aircrews deployed airborne use-of-force tactics to stop non-compliant drug runners
    Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS drones) assisted in locating traffickers hundreds of miles offshore
    Seizures took place hundreds of miles off Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica

    “The fight against drug trafficking starts far from U.S. shores,” said Cmdr. David Ratner, underscoring the Coast Guard’s relentless mission to stop narco-terrorism before it reaches America.

    Featured Coast Guard Assets & Teams
    USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) & USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913)
    Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON)
    Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET)
    Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATFS)
    Eleventh Coast Guard District

    Subscribe for more real-life Coast Guard missions, maritime law enforcement, and drug interdiction operations! #CoastGuard #DrugBust #CocaineSeizure #USCG #MaritimeSecurity #HITRON #DrugInterdiction #NarcoTerrorism #BorderSecurity

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gbo_B2wHbs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The Speaker marks Women’s History Month in Speaker’s House.

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Earlier this month, the Speaker welcomed Members, House staff and special guests to Speaker’s House to mark Women’s History Month. They heard from Kirith Entwistle MP and Katie Lam MP as they honoured the history makers and trailblazers that were local to them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQykjZ1HevU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Speaking to Americans about the value of Alberta ties

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal and Governance Sectors – Janine Stewart: No Success without Succession

    Source: Institute of Directors NZ

    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland-based Janine Stewart MInstD started her legal career in property litigation before moving into construction and infrastructure. Today, she is a specialist in construction and infrastructure, property and project disputes, and a partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.  
     
    Stewart says the construction industry interacts with many facets of law, including contract, negligence and equity.  
     
    “You also see construction and infrastructure projects all around you . . . it’s very tangible and requires quite a lot of critical thinking and a solutions-focused approach where problem solving is at its core,” she says.  
     
    It’s also the reason governance appealed to her.  Stewart’s first experience of governance was as part of an advisory panel providing advice to the Ministry of Business and Innovation (MBIE) on construction issues and the Building Act. She says the panel ran in a similar way to a board and broadened her perspective beyond her practice and full-time work. It also aligned with her skill set.  
     
    “I really enjoyed that. I could bring what I knew from my practice to the panel – and the panel insights to my practice,” she says.  
     
    Stewart currently sits on two boards – Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, and Mercy Ships – an international organisation that brings medical care to low-income countries.  
     
    “I traveled to Dallas in place of the chair of Mercy Ships in 2017 (who was unable to attend the international board meeting) to focus on the vision and strategy of its 16 offices – that just sealed it for me,” Stewart says.  
     
    Being part of ‘the bigger picture’ and focusing on the vision, purpose and strategy of an organisation – and testing it operationally – keeps her engaged. For Stewart, having had her hand in construction-based board roles also enables her to bring deep knowledge and fresh thinking to an industry she describes as having its own level of complexity.  
     
    One of the bigger cases she has worked on in her legal practice was against Mainzeal prior to its liquidation.  
     
    “Mainzeal’s demise significantly impacted the shape of my practice because I was very focused on a major piece of litigation against it,” she says of the case.  
     
    When Mainzeal went into insolvency and the litigation wound down, this shifted the focus of her business to navigating tensions and disputes in ‘live’ projects.
     
    Overall, Stewart says large scale projects in the industry carry greater risk. Construction companies are not typically ‘asset heavy’, instead, “construction company assets tend to be in their goodwill, their people, and/or in their pipeline and projects”.  
     
    “You must be cognisant of these specific features of construction companies if you are on these types of boards because you must test the company’s ability to meet obligations on an ongoing basis against this framework,” says Stewart, who has conducted training with contractors and subcontractors on solvency-related issues that derive from late or failed payments.  
     
    “So, you do need to focus on cash flow and your ability to meet the solvency test to comply with your ongoing obligations, because you don’t necessarily have that direct and material asset base to draw on when cash flow might be tight.”
     
    If directors and boards aren’t comfortable with the financial information provided, Stewart recommends asking questions and/or seeking external expertise.  
     
    “You don’t have to be a forensic accountant, it’s having that confidence to call for external expert help when you need it,” Stewart says.
     
    For directors across all industries, the Mainzeal case, according to Stewart, highlighted the importance of skill sets around the board table and the need for succession planning.  
     
    “I think those points have really come into focus since Mainzeal because the financial state of affairs . . . were dire at the time. Had they reflected on whether they should have gotten expert advice, or [decided whether to] step down, I wonder how that would have impacted their liability.”
     
    As a result, today,‘liability’ might reverberate more forcefully in the governance landscape regardless of the type of board or industry.  
     
    But directors can guard themselves against risk by expanding their knowledge. Likening the need for continuous self-development to training at the gym or being in a relationship, Stewart says work is required. And the same is true of any board role. “You need to continue to work to improve yourself.”
     
    In 2020, Stewart attended the Institute of Directors (IoD) Company Directors’ Course and, more recently, attended the Advanced Directors Course where she says the critical thinking, and self-reflection around your values as a director and what you bring to the board table, appealed.  
     
    “I had recently joined [the Minter Ellison Rudd Watts] board and I liked the focus on critical thinking on the course because that’s something I can also bring into my legal practice and around the board table,” says Stewart, who is also looking to expand her governance portfolio.  
     
    “[In the course], there was a big focus on climate, behaviours and younger people coming onto boards and making sure they’re heard, and that the board is essentially doing the best job it can.”
     
    She says while some might dismiss development programmes, she reinforces the importance of ‘testing yourself’ and for boards to have regular board evaluations. As for identifying when it’s the right time to step down from a role, deep self-reflection and asking yourself some hard questions are necessary.  
     
    “There is a risk in people staying too long and holding onto their board roles. There’s also an important aspect of maintaining institutional knowledge, so it’s about striking a balance to ensure you’re bringing your best self to the table.”
     
    ‘Groupthink’ can also increase a board’s risk, especially where younger or new directors join the board and are shut down or dismissed by established members if they raise concerns or challenge the board.  
     
    “Groupthink just continues . . . but you have to think about how you might create a board culture that reduces the risk of that happening, and, when it does, make sure you’re prepared to deal with it because nothing’s perfect.”
     
    One thing Stewart would like to see more of at board tables across Aotearoa is “more listening”.  
     
    “And take a pause before putting forward your view . . . I think we are sort of wired to speak quickly, and we need to take the time to listen and pause and respond, rather than react.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Can new public infrastructure pay for itself? – Infrastructure Commission

    Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

    Research by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission explores whether new public infrastructure investment can generate revenue to pay back the cost of the investment.
    “The social and economic benefits of public infrastructure – our hospitals, schools, roads, water networks and more – are clear. But while all infrastructure needs to be paid for, it’s not always clear how it’s paid for,” Peter Nunns, General Manager – Strategy, says.
    How we pay for new infrastructure
    “One way to pay for more infrastructure investment is by raising user charges or tax rates. But that can be difficult. A recent public opinion survey from Ipsos shows that while most New Zealanders think we should do more to meet our infrastructure needs, few of us are willing to pay higher charges or taxes to fund more investment.
    “Another option is to invest in public infrastructure that pays for itself by bringing in new revenue. Projects that lead to large increases in infrastructure usage or large increases in economic activity generate more revenue from existing user charges, local government rates, or taxes.
    “Our new research, Paying it back: An examination of the fiscal returns of public infrastructure investment, takes a closer look at when, where, and how this is possible.
    When does new infrastructure pay for itself
    “Projects that can be delivered cost-effectively and that benefit many people are more likely to pay for themselves out of new revenue. Prioritising value for money can help boost our ability to invest in more infrastructure.
    “However, the bar is very high for public infrastructure projects to fully pay for themselves. Governments only collect a small share of new economic activity or user benefits through taxes, rates, or user charges. As a result, we estimate that transport projects must generate social and economic benefits that are five to nine times higher than the cost of the project to generate enough new tax revenue to pay for themselves,” Nunns says.
    “Our research suggests that the payback from public infrastructure investment tends to be higher when infrastructure networks are added to bit by bit as demand grows. In contrast, the costs of a ‘big bang’ approach usually outstrip the returns and must be covered from other tax or rates revenues. This could then take money that could be used for other priorities like hospitals and schools.
    A closer look at local councils
    “In one case study, we looked at seven large or growing urban councils over a 25-year period. We estimated how much they spent on infrastructure to accommodate population growth – from construction to ongoing maintenance,” Nunns says.
    “Some of these councils generate enough new revenue from this infrastructure – through development contributions and added rates revenues on new buildings – to fully recoup the cost. Others spent more on growth infrastructure than they earned in new revenue. We found that councils that grew their networks in line with population growth were much more likely to come out financially ahead after 25 years.
    “Not all projects have to pay their way. The point of public infrastructure is to improve community wellbeing, not simply generate revenue. But as the challenges of an ageing population and slowing productivity growth place pressure on our budgets, we’ll need to pay more attention to the fiscal sustainability of new infrastructure investment,” Nunns says.
    Background information
    • The report Paying it back: An examination of the fiscal returns of public infrastructure investment includes three case studies to explore how and when infrastructure can generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs.
    • Based on the case studies, the report highlights four key lessons for how to maximise revenues from new investments: project quality matters (projects that are cost-effective to build and which serve more users or beneficiaries are more likely to generate positive fiscal returns); the bar is high for projects to fully pay for themselves; incremental investment tends to have higher returns; and attaching revenue streams to new projects can help.
    • One case study looks at a 25-year period from 2007 to 2031 for seven local councils (Auckland (2012 to 2031), Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown-Lakes, and Dunedin).
    • Another case study looks at four major transport projects, both road and rail, where published business cases provided sufficient information to calculate fiscal returns to the Crown: Ōtaki to north of Levin (O2NL) motorway (a 24-kilometre, four-lane motorway and shared use path); Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway (an 18.5-kilometre, four lane motorway, the first section of the Ara Tūhono, Pūhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance); Warkworth to Wellsford motorway (the second proposed leg of the Ara Tūhono, Pūhoi to Wellsford Road of National Significance); and City Rail Link (CRL) (a mostly tunnelled 3.5-kilometre rail link connecting the Britomart Transport Centre to the North Auckland Line).
    • The final case study examines how a hypothetical tool, like a value capture levy to collect revenue from increasing property values might affect the returns from major transport projects. The study tests different scenarios around project cost, characteristics, and population density in the area that the project is serving.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 60-day scripts were supposed to save time and money. So why are we still waiting for cheaper medicines?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Breadon, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute

    adriaticfoto/Shutterstock

    Labor has committed A$690 million over four years to cut the maximum cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to $25. The Coalition has matched the promise, which is estimated to save Australians $200 million a year.

    But consumers could save even more if an existing policy met its potential.

    In 2023, the federal government introduced 60-day prescribing. This meant consumers could get twice as many pills per script, with fewer trips to the pharmacist (and to the doctor for a script).

    The government announced that consumers would save up to $190 a year for a single medicine, and up to $46 for a concession card holder, compared to the costs of a 30-day script.

    But after a tough fight to get this policy, it isn’t living up to its promise.

    A hard-won policy

    It took political courage, and government spending, to get this change.

    Data on political donations show pharmaceutical interests make up the vast bulk of donations from the health sector. The Pharmacy Guild, which represents pharmacy owners, spent the most by far. These donations are an attempt to wield influence behind the scenes. When that fails, the guild isn’t afraid to attack governments in public.

    The federal government stared down a histrionic scare campaign against 60-day prescribing. The guild claimed pharmacies would close due to reduced dispensing fees. It also claimed medicines would run out, and children would overdose due to pill hoarding.

    The government pushed through the policy, but directly compensated rural pharmacies with ongoing payments worth $20 million a year.

    The government also brought forward negotiation of the eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which sets how much the government pays pharmacists for dispensing, medication management, and other services. The agreement was signed last year and added $3 billion in new spending.

    A long wait for longer scripts

    After all that conflict and cost, our analysis of PBS data shows the uptake of longer scripts has been painfully slow.

    About 300 drugs for chronic health conditions have been added to the eligibility list in three stages.

    For the first stage of medicines, the 60-day option became available in late 2023. This included common medications such as statins for high cholesterol, perindopril for high blood pressure, and alendronate for osteoporosis.

    More than a year later, in November 2024, only 30% of eligible stage one medicines dispensed were from a 60-day script.

    That’s well short of expectations. The Department of Health and Aged Care predicted 60-day uptake would reach 45% in 2023–24, 58% in 2024–25, and 63% in 2026–27, if fully implemented.

    Across all medicines eligible for 60-day prescribing, including those added in the second and third stages, just 21% of medicines dispensed were from a 60-day script.

    Even at these low rates, we estimate the policy has saved consumers more than $110 million so far. Higher uptake, closer to the rates the department predicted, would mean even more savings.

    Millions of people are missing out. In 2024, there were about 28 million 30-day scripts for statins, compared to about 5 million 60-day scripts. If half of these patients had a 60-day script, they would have saved an extra $27 million a year.

    If half of all eligible medicines were dispensed for 60 days, we estimate patients would have saved an extra $310 million a year. That’s more than the $200 million in expected savings from the $25 medicines promise.

    And while the government spends money on the $25 medicines policy, it saves money from 60-day scripts, by paying pharmacists fewer dispensing fees.

    We estimate the government has already saved $141 million from 60-day prescribing. It could save an extra $297 million a year if uptake increased to 50%.

    So why aren’t more GPs writing longer scripts?

    Despite the Pharmacy Guild’s efforts to undermine the reform, low uptake is more about doctors than pharmacists: the GP who writes the script determines its duration, not the pharmacist.

    Risks for patients aren’t the problem. While 60-day prescribing won’t be right for all patients, experts selected the eligible drugs because prescribing them for 60 days is usually appropriate and safe.

    While there’s some variation in 60-day prescribing rates for different medicines, it’s low across the board. That suggests the problem isn’t about GPs being much more cautious with some drugs than with others.

    The GP determines the duration of the script, not the pharmacist.
    Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

    The culprit is probably inertia. GP practice software generates default prescriptions when a patient has had a drug before. With most people still getting 30-day prescriptions, that will be the default for most repeat scripts. And many patients might not be aware the new 60-day option is available.

    It’s time to get results

    With cost-of-living and health system pressures never far from the headlines, making progress on 60-day prescribing should be a priority.

    The benefits for patient and government budgets are obvious. But the benefits of freeing up time for busy clinicians shouldn’t be overlooked. Longer scripts means less GP time to write them, and less pharmacist time to fill them.

    As Australia gets older and sicker, the need for GP and pharmacist care grows, and there are severe primary care shortages in many parts of the country.

    Every second of GP time that can be freed up for diagnosis, treatment, and to help patients manage their conditions is precious.

    There is also good evidence pharmacists can provide cost-effective medication reviews, chronic disease management advice and other services. Shifting their time from retail to services is a great way to take pressure off the health system.

    So what can be done?

    Fortunately, there are some easy shortcuts to longer scripts.

    Providers of GP software should make 60-day prescribing the default for relevant medicines.

    The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the professional body for GPs, should continue to encourage GPs to write longer scripts.

    Primary Health Networks, the regional bodies responsible for improving primary care, should tell GPs how they compare with their peers, giving a nudge to GPs with low rates of 60-day prescribing.

    Finally, the federal government and consumer groups should run campaigns to inform patients about their options.

    Longer scripts are a triple win: savings on medicines for patients, budget savings for the government, and more time for GPs and pharmacists. Few reforms tick all those boxes, so it’s important this one makes its way from good policy to standard practice.

    Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporates, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporting organisations is published at www.grattan.edu.au.

    – ref. 60-day scripts were supposed to save time and money. So why are we still waiting for cheaper medicines? – https://theconversation.com/60-day-scripts-were-supposed-to-save-time-and-money-so-why-are-we-still-waiting-for-cheaper-medicines-250061

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Early exposure to air pollution could affect brain development and mental health later in life: new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Hobbs, Associate Professor and Transforming Lives Fellow in Spatial Data Science and Planetary Health, Sheffield Hallam University

    Getty Images

    Exposure to air pollution in early life could have lasting effects on child development and mental health in adolescence, according to our recent study.

    We integrated air pollution data with existing longitudinal data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). The CHDS has followed more than 1,200 children born in the city in 1977, with a strong focus on developmental and mental health outcomes.

    Our aim was to examine how exposure to air pollution shapes development and mental health in later childhood and adolescence. We found an increased risk of attention problems, conduct issues, lower educational attainment and substance abuse in adolescence associated with higher exposure.

    Existing evidence often focuses on adulthood. However, by tracking air pollution exposure from the prenatal period to the age of ten, and linking this data to subsequent cognitive and mental health outcomes, we were able to highlight the long-term consequences of growing up in polluted environments.

    Air pollution is one of the leading environmental contributors to disease, especially respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution because their brains and bodies are developing.

    A growing body of evidence suggests air pollution could affect brain development, educational attainment and mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety and conduct or attention problems. Despite this, few studies have tracked long-term exposure to air pollution from early childhood.

    Patterns of exposure

    We chose to conduct this research in Christchurch because the city is a historical air-pollution hotspot, with a documented history of measurements, and because of its long-running birth cohort study.

    The CHDS collects detailed information on participants’ health, development, education and family backgrounds from prenatal into adulthood.

    The city of Christchurch now enjoys much better air quality, but it was an air-pollution hotspot in the past.
    Flickr/Larry Koester, CC BY-SA

    For this study, we linked historical air-pollution data, measured as the concentration of black smoke from 1977 to 1987, to residential locations of birth cohort members. This allowed researchers to estimate each child’s annual exposure to air pollution during key developmental periods.

    We found four distinct patterns of air-pollution exposure across childhood (see graph below):

    • consistently low (these children had the lowest levels of air pollution throughout childhood)

    • consistently high (this groups had the highest levels of air pollution from birth to the age of ten)

    • elevated preschool (exposure peaked between ages three to six and then declined)

    • high prenatal and postnatal (high exposure before and immediately after birth, but declining later).

    We then examined whether children in the higher exposure groups were more likely to experience adverse impacts on cognition, educational achievement and mental health in later childhood and adolescence.

    We adjusted for a range potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, neighbourhood disadvantage and parental characteristics.

    We found children with elevated pre-school exposure had poorer educational attainment and a higher likelihood of conduct disorders and substance abuse problems. High prenatal and postnatal exposure was linked to a greater risk of attention problems as well as substance abuse in adolescence.

    Children with persistently high air-pollution exposure were more likely to develop attention problems and had higher odds of substance abuse issues in adolescence.

    Researchers identified four different trajectory patterns of exposure to air pollution from the prenatal period through to the age of ten.
    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    What these findings mean

    The effects of air pollution on several outcomes were small at an individual level, but they could be highly important at a population level.

    This is because even small shifts in cognitive and mental health outcomes, when applied to entire populations of children exposed to poor air quality, could have major consequences affecting future educational achievement, workforce productivity and public health burdens.

    These findings support previous research suggesting air pollution could affect brain function by causing inflammation, oxidative stress and affecting neurodevelopmental pathways. Importantly, they reinforce the idea that certain developmental periods, such as the prenatal period and early childhood, may be especially sensitive to pollution exposure.

    We need further research to confirm our findings but potential considerations include reducing children’s exposure to air pollution and improving urban air quality by cutting emissions from vehicles, industry and residential heating.

    We should also promote cleaner energy sources to decrease exposure to harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. Providing better access to green spaces may mitigate the impact of air pollution.

    To strengthen public health and policy measures, we need stricter air quality regulations, particularly around schools and childcare centres. We should also implement air-quality monitoring in urban areas to identify high-risk zones for children.

    Better public information is crucial to minimise indoor and outdoor pollution exposure. This could include the use of air purifiers for indoor activies or limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution periods.

    Further research and action

    Our study highlights the need for more research on air pollution’s effects on children’s mental health and cognition, particularly in different environmental and socioeconomic contexts.

    Policymakers, educators and healthcare professionals must consider air pollution as a potential risk factor for developmental challenges, not just a physical health concern.

    Air pollution may not be visible in the same way as poor housing or inaccessible healthcare, but its impact on child development could be important at a population level.

    Given the rising prevalence of mental ill health in young people and adults, tackling air pollution could be an overlooked but essential public health strategy for protecting future generations.

    Associate Professor Matthew Hobbs receives funding from Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Clare Foundation, New Zealand.

    Joseph Boden receives funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise, and the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

    Lianne Jane Woodward and Susie (Bingyu) Deng do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Early exposure to air pollution could affect brain development and mental health later in life: new research – https://theconversation.com/early-exposure-to-air-pollution-could-affect-brain-development-and-mental-health-later-in-life-new-research-252644

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Yemen faces economic freefall and devastating aid crisis after a decade of conflict – Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    A decade after a Saudi-led coalition intervened to restore the internationally recognized government of Yemen to power, the country remains deeply divided, facing economic freefall and a devastating humanitarian crisis, Oxfam said today. 

    Competing financial policies in the North and the South have caused economic collapse. Violations of human rights, the detention of humanitarian workers, and unacceptable conditions on aid imposed by the authorities in Sana’a have exacerbated suffering.  

    In the South, despite strong international support, the internationally recognized government has failed to provide basic services or stabilise the currency. Over the last 10 years, the Yemeni rial has depreciated by more than 90 per cent in government-controlled areas – pushing basics like food, water, and health care out of reach for most Yemenis. This inflation is only worsening – the rial lost 30 per cent of its value in February alone. 

    In the North, the Houthis have made it increasingly difficult and dangerous for the humanitarian community to operate and provide vital food, cash and other assistance. Their arbitrary and unlawful detention of Yemeni humanitarian workers and members of civil society has worsened the already difficult operating environment. Authorities should release all unlawfully held detainees, including Oxfam staff. 

    The environment of restriction and fear imposed by the Houthis, coupled with the US government’s freeze of foreign assistance funding and imposition of heightened legal risks, have caused many humanitarian organisations to wind down their operations, leaving millions of people without the means to survive and without access to education and health services. Families are facing higher prices and reduced humanitarian assistance. 

    “The last decade has been devastating for Yemenis, and we’ll only see these deadly consequences compounded without urgent action from authorities and the international community to allow the economy and the aid community to operate.” 

    Pauline Chetcuti, Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns

    Oxfam International

    Pauline Chetcuti, Oxfam International’s Head of Humanitarian Advocacy and Campaigns said: 

     “Yemenis deserve – and have the right – to live in safety, have access to food, water, health care and to lead on a path towards a peaceful future.   

    “The last decade has been devastating for Yemenis, and we’ll only see these deadly consequences compounded without urgent action from authorities and the international community to allow the economy and the aid community to operate.” 

    Education and healthcare services have been decimated, leaving millions without critically needed support, and civil servants without salaries. Health facilities across the country have been significantly impacted by the conflict; just 40 per cent are now only partially functioning or completely out of service due to shortages of staff, funds, electricity, medicines, and equipment. 

    The war has destroyed much of Yemen’s critical infrastructure – the roads, bridges, markets, hospitals, schools, and private factories that powered Yemen’s economy. Though the frontlines have largely been frozen since the ceasefire in April 2022, competing monetary policies and the absence of a full political settlement have left more than 17 million people – nearly half of Yemen’s population – food insecure.  

    Yemeni families are facing higher prices and reduced humanitarian assistance stemming from the US government’s designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The designation creates significant obstacles to life-saving humanitarian assistance and commercial imports of food and medicine. It also adds a barrier to the vital flow of remittances from Yemenis abroad to their families, which account for approximately a fifth of Yemen’s GDP; a vital part of Yemen’s social safety net. Yemenis need to see an end to the Houthis’ rights violations and international attacks, but this designation is unlikely to make that happen. Governments should support international accountability mechanisms for all parties to the conflict – and not penalise Yemeni families by cutting off lifesaving aid. 

    The decade of conflict has killed over 19,000 people and displaced nearly five million people, disproportionately women and children. These figures will only grow as more legal and security barriers are placed on the economy and the aid community.  

    Chetcuti said: “Regional and global powers should collaborate to support a genuine peace instead of supporting aligned factions and furthering their narrow political interests. Only through a Yemeni-led political process that includes women, youth, and civil society can Yemenis emerge from crisis and enjoy basic peace and security.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Trump vs. Plastic Pollution

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Underwater image of a turtle with plastic on his head. © Troy Mayne / Oceanic Imagery Publications

    In his first month back in the Oval Office, Trump made moves that sent shockwaves in the world of plastic pollution. First, there was the announcement of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, to which top global plastic polluter The Coca-Cola Company responded by announcing that they would produce even more plastic bottles to counter the increased price of aluminum cans. Then, there was the executive order to “bring America back” to plastic straws by ending federal procurement of paper straws. But perhaps the biggest blow came as unelected billionaire Elon Musk began efforts to dismantle the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the government agency in charge of managing coastal and marine ecosystems, which are heavily threatened by plastic pollution.

    While the paper straws announcement may have received far more media attention than it deserves, we cannot let such ridiculous symbolic distractions take our collective focus away from the most important issue here: the larger systemic crisis of dismantling key government institutions, such as NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Park Service (NPS) among others, which protect the public good. Make no mistake, our efforts to end plastic pollution will continue no matter what obstacles lie ahead. In the absence of strong government leadership to enact effective policies that can address this crisis at the source, however, the battle to end plastic pollution has certainly gotten longer. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

    US Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) at press conference to defend NOAA

    Take the Coca-Cola announcement. Instead of responding to the rising cost of aluminum by scaling up plastic bottles, Coke could seize this moment as an opportunity to shift a greater portion of its packaging away from single-use altogether and invest in expanding its existing refillable and returnable packaging portfolio. In 2023, the company reported selling 14% of its total beverage volume in reusable packaging already! Coca-Cola is uniquely positioned to scale up its existing reuse systems that already operate successfully around the world. Refillable Coke bottles are used widely in large country markets such as India, Brazil, Chile, the Philippines, and Mexico, among others.

    Similarly, Trump’s executive order about straws (unsurprisingly) misses the point. The debate between paper or plastic – whether it be straws, cups, or takeout containers – bypasses a much more important opportunity to move away from single-use disposable packaging altogether and expand reuse systems. Particularly in the case of packaging that comes into direct contact with food and beverages, both disposable plastic and paper alike have been found to contain harmful chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols which are linked to a wide range of health issues. Arguing between paper or plastic is wasting precious time while we could be building large scale reuse systems that are better for the environment, human health, and the economy.

    Coca-Cola pioneered the reusable glass bottle system in the 1940s with great success. It knows full well how to operate large-scale reuse and refill systems using glass, which, unlike plastic, poses no health risks to consumers. PET plastic bottles shed microplastics and contain harmful chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, obesity, early puberty in children, reproductive health problems, and declining fertility. Chemicals in plastics cost Americans over $250 billion in annual healthcare. Coca-Cola is contributing to this public health crisis through its use of unsafe levels of antimony – a known carcinogen – and other chemicals in its PET plastic bottles.

    From household brand names like Coca-Cola to bulk packaging manufacturers, businesses are failing to seize the significant economic advantages that come with shifting to reusables (which has just been made easier than ever thanks to recent FDA changes to the federal food code). Unlike what the plastic industry would like us to believe, reuse systems can, in fact, be much better for business than single-use. Converting just 20% of global plastic packaging into reuse models could represent a $10 billion business opportunity, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Reuse: Rethinking Packaging report. The cost savings can be tremendous for even small businesses, which can save an average of $3,000 to $22,000 annually by transitioning from disposables to reusables. Even after accounting for upfront capital and labor costs, data from hundreds of case studies show that businesses that switch from single-use to reuse save money 100% of the time.

    The majority of American voters – Democrats and Republicans – want action to cut plastic pollution and protect our health. And literally zero Americans voted for Elon Musk’s takeover of the federal government. Musk’s DOGE agency has been wreaking havoc for weeks, slashing programs and firing workers who oversee essential services. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is the latest victim as hundreds of employees were fired late February. The consequences of this may be dire for plastic pollution as well as broader oceans issues alike.

    Many Americans interact with NOAA every day, maybe without even realizing it. NOAA provides vital services including weather and tide forecasts, extreme weather alerts, as well as fisheries and water quality data that keep people safe and allow businesses to thrive. One of NOAA’s most essential services include weather forecasts, which keep Americans informed about increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events. In 2024, the USA’s hottest year on record, the cost for the U.S. of these disasters was at least $182.7 billion. NOAA’s timely forecasting saves lives and livelihoods. Losing NOAA’s essential services could result in even greater costs and higher loss of life following the ever increasing extreme weather events. Tourism, transportation, food, retail, and other businesses depend on NOAA to keep their doors open.

    NOAA Fisheries uses the best available science to ensure safe, healthy food and to protect endangered species. When US consumers go to the supermarket to buy seafood, at least 80% of which is imported, NOAA Fisheries’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) is the filter that aims to prevent seafood fraud or seafood tainted with forced labor from ending up in people’s shopping baskets. Americans want to know what they are buying and feeding their families, and they support more transparency and traceability in seafood. At this time, the US government should be expanding this program and strengthening the enforcement of import controls to prevent market access of goods produced by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or forced labor. This would also better protect American seafood producers from unfair competition that relies on labor abuses and environmental destruction to keep costs low.

    Thankfully, people are rising up in defense of NOAA, and Greenpeace USA is too. At a recent press conference organized by US Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), climate and environmental advocates, scientists, and members of Congress, Greenpeace USA was there in solidarity – along with our life-sized sea turtle sculpture! Here she is front and center, despite the plastic straw in her nose and oil spill covering her shell, with a few new friends a sign that says it all: “Trump is polluting our democracy.” To take a stand in support of sea turtles and other endangered marine animals, add your name here to contact your Member of Congress to save NOAA’s programs that are critical to our oceans, coastal communities, and economies. If you represent an organization, you can also consider signing onto this letter to protect NOAA, joining the close to 500 other organizations from around the country. Together, our voices are stronger.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Restoring 12 Summit Trails on Colorado 14ers, Investing in More Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for Coloradans

    Source: US State of Colorado

    $2.4 million Awarded to 26 Non-Motorized Trail Projects 

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced that the Non-Motorized Trail Grant Program recently awarded $2,438,000 for 26 projects that will connect Coloradans and visitors to the outdoors with new and improved opportunities to get outside, including restoring trails on 12 of Colorado’s 14ers. The Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the grants during the March 2025 PWC meeting. 

    “Our iconic 14ers will now be even more accessible and safe to summit! In Colorado, we are focused on expanding outdoor recreational opportunities for all Coloradans, while protecting our natural resources and public lands. This funding will help Coloradans have fun, get outside, and be active while protecting our awe-inspiring natural landscapes, keeping Colorado beautiful for generations to come,” said Governor Polis. 

    The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program is a multi-agency partnership that includes CPW, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Lottery, and the Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). 

    “We’re excited to announce these Non-Motorized Trail Grants that will empower local agencies to create and maintain accessible trails while prioritizing wildlife conservation,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. “Our agency is tasked with providing wildlife management and world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. To deliver on this mission, we recognize that recreation and conservation goals can often support each other, and that funding partnerships with other organizations and agencies across the state are critical to accomplish those goals.”

    Last year, a new Trail Stewardship pilot program with additional support from Great Outdoors Colorado was launched. This program provides funding specifically to support trail stewardship crews hired by land managers and nonprofits who focus on maintenance work throughout Colorado. This year, the State Trails Program received $1,500,000 in funding from Great Outdoors Colorado. 

    “As we continue to see increased use and natural disasters impact our outdoor spaces, we are fortunate to partner with Great Outdoors Colorado to launch a new opportunity to fund stewardship crews who are caring for trails across the state,” said CPW Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation and Lands, Fletcher Jacobs. “These increased ‘boots on the ground’ trail crews will help support the Governor’s Wildly Important Goals to balance conservation and recreation by increasing the number of trail crew hours funded by the State Trails Program.” 

    2025 Grant Stats: 

    Construction: 3 grants totaling $575,000 

    Maintenance: 10 grants totaling $1,089,281 

    Planning/Support: 8 grants totaling $280,023 

    Trail Stewardship: 5 grant totaling $493,710 

    Some of the highlights from this year’s awarded projects include: 

    Statewide 14ers Trail Maintenance 2025 (Maintenance grant) 
    The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative was awarded a $250,000 grant to reconstruct and restore 12 summit trails on 14,000-foot peaks. The will include basic maintenance, intensive trail reconstruction and thousands of feet of closure/restoration. Reconstruction will include boardwalk repair, backwall supporting tundra beds, installation of timer check and rock steps. 

    The 12 summit trails included in the maintenance plan include: 

    • Mt. Bierstadt
    • Mt. Blue Sky
    • Quandary Peak
    • Mt. Democrat
    • Mt. Princeton
    • Mt. Massive
    • Capitol Peak
    • Mt. Columbia
    • San Luis Peak
    • Redcloud Peak
    • Wetterhorn Peak
    • Mt. Sneffels 

    Countywide Trail Maintenance Crew (Trail Stewardship grant) 
    Headwaters Trails Alliance was awarded an $89,040 grant to fund a four-to-six-person trail crew to maintain the 450 miles of trail in Grand County. This project will focus on assessing and addressing issues (deadfall and drainage), trail planning, drainage clearing and repair, and vegetation management. Work includes structure repair, replacement, and/or new construction (turnpikes, boardwalks, etc.), retread, regrading, outsloping, decommissioning, restoration and hazard tree clearing. 

    Trail Conservation Services (Trail Stewardship grant) 
    A $150,000 grant was awarded to the Colorado Mountain Bike Association to fund a trail stewardship crew of five to seven seasonal workers focused on addressing the backlog of maintenance of natural surface area trails, primarily in the recreation areas of the national forests that serve residents and visitors of the central Front Range. Work will focus on high-priority trails in the most heavily-used areas. COMBA’s trail crews have repaired and maintained more than 300 miles of trail, ensuring that these systems remain safe and accessible for the thousands of people who use them each year. 

    2025 Crested Butte Conservation Corps (Trail Stewardship grant) 
    The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association was awarded a $75,000 grant. The crews will assist land managers, stakeholders, municipalities, and open space partners in the stewardship and maintenance of trails and sustainable recreation in the north end of the Gunnison Valley. The work will include removing fallen trees blocking access to trails and roads, creating drainage structures to mitigate water on trails from snowmelt and runoff, armoring trails to provide a hardened surface for sustainability, and other general maintenance needed to provide a sustainable trail network. 

    Mesa County Trail Sustainability (Trail Stewardship grant) 
    Mesa County Public Health was awarded a $123,685 grant to fund a year-round 5 person trail crew. Efforts will focus on persistent resource degradation from user and environmental created conditions and concentrate on closing social trails in Grand Valley. This work will focus on beginner trails to lessen the barrier to entry in local outdoor recreation. Work will include narrowing tread width where trail users have widened it, construction and maintenance of drainage structures, corridor clearing, rock work, revegetation and invasive species management also factor into the day-to-day activities. 

    Routt County Riders/Hahn’s Peak Bear’s Ears Trail Crew 2025 (Maintenance grant) 
    Routt County Riders was awarded a $55,985 grant to fund a 2-person addition to the USFS Hahn’s Peak/Bear’s Ears Non-Motorized Trail Crew to conduct maintenance of almost 400 miles of trail across the region. The crew will focus on significant and heavy maintenance projects that have been identified and planned for in advance. The crew will start work on lower elevation trails, including a volunteer event day to clear accessible trails in the Dry Lake Area. This project will focus on maintaining access to these trails that are important to the local communities, state residents, and the American people at large. 

    Austin Bluffs Open Space Improvements (Construction grant) 
    The City of Colorado Springs was awarded a $250,000 grant to construct 2.65 miles of trail in the Austin Bluffs Open Space. Work includes new wayfinding, trailhead improvements, and illegal trail closure. The project will create a multi-use, multi direction single track trail and a ¼ mile Enlightenment Hiking Only Trail to the summit of Pulpit Rock. Work also includes decommissioning and restoring illegal trails, and additional trailhead work to improve and designate parking in two main lots. 

    Backcountry Trail Maintenance Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (Maintenance grant) 
    Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers was awarded a $148,566 grant to support two years of priority trail maintenance on seven trails in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. One area of focus will be on part of the Avalanche Creek Trail where a crossing has not been accessible for several years due to a bridge washing out. RFOV plans to maintain 15-18 miles of remote wilderness trail by installing drainage/erosion features (log or rock check dams, waterbars, retaining walls), and improving degraded tread. Trail crew work will be completed by a 4-person trail crew and volunteers. 

    Toivo Malm Trail Maintenance (Maintenance grant) 
    San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) was awarded a $66,534 grant to mitigate future yearly maintenance on the Toivo Malm Trail (a prized birding area) by laying two miles of crusher fine to ensure the trail is accessible year round. Additionally, a 280 ft. boardwalk will be developed for a portion of the trail that holds moisture during monsoon seasons, alleviating side paths created by users. The trail is a highly used community trail on Alamosa’s southeast side. SLV GO! works with community members to identify and meet the needs of that community to enhance overall health and wellness and sustain the region’s natural resources. 
     

    Poudre River Trail Realignment & Trailhead Design (Planning grant) 
    The City of Greeley was awarded a $45,000 grant for design, engineering and construction plans for rerouting 600 linear feet of the existing Poudre River Trail due to river migration impacts. The project will also include the development of a new trailhead at N. 59th Ave. Amenities at the trailhead may include 20-30 parking spaces, an information kiosk, vault toilet, bike parking, benches, shade structures with tables, landscaping and trail connections to nearby regional trails. 

    A complete list of the Recreational Trail Grants is available here. 

    About the grant process 

    The Colorado Recreational Trails Committee is responsible for the review process for the trail grant applications and makes recommendations to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission regarding funding for grants. 

    The grant selection process follows a three-tiered recommendation and approval process. Applications are first evaluated and scored by a grant subcommittee made up of volunteer outside reviewers, State Trails Committee members, and trails program staff, who rank the applications in an order of recommended funding priorities. The ranked applications are submitted to the State Trails Committee which evaluates and recommends projects to the Parks and Wildlife Commission. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revitalizing Downtowns in Western New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Cattaraugus will receive $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Villages of Westfield and Angola will each receive $4.5 million as the Western New York winners of the third round of NY Forward. For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

    “Our state’s downtowns unite friends and families, and these investments will only help reshape neighborhoods to become more vibrant destinations for shopping, dining and living,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our Pro-Housing Communities Program, affordable housing opportunities will open up in neighborhoods across Western New York and local economies will thrive from these opportunities.”

    To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10.5 million for technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth.

    Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

    $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Cattaraugus
    The Village of Cattaraugus is a vibrant community that is protected and tucked away, perched on a steep incline and sheltered by surrounding hills, productive farmlands and mature verdant forests. The original 19th century brick heart of the village, amazingly intact and a designated National Historic District, imbues a sense of history and character. Stores and businesses are locally owned, and the surrounding area abounds with hundreds of creative artists and artisans. The Village seeks to transform its historic red brick Main Street into a communal gathering place where our natural beauty, cultural heritage and small-town character converge to foster economic growth and enhance quality of life. The Village would become a regional attraction for dining and lodging using its industrial rail heritage to encourage outdoor recreation on its trails that will attract visitors and new residents to stay and enjoy the welcoming nature of the Village.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Westfield
    Westfield is a charming village that graces the southern shore of Lake Erie. This picturesque locale is defined by its stunning waterfront vistas and a wealth of recreational opportunities, inviting residents and visitors to embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them. Visitors and residents enjoy Westfield events like First Fridays, the Arts and Crafts Festival, the weekly Farmer’s Market, the Tour Chautauqua Cycling Event, the Grape and Wine Festival, Christmas in the Village, the Hot Toddy Crawl and the Christmas Cookie weekend. Historically, Westfield’s economy depended on agriculture and industry. Westfield’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable community that celebrates its rich history, natural beauty and agricultural heritage while fostering economic growth, creating housing choices and celebrating diverse cultural activities in a safe and welcoming environment.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Angola
    Located within the Town of Evans, the waterfront cottage village of Angola is a tourism destination area that draws thousands of regional, national and international visitors each year. While the Town benefits from its lakefront, the Village possesses entertainment options that are attractive to visitors like festivals, art attractions and more. The Village seeks to capitalize on community strengths and its strategic location near key assets — waterfront, rich history and natural resources — to create a unique and vibrant downtown destination in the rural Southtowns of Erie County. Leveraging the historic Angola Theater as the anchor, the Village will bolster the local economy and quality of life through its quaint historic buildings, creative visual and performing arts, unique retail and special events.

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that when we are investing in our communities, we can positively impact not just that community, but the entire region. And that’s exactly what will happen for these three communities receiving awards from our Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program. We can’t wait to see how these investments will make Cattaraugus, Westfield, Angola and the entire Western New York region flourish.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The three Western New York communities selected to be reinvigorated by the latest round of Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs each have unique projects that will boost business, create new housing, improve quality of life for local families, and attract new visitors. We congratulate the Villages of Cattaraugus, Angola, and Westfield for submitting solid plans to improve their downtowns by making smart investments in the existing assets. We are excited to see your blueprints for revitalization become a reality.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s $19 million DRI and NY Forward award represents monumental investment in the villages of Cattaraugus, Westfield and Angola, that will assist these three picturesque communities as they increase housing supply while transforming their downtowns to increase vibrancy and bring modern improvements to historic surroundings. This commitment to Western New York is only the latest example of Governor Hochul’s focus on enhancing communities and creating economic opportunities in all of New York’s regions.”

    Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Steve Stoute and Eric Reich said,“These investments mark a significant step in the revitalization of these vibrant communities. Each village boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, and this funding will help unlock their full potential, while enhancing economic growth, fostering sustainability, and creating welcoming destinations for both residents and visitors. By preserving their distinct character while promoting long-term development, the funding will strengthen local economies and ensure a lasting impact for generations to come. The council extends its gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her steadfast support through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NY Forward program, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative outcomes of these investments.”

    Village of Cattaraugus Mayor Anthony Nagel said, “The Village of Cattaraugus is deeply honored to receive the Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, a transformative investment in our community’s future. This funding will enable us to revitalize our infrastructure, support local businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors. We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul for recognizing the potential of our village and making this significant investment. With this grant, we are committed to preserving our heritage while fostering a stronger, more vibrant future for generations to come.”

    Village of Westfield Mayor Dennis Lutes said, “On behalf of the Village of Westfield, I am deeply honored that we have been selected as recipients of a NY Forward grant. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership and for establishing the NY Forward program to support small communities like ours. This investment marks a pivotal moment for Westfield, providing us with an incredible opportunity to revitalize our village and build upon the progress we have already made. We are truly grateful to Governor Hochul, Department of State, the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, Empire State Development, the Westfield Development Corporation, and all the dedicated stakeholders who contributed to making this application a success. Their hard work and commitment to our community are greatly appreciated.”

    Village of Angola Mayor Thomas M. Whelan said, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive the NY Forward grant. This funding will have a transformative impact on our community, enabling us to revitalize key areas and enhance the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors. The NY Forward grant reflects New York State’s steadfast commitment to supporting small communities like ours, fostering growth, and driving meaningful progress. We are honored to be a recipient of this initiative and eager to put these funds to work for the betterment of our village. I sincerely appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul and her team for their support and belief in our vision. Her dedication to strengthening small communities is truly inspiring, and we look forward to working together to bring our vision to fruition.”

    Cattaraugus, Westfield and Angola will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.

    The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

    About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program
    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clean Energy Investments That Fueling Economic Growth

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced economic development awards to 14 firms that will spur nearly $200 million in capital investments and support 1,833 jobs in New York State. The awards, approved by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees today, included statewide ReCharge NY power allocations to 11 companies, including electric school bus company Micro Bird and two Western New York hydropower allocations to Big Heart Pet Brands and Rosina Food Products in Erie County. Additionally, the NYPA trustees approved a hydropower allocation to the Village of Marathon in Cortland County to support Square Deal Machining’s expansion project.

    “New York’s clean energy investments are fueling economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “By leveraging NYPA’s low-cost hydropower and ReCharge NY, we are driving nearly $200 million in private investment and ensuring that businesses – including Plattsburgh-based electric bus manufacturer Micro Bird – can expand, compete, and thrive right here in New York.”

    ReCharge NY
    The Board of Trustees approved allocations of nearly 5.2 megawatts (MW) of low-cost power under the Power Authority’s ReCharge NY program that will be directed to 11 companies in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, New York City, North Country and Western New York.

    Included among the awards is a low-cost power allocation to Micro Bird, the largest manufacturer of small school buses in North America. The firm builds both electric and non-electric small and mid-sized school and commercial buses. The manufacturer was awarded a 640-kilowatt (kW) ReCharge NY power allocation to expand manufacturing at its Plattsburgh site and double its current production capacity.

    In November 2024, Governor Hochul announced Micro Bird acquired a Plattsburgh production facility from Nova Bus, providing employees with the opportunity to transition to similar employment positions at Micro Bird. The NYPA economic development award to Nova Bus builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to grow manufacturing and continue investments that support the transportation and green economy sectors.

    NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The expansion of Micro Bird bus company in the North Country, supported by a low-cost ReCharge NY power allocation, is a prime example of NYPA’s commitment to help keep and create jobs in New York State. NYPA’s low-cost hydropower is an economic driver in communities across the state, providing the resources needed for businesses to grow and succeed, and today’s awards will build on that work, creating jobs from Plattsburgh to Buffalo.”

    ReCharge NY has strengthened New York State’s economy by encouraging companies to retain and create jobs, while sparking capital investment throughout the state. ReCharge NY offers power contracts with terms up to seven years. Half of the power—455 MW—is from NYPA’s Niagara and St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt hydroelectric power plants. The remaining 455 MW is lower-cost power bought by NYPA on the wholesale market.

    A full list of today’s ReCharge NY power allocations and economic development awards is available.

    Western New York Hydropower
    At today’s meeting, the NYPA board approved low-cost Niagara hydropower allocations for Big Heart Pet Brands and Rosina Food Products.

    Big Heart, a Buffalo-based manufacturer and distributor of pet food products—including Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Pup-Peroni, Canine Carry Outs, and Milo’s Kitchen—was awarded 700 kW of Niagara hydropower to support a nearly $53 million expansion that will create 17 jobs. The project includes the relocation of the firm’s Soft & Chewy dog treat brand to a larger space within its facility and the addition of processing equipment to support a new production line. Subsequently, the current location of the Soft & Chewy processing equipment would be used to produce other dog biscuits. The expansion—which includes the construction of a nearly 900 square-foot meat storage freezer and purchase of new machinery and equipment—will significantly expand the Soft & Chewy product line while adding approximately 20,000 tons of additional dog biscuit capacity.

    Rosina Food Products, a Buffalo-based manufacturer of Italian-style frozen food products, was awarded 4,500 kW of Niagara hydropower for expansions at its West Seneca facilities. Rosina’s project includes a 30,000 square-foot expansion of its frozen meatball production plant and the associated purchase of grinders, mixers, meatball formers, ovens, freezers, and packaging equipment to increase capacity. Additionally, Rosina plans to increase the capacity of its tortellini and ravioli manufacturing. Rosina will construct a new, 30,000 square-foot addition for pasta production equipped with new mixers, extruders, tortellini and ravioli formers, blanchers, freezers, and packaging and boxing machines. In total, Rosina’s expansion will total $50 million and lead to the creation of 95 jobs.

    NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “The approval of Niagara hydropower allocations for Big Heart Pet Brands and Rosina Food Products highlight the critical role that NYPA plays in bolstering the economic landscape of Western New York. These allocations support significant investments in our communities and create meaningful job opportunities for our residents. NYPA’s economic development efforts continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of our local communities and strengthen the business environment across New York.”

    Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for eligible companies located within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and in Chautauqua County.

    Industrial Economic Development Program
    Also at today’s meeting, the NYPA board approved a 350-kilowatt low-cost hydropower allocation to the Village of Marathon in Cortland County under the Power Authority’s Industrial Economic Development program (IEDP).

    Square Deal Machining, a Marathon-based machine shop that offers comprehensive metal fabrication, machining and welding services, is planning to construct a 30,000 square-foot addition at their current facility. As part of their expansion, the firm will install four robotic weld cells, six hand weld cell areas, overhead cranes, shipping racks, and purchase additional fork trucks and materials. As a result of the $3.5 million project, Square Deal will create 24 jobs. Square Deal is an existing IEDP customer, employing 165 people in the region.

    IEDP comprises 54 MW of the more than 768 MW of hydropower allocated to the 51 municipal and rural electric cooperative systems around New York State. Power under the program is allocated to individual municipal systems to meet the increased electric load resulting from eligible new or expanding businesses in their service area.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “With ESD and NYPA support, we are proud to see multiple projects moving forward. In addition to today’s NYPA award, ESD has previously provided incentives to Rosina Foods and looks forward to supporting the growth of Big Heart Pet Brands in Buffalo. Both of these well-known companies are proven job creators in their communities. These strategic investments will support their expansion and solidify their future business in Western New York.”

    State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, “The expansion of Rosina’s West Seneca facility is testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to Western New York and the strength of the local workforce. NYPA’s support of this project and others sends a positive message about the role of manufacturing in our region and the important relationship between the public and private sector when it comes to economic development and helping businesses succeed.”

    State Senator April Baskin said, “It is always welcome news to learn about job expansions and capital investments in my district and throughout our state. Thanks to NYPA support, considered under its diversity, equity, and inclusion plan, Big Heart is able to expand not only their manufacturing capabilities but also the company’s work force. This innovative collaborative effort results in companies becoming even stronger and the customer base better served.”

    Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “The New York Power Authority’s support of a firm based in the 141st Assembly District, through its D.E.I. evaluation plan is a big deal. The hydropower supports the expansion of facilities and capacity and, in a big picture sense, supports economic development on Buffalo’s east side.”

    Assemblymember Patrick Burke said, “I’m pleased to see continued growth in our region, thanks to smart investments like the one from Rosina Food Products. Their expansion in West Seneca, supported by low-cost Niagara hydro-power, will create new jobs and provide a boost to our local economy. This is exactly the kind of growth we need to strengthen our community and provide more opportunities for Western New Yorkers. The availability of affordable, renewable, and clean hydro-power is a key asset for businesses here, helping them expand, stay competitive, and invest in our workforce. This allocation demonstrates how the power of Niagara Falls is not only an economic engine for New York State but also a vital resource for driving growth and job creation in our region, all while supporting sustainable energy solutions.”

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “It is critical that we provide support and resources to help our small businesses decarbonize as we work to reach our climate goals. I am very pleased to see these affordable energy investments reaching across the state, including for small businesses in my Hudson Valley district.”

    New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan
    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    About NYPA
    NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit  www.nypa.gov  and follow us on  Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram,  Tumblr  and  LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI USA News –