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Air Quality - Natural Resources

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1. What type of air challenges does the Alamo region face?

The Alamo region enjoys good air quality most of the time. However, the region typically experiences several days each summer when ground-level ozone reaches unhealthy levels. For more information, please view the following webpage. Air Quality Outreach & Education

2. Where can I find information about alternative fuels and electric vehicle charging?

You can find this information on the following webpage. Clean Cities

3. How can I find out about the Air Quality Stewardship Awards?

This information may be found on the following webpage. Air Quality Stewardship Awards

4. How do I sign up for the Air Quality Health Alert notification program?

Send an email to Yliana Flores requesting placement on the notification list. Please specify the email address where you wish to receive alert notifications.

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Alamo Area Agency on Aging

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1. Can I request services for someone who lives in the 11 rural counties even if I live outside the rural counties?

Referrals for services may be made through another individual, but the Alamo Area Agency on Aging will need specific client information prior to authorizing services. Call (866) 231-4922 for more information.

2. What qualifies me to receive services through the Alamo Area Agency on Aging?

You are eligible to request services from Alamo Area Agency on Aging if you are:

• Caregivers of individuals ages 60 and over
• Over 60 years of age within the 11 rural counties of AACOG (Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson Counties)
• A resident of any age who is eligible for Medicare within the 11 counties of the AACOG region

Please call (866) 231-4922 for information.

3. What services are offered through Alamo Area Agency on Aging?

The Alamo Area Agency on Aging provides several services to qualified individuals. Please view the following webpage for details. Alamo Area Agency on Aging

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Alamo Local Authority

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1. Who is Eligible for ALA Services?

Any resident (child or adult) of Bexar County, who is believed to have one or more of the following disabilities, may be eligible for services through the ALA:

Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (i.e., Autism, Asperger's Syndrome)
Persons with related conditions who are eligible for services in Medicaid programs operated by DADS
Nursing facility residents who are eligible for specialized services due to intellectual and developmental disabilities or a related condition
Children who are eligible for services from the Early Childhood Intervention Interagency Council (ECI)

2. When will I be eligible for services?

All Alamo Local Authority (ALA) programs currently have an interest list. For more information, contact ALA's Intake and Eligibility Department at (210) 832-5020.

3. Who is my service coordinator?

Refer to your service coordination introduction letter or call (210) 832-5020 to be referred to your service coordinator.

4. What is an EDA?

An EDA is an eligibility determination assessment, formerly known as a DMR. The assessment will determine what services you may be eligible for. To find out more, call the Alamo Local Authority at (210) 832-5020.

5. At what age can my child be tested for developmental delays?

There is no minimum or maximum age requirement to have an Eligibility Determination Assessment (EDA) completed. However, to receive services, there must be evidence that an intellectual disability originated prior to age 18.

6. I am in a Medicaid-waiver program and I want to transfer to another county, whom should I contact?

Contact your assigned Services Coordination Specialist, and he or she can assist you with contact information for that county and to facilitate the transfer process.

7. How do you request services through the ALA?

The process begins with the intake unit by the completion and submission of an intake and eligibility (I&E) application. Either download an I&E application from our website, request one be mailed to you, or call an intake worker at (210) 832-5020. Intake and Eligibility Application

8. I received a letter from the Social Security office. Can someone help me with making sure I respond appropriately to the request?

The ALA program has a benefits specialist to assist you with maintaining or reestablishing your benefits, once you have completed the Eligibility Determination process through the ALA. For more information, contact Benefits Specialist Sandra Garcia-Medina.

9. Can an individual receive emergency services from the ALA, such as respite services, if noted to have developmental disabilities but not yet tested or determined to be eligible for service

Yes, the ALA works with Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, hospital establishments, the general public, etc that have cases that meet the safety net requirements for emergency services for placement or respite.

10. How can I become a local revenue provider?

Review the Open Enrollment Application (found in Provider Resources) for a description of the requirements and submittal process. If you have questions, contact the ALA Client Rights Officer at (210) 832-5020.

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Alamo Regional Transit

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1. How do I schedule a ride with Alamo Regional Transit (ART)?

If you reside in the Alamo region, call the ART Dispatch Center at (866) 889-7433. You can also review the following webpage for information. How to Schedule a Ride

2. How much does it cost to ride the Alamo Regional Transit?

Alamo Regional Transit (ART) fares are as follows:

• One-way transit in town - $1
• One-way transit in county - $3
• One-way transit out of county - $5
• One-way transit in two or more counties - $7

3. Is service available to me if I live in San Antonio?

No. Alamo Regional Transit (ART) is only available to residents who live in the greater Alamo region. For public transportation resources in Bexar County or San Antonio, please visit AACOG's Alamo Service Connection or VIA Metropolitan Transit.

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BAAA - Ombudsman Program

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1. Where do consumers file complaints about nursing homes and assisted living facilities?

To file complaints of this nature, contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services complaint hotline at (800) 458-9858.

2. In cases of financial exploitation of the elderly, where can consumers file complaints?

Complaints of this nature should be filed with the Texas Department of Families and Protective Services complaint line at (800) 252-5400.

3. If consumers do not know how to contact their regional ombudsman program, where should they call?

Contact the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services at (800) 252-2412.

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Basic Peace Officer Academy

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1. Can anyone join a law enforcement academy and become a peace officer?

No, persons entering any Texas law enforcement academy must meet certain eligibility requirements set by state law. The Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy has additional eligibility requirements.

2. What things may keep a person from being eligible to attend the Alamo Area Regional Law Enforcement Academy?

Applicants that have not achieved minimum educational requirements (high school diploma or GED) will not be eligible to attend the Academy. In addition, applicants with felony convictions and some classes of misdemeanors are ineligible. Finally, applicants with a dishonorable discharge or a bad conduct discharge from military service will be ineligible.

3. Does the Academy disqualify applicants for any other reason than those mentioned above?

Yes. Applicants must pass an entrance exam that determines level of basic reading, writing and math skills. In addition, applicants must pass a physical examination, psychological examination, drug screening and meet a physical fitness standard discussed below. Failure to pass any one of these requirements will exclude an applicant from the Academy.

4. How long does it take to complete the basic peace officer certification or basic corrections officer certification?

The basic peace office course is approximately 1000 hours. The full-time session is 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Students enrolled in the full-time session complete the program in approximately 6 months. The part-time session 4 hours per evening, Monday through Friday. Students enrolled in the part-time session complete the program in approximately 12 months. The basic corrections course is approximately 100 hours. Class times vary for each basic corrections course but students generally complete training within 2 weeks.

5. What is the cost of the basic peace officer certification and the basic corrections officer certification?

Tuition for the basic peace officer course is $2,000.00. Tuition covers books and use of Academy training equipment. Additional expenses throughout the course are approximately $800.00 per cadet. These additional expenses cover uniforms, ammunition, applicant processing fees, certain intermediate certification courses, and other incidentals. The Academy offers a financial payment plan which divides the basic tuition into 4 equal payments of $500 in 45 day increments. First payment is due the first day of class. Tuition for the basic corrections course is $500 which includes text books and materials. There are additional expenses for application fees and physical examination.

6. Is financial assistance available to basic peace officer and basic corrections officer students?

Other than the installment plan mentioned previously, the Academy is approved for V.A. benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs program. In addition, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill will apply to the basic peace officer course effective October 1, 2011. Due to the short course session of the basic corrections officer course, there is no installment plan available to students enrolled in that course.

7. Are students required to wear uniforms?

Yes. The Academy has rules of conduct which includes that all cadets wear the approved Academy uniform. Students that are employed by a law enforcement agency while attending the Academy will be permitted to wear their agency's dress uniform if the student has authorization from their agency supervisor to do so. Students attending the basic corrections officer course are not required to wear the approved Academy uniform but may be required to wear their agency's uniform if the student is already employed by a corrections agency.

8. Does the Academy require cadets to purchase a weapon?

No, the Academy will provide cadets with weapons during all firearms training. No personal weapons will be allowed at the Academy or off-site training facilities.

9. What are the physical fitness requirements?

The Academy requires applicants to pass an entrance physical fitness assessment as part of the application process. Once admitted, students are required to pass a mid-term and final physical fitness assessment. These assessments are progressive over the course of the class. The physical fitness assessment utilizes components of the Cooper Institute’s Physical Fitness Assessment Battery. The components of the entrance assessment are as follows:

• Minimum of 12 push-ups in one minute
• Minimum of 22 sit-ups in one minute
• One and a half mile run in less than 16:31 minutes

10. Will there be a standardized method for performing situps and pushups during the entrance physical fitness assessment?

Yes, Push-ups must be performed in the following manner: hands placed approximately shoulder-width apart, with fingers pointing forward, legs together, toes touching the floor. A partner will place one fist on the floor between the applicant’s arms below the chest. Starting from the up position (elbows fully extended), applicant must keep his/her back straight at all times (do not allow the back to arch in any direction) and lower his/her body to the floor until the chest touches the partner’s fist. Return to the up position completes one repetition. The only parts of the body touching the floor should be palms and toes. Resting is done only in the up position.

Sit ups must be performed in the following manner: applicant’s back will be flat on the floor, knees bent, heels flat on the floor, with fingers interlaced and held behind the head. A partner will hold applicant’s feet down firmly. When in the up position, applicant’s elbows must touch any part of the upper leg or knee area; this is one repetition. Applicant will then return to the starting position until the shoulder blades touch the floor. Hips must remain on the floor. Any resting must be done in the up position.

11. How and where will applicants be required to run during the entrance physical fitness assessment?

The run will be performed as a group in the Academy parking lot. Three (3) laps around the outer perimeter of the parking lot will equal one and a half miles.

12. What attire should applicants wear during the entrance physical fitness assessment?

Applicants should wear proper physical training attire and running shoes for the entrance physical fitness assessment.

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Bexar Area Agency on Aging

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1. Who does the Bexar Area Agency on Aging (BAAA) serve?

Bexar Area Agency on Aging (BAAA) serves Bexar County and San Antonio residents who are 60 years or older or who are family caregivers of those 60 and older. BAAA serves grandparents who are 55 or older and raising grandchildren. A department of BAAA, the Alamo Service Connection, serves residents who are 60 and older, disabled adults of any age, and their friends or family who are helping them. All persons in these categories are assisted regardless of income, and BAAA places a priority on assisting people who are low-income and 85 years or older who are considered higher-risk. For Residents in 11 counties surrounding Bexar

2. How does Bexar Area Agency on Aging (BAAA) help?

Among BAAA’s services are:

• Home visits


• Service coordination


• Information and referral


• Community education on aging issues


• Counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security


• Legal assistance


• Health and fitness classes


• Transportation coordination


• Medication management


• Assistance with in-home services and repairs for home-bound seniors


• Family caregiver support groups


• Respite for family caregivers


• Grandparents raising grandchildren support groups


• Transportation, hot lunches, and home-delivered meals for seniors in coordination with community partners

For more information about the services the BAAA provides, please call (210) 477-3275.

3. What is the cost for services?

Services are provided at no charge. Donations are welcomed to provide for additional needs.

4. Does the Bexar Area Agency on Aging have an advisory board?

The Bexar Area Agency on Aging has an advisory committee: Bexar Senior Advisory Committee (BSAC). Committee Information

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CARE Program FAQs

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1. Am I eligible to participate in the CARE Program?

You are eligible to participate if 1) you both work and live in the 12-county AACOG region; 2) you commute to your job an average of 3 times per week or more by carpooling, vanpooling, bus riding, cycling, or walking; and 3) you have recorded your trips and kept your home, work, and email address up-to-date on NuRide.com. The AACOG region includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson Counties.

2. Do I qualify for an emergency ride home rebate?

If you meet the three eligibility criteria for program participation and have an emergency, and if you have not already used 4 coupons within the previous 12 months, you may qualify for reimbursement of up to $50 for cab fare. If you work more than 12 miles from your home, you may apply for reimbursement of up to $50 for either a cab or a rental vehicle fee, provided you have not already used 4 coupons within the previous 12 months. AACOG will not reimburse tips provided to drivers nor the cost of gasoline or other costs associated with renting a vehicle.

3. What counts as an “emergency” for getting a cab or rental car reimbursement?

Types of trips for which you may be reimbursed are:
-- You have a personal or family illness or injury while you are at work
-- You learn there’s a fire or break-in at your home while you are at work
-- You are stranded at work due to your carpool/vanpool driver's illness or emergency
-- Your supervisor is requiring that you work overtime on short notice

Examples of situations for which related trips will NOT be considered reimbursable are:
-- Your origin (beginning point) is not the address of your place of employment
-- Your destination (ending point) is not your home, place you’ve left your car, or a medical facility
-- You have left work to run personal errands or go to the airport for a scheduled trip
-- You go to a meeting or a previously arranged appointment
-- You experience a weather-related event such as a rain storm
-- You experience transportation system delays
-- The vehicle in which you’ve come to work or your bicycle has broken down
-- Your building has closed (e.g., due to a power outage)
-- You have chosen to work overtime
-- You are fired from your job

4. How does the CARE Program work?

The CARE Program reimburses those eligible to participate who qualify for a ride home rebate from work in case of emergency up to $50 for a cab fare, or, in some cases, for a vehicle rental fee. People who are eligible will see a rebate coupon, or reimbursement form, in the “My Rewards” section of Nuride.com, which they can submit to AACOG’s Commute Solutions Program to request reimbursement, along with an original receipt for a cab ride or vehicle rental.

5. What do I do when I need a ride home in an emergency?

If you are eligible and qualified, simply call a cab of your choice and arrange to get a ride home. Make sure you ask the driver for a receipt showing the cab company’s name, date and time of your trip, the addresses where you were picked up and dropped off (origin and destination), the driver’s name or ID number, and the cab fare amount.

If you work more than 12 miles from where you live you have an additional option to arrange to take a rental car home, but do be aware that obtaining a rental car may take longer to arrange because you must be picked up and taken to a rental facility to complete paperwork and get a car, you will be responsible for paying for fuel, and you will need to return the car within the allotted time period to avoid additional fees. Upon returning the car, make sure you obtain a receipt that shows the rental agency’s name, the address at which you were picked up to be taken to the rental facility, the date and time of your rental and return, and the basic rental fee.

6. How do I apply for an emergency ride home rebate?

After you've taken an emergency ride, request a rebate coupon through the “My Rewards” section of Nuride.com. The rebate coupon will be emailed to you within 24-hours, and you may print it out. Make a copy of your receipt for your records and submit the original along with a completed rebate form (or “coupon”). Please keep in mind that your rebate form and the postmark on the envelope containing your rebate request must be dated within one week of your emergency ride home. Please submit the rebate coupon and your receipt to: AACOG - Commute Solutions/CARE Program, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 700, San Antonio, TX 78217. Pending approval, a rebate check for up to $50 per coupon should be mailed to you within a month after we receive the request.

7. How often can I get an emergency ride home rebate?

Depending on availability of program funding, you may redeem up to four rebate coupons within a twelve-month period. The coupons may be used for four separate rides; however, if you work a long distance from your home you may use more than one coupon for a cab ride home, and in that case you’d get fewer separate rides home within a year’s time. Please be aware that once you request a coupon through Nuride.com, it may be 24 hours before you may request another.

8. What if I live far away from where I work, and a $50 rebate will not cover my cab ride?

Provided that you both live and work in the Alamo region (which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson Counties), you have two possible options:

1) If you have not already used 3 other rebate coupons in the past 12-months, you may print and use an additional coupon to cover your expenses for a single ride. Please note that you may have to wait 24 hours before you can print your second coupon through NuRide.com, so plan accordingly, remembering that your reimbursement form and the postmark on your rebate request must be dated within one week of your emergency ride home.

2) If you work more than 12 miles from where you live, and provided you are a licensed driver, you may arrange to rent a car to go home from an agency (such as Enterprise) that will pick you up at work. If you rent from a company that has a contract with the State of Texas, your rental fee should be lower than $50 for 24 hours or less. Please keep in mind that making arrangements to rent a car will usually take longer than arranging for a cab, and you will also be responsible for returning the car, paying for gas, and for whatever fees are in addition to the basic rental fee (which should be no more than $37.50 with a rental agency that has a contract with the State of Texas). In addition, many car rental agencies do not deliver vehicles to where you are, and those that do may do so only during regular business hours.

9. What if I’m taking a cab and I need to make a stop before going home?

If you need to make a stop that is related to your emergency, such as your child’s school or a pharmacy, your wait time will be included in the fare reimbursed, up to $50.

10. What if I’ve left my car somewhere other than home when I carpool, take the bus, or bicycle to work and an emergency arises?

If you have driven to where you meet your carpool/vanpool partners, to where you take the bus, or where you begin riding your bike, your car may qualify as an alternative destination to your home. In addition, you may be reimbursed for a ride to a medical facility, if your emergency is such that you need urgent care.

11. I still have unexpired taxi vouchers that I received through the CARE Program in 2011. Are they still good?

Yes. We will honor all unexpired CARE Program vouchers. Please continue to use your vouchers until they expire.

12. I used all the CARE vouchers that were issued to me in 2011. Can I go ahead and apply for reimbursement for a ride home now?

Since you were only allowed to use four vouchers per year, you will not be able to apply for reimbursement until after the expiration date that appeared on those vouchers. For example, if the expiration date on your vouchers was November 30, 2012, you would not be able to apply for reimbursement for a ride that was taken before December 1, 2012.

13. What if my question is not answered among these Frequently Asked Questions?

For more information, email the CARE program or call (210) 362-5213.

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Clean Cities FAQs

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1. What is Clean Cities?

Clean Cities is a locally based, government-industry partnership designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of alternative fuels (AFs), alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, hybrid-electric vehicles, and fuel economy. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) since 1992, Clean Cities contributes to the environmental, economic and energy use of the United States by reducing our dependence on imported petroleum. The DOE is committed to energy use in America’s transportation sector that is more efficient, less dependent on foreign sources, less environmentally disruptive, sustainable, and safe. By encouraging alternative fuel and vehicle use, and incorporating a range of transportation technologies to reduce petroleum consumption, the Clean Cities program helps enhance energy security and environmental quality at both the national and local levels. Today there are almost 90 active Clean Cities coalitions across the United States.

2. What are the goals of Clean Cities?

The success of Clean Cities program lies with coalitions of motivated individuals working together to reach a common ideal to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Each coalition’s “grass roots” approach is responsible for building its own group of stakeholders, holding meetings, developing a plan and setting goals. The goals of the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition consist of the following:

• Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil


• Increasing the use of alternative fuels


• Creating new jobs and commercial opportunities


• Expanding local refueling infrastructure


• Developing of a “clean” corridor (I-35 & 1-10 through Texas)


• Advancing clean air objectives


• Supporting regulated fleets


• Acknowledging alternative fuels in the region


• Promoting fuel economy


• Supporting fuel blends


• Supporting anti-idling technologies


• Promote electric hybrid and all electric vehicles

3. Who can become a Clean Cities Stakeholder?

Anyone can become a stakeholder. AACC invites and encourages you to become involved in the effort to promote energy security and become a pro-active participant in local air quality efforts. Becoming an AACC Stakeholder identifies your organization as a leader in the San Antonio region working towards accomplishing the Clean Cities mission to increase the use of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles, alternative fuel blends, idle reduction technologies and policies, and fuel economy strategies.

4. Where can I go to find alternative fueling stations in San Antonio?

Please use the Clean Cities Alternative Fueling Station Locator. This tool will help you search for all fueling stations in your location. Click here for Alternative Fueling Station Locator

5. Where can I find information about alternative fuels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure?

You can find this information on the following webpage. Clean Cities

6. What is the Clean Cities Annual Report?

Each year, Clean Cities Coalitions nationwide collect information on the use of cleaner transportation options in order to document the growing use of alternative fuels, vehicles, and fuel saving technologies in their regions. One of the responsibilities of Clean Cities Coalitions is to track the number of fleets using alternative fuel vehicles so we can annually report the millions of gallons of gasoline that are displaced nationwide. To do this, however, we need the help of our stakeholders to fill out the Clean Cities Annual Survey.

7. What do you do with the data collected from the Annual Survey?

All Clean Cities Coalitions collect the same data so we can annually report the total gasoline gallons equivalent that are displaced throughout the nation in a given year. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory compiles this data in an annual report—the Clean Cities Annual Metrics Report—which is available on the Clean Cities website: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/accomplishments.html. As with all data we collect, your contact information will not be shared for any other purpose.

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Government Services

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1. Where can I find out specific demographic information to assist me in completing my grant application?

Contact Joe Ramos at (210) 362-5212 for assistance.

2. When is the next training for newly elected officials?

The next training date will be in July or August of 2012. Information about the training will be sent out to all member governments and posted on the AACOG website in May or June of 2012.

3. How do I set up a meeting with the Economic Development Administration regional office staff in Austin?

Contact Joe Ramos at (210) 362-5212 for assistance in scheduling a meeting.

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Human Resources

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1. Do you have any job openings?

Jobs are posted on the AACOG website and the Work in Texas website. You may also refer to your community newspaper for any local job openings. Current Job Openings

2. How do I apply?

You may apply online through AACOG's Applicant Self-Service.

3. Do I have to fill out an application or can I just submit a resume?

A completed online employment application must be submitted to be considered for any open position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an employment application; however you may attach a resume online when applying for a position. An employment application must be completed for each position to which you are applying.

4. What happens after I apply?

We evaluate your application to determine whether you qualify by comparing your background to the job qualifications and/or requirements. The hiring department selects which of the qualified candidates to interview and makes a recommendation for hire. AACOG conducts background checks on all recommended new hires. The application review process can take up to 4 - 6 weeks to complete.

5. How do I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, please call (210) 362-5200 or contact Human Resources online.

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Regional Data Center

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1. Where is the best place to get Census 2010 data?

The most comprehensive data publishing effort to date is at Census.gov website. This site lets you select the variables you want and presents them in both a printable and download-able form. Census 2010 Data

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Resource Recovery

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1. Where can I find information about the closed landfill inventory?

Visit the following webpage for more information. Closed Landfill Inventory

2. Where can I recycle?

To find area recycling centers, view Regional Recycling Opportunities or visit the following website. Earth911

3. Where can I find an operating landfill in AACOG?

Operating landfills are listed on the following webpage. Regional Recycling Opportunities

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Walk & Roll Challenge FAQs

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1. Who is eligible to participate in the Walk & Roll Challenge?

Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and lives in the 12-county region surrounding San Antonio (Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson) may participate.

Businesses, agencies, hospitals, universities and other organizations in the region may participate, too, and if you would like your organization to officially be a part of this challenge, please contact Annette Prosterman.

2. What kind of trips count towards this challenge?

Eligible to include in this challenge are trips participants record to and/or from a specific destination for transportation purposes (i.e., not solely for the sake of exercise or enjoyment).

In addition to travel that actually occurs by alternative means, such as by carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, riding a bicycle, or walking, “trips” for telecommuting (working from home instead of going to the office) and for working only four days a week or nine days every two weeks due to a compressed work schedule also count toward the Challenge.

Trips must be recorded by midnight on November 1 (that is, no later than 11:59:59 pm on October 31) to count toward this challenge.

3. How do I register on NuRide?

Go to Nuride.com, click on the green “Sign up” button, and simply follow the prompts from there. If you need help, you can contact NuRide or access frequently asked questions through links at the bottom of the pages.

If you have a work email address and your organization is located in the 12-county Alamo region, be sure to identify your organization when you sign up, so your organization can also get credit for your trips.

4. How do I sign up for the Walk & Roll Challenge?

Just sign up at NuRide.com and start recording your trips!

5. What can people win in the Challenge?

In addition to the regular reward points for recording trips on NuRide that can be redeemed for over 100 rewards from places as varied as Dick’s Sporting Goods, La Madeleine, The Witte Museum, and H-E-B, Challenge participants who record at least 3 trips during a week (Monday through Sunday) will be eligible for that week’s drawing of a $50 Visa Gift card. The first of 8 weekly drawings will be held on September 10 (the first drawing includes a few extra days; from September 1 through 9). In addition, there will be a $200 Visa Gift card grand prize drawing for everyone who has recorded at least one trip during the September-October challenge timeframe. The more trips recorded, the better the chances of winning!

6. I am already reporting my daily bus ride commutes on NuRide. Do I need to do something/record extra information to have these reports count, either for myself or for the place I work?

As an individual, you’re all set!

If you have a work email address and your organization is located in the 12-county Alamo region, please go into “My Account” to make sure your organization is listed under “Organization.” If not, your organization cannot get credit for your trip as part of the “corporate” challenge.

7. Do I have to reenter information for each and every trip I make, even if all I do is go back and forth to work every day?

No, if you take trips on a schedule to the same place, you can set up the system to record those recurring trips automatically during the first time you record the trip. Also, you can enter location information one time for your favorite restaurants, your gym, the library, and other places you usually travel by alternative means such as walking, and from then on, just select that location from a drop-down list. It’s easy!

8. I don’t want to have to record my trips on NuRide. Can I still participate in the challenge?

The only way to participate is by recording your trips on NuRide. In order to report accurately the impact the Challenge is having on vehicle emissions, it is important that all participants report trips in the same way; through NuRide. Remember, you’ll have access to nearly 100 different rewards from NuRide and may be eligible for additional drawing prizes when you record your trips on NuRide.

9. I drop off my kids at school on my way to work. Does that count as carpooling?

No, what you described does not involve two or more drivers who opt to ride together rather than each taking their own vehicle, thereby resulting in a reduction of vehicle miles traveled (and reducing vehicle emissions) by sharing a ride. If you are not riding with another potential driver who could be taking another vehicle rather than riding with you, then you are not actually carpooling.

10. How are the winners going to be determined?

All participants who record trips taken by biking, walking, busing, or carpooling, and trips saved through telecommuting or working a compressed workweek schedule can earn points towards NuRide rewards. During the Challenge, random winners will be selected weekly from among those participants who have recorded at least three trips in the previous week. In addition, there will be one grand prize drawing winner selected from among those participants who have recorded at least one trip during the Challenge.

Businesses that have informed AACOG that they are officially competing can win by having the most trips taken per employee in the small and large organization categories. For example, say Business A has 1,000 employees. Of them, 187 are involved in the challenge and they collectively record a total of 2,000 trips. Business A’s 2,000 trips would be divided by 1,000 employees, and its average would be 2 trips per employee. Business B has 650 employees. Of them, 178 are involved in the challenge and collectively record 1,995 trips. Business B’s 1,995 trips would be divided by 650 employees, and its average would be 3 trips per employee. Even though Business A recorded more trips, Business B would be the winner, because proportionately more people were involved from Business B and they collectively recorded more trips.

11. How do I find out more?

Please check out the list of Frequently Asked Questions linked at the bottom of the NuRide site pages. Also, check out Walk and Roll Challenge.com. You may also contact Annette Prosterman at aprosterman@aacog.com or (210) 362-5213.

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Weatherization Assistance Program

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1. Who is eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program?

Eligibility is based on household income. It cannot exceed 125% of the poverty level. Even if an applicant is eligible, the home may not be eligible if any of the following apply:

• Foundation problems
• Plumbing problems
• Poor electrical wiring or knob and tube wiring
• Roof leaks

Apply

2. What type of weatherization measures can I receive?

Weatherization measures you receive might include:

• Advanced energy audit
• Attic, wall, and/or floor insulation
• Installation of new gas water heaters, space heaters, HVAC, or window air conditioning units
• Replacement or repair of broken windows or storm windows
• Weather-stripping and caulking for air leakage control

3. How do I apply?

Complete the Weatherization Assistance Program Application. WAP Application

4. If I rent, can I still apply?

Yes. You may apply for assistance if you own or rent and live in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home. If you rent, you must get written permission from your landlord before weatherization services can be performed. Apply

5. Where does AACOG provide the Weatherization Assistance Program?

AACOG's service area includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson counties.

6. What happens to my home during the weatherization process?

The first step in the process is for the weatherization inspector to conduct an assessment of your home, called an energy audit. This determines your home's energy use and possible energy conservation measures. The inspector will explain what work can be performed to your home.

A professional contractor selected by AACOG will install the various weatherization measures. When this is complete, the inspector will return to your home to make certain that everything is satisfactory.

7. How will I benefit by participating in the weatherization program?

Weatherization reduces your energy bills. Insulating your walls or roof will provide you savings for the lifetime of your house. Making heating or cooling equipment more efficient will provide savings for 10-15 years. On average, the value of the weatherization improvement to your house is 2.2 times greater than the cost of the improvement itself.

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Workforce

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1. How do I register for Unemployment Benefits?

A person may register for unemployment benefit by a couple of methods. The first method involves logging on to the Texas Workforce Commission website at: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html. This online site will guide you through the application process and also contains valuable information and FAQs about unemployment benefit issues. You may also apply for unemployment benefits by phone. The number to call if you live in a rural area is (800) 939-6631.

2. What type of services are available at the Workforce Solutions-Alamo Career Center?

The services provided at Workforce Solutions are aimed at assisting job seekers and employers alike. Job seekers can receive personal assistance with work registration in the Work In Texas Website as well as other well known online job search services. Customers can also take advantage of the weekly resume writing and interview skills classes. Customers are free to utilize our resource area where they can take advantage of Internet access and various software applications that can help them with their job search and career building activities. In addition to these basic services, we also provide service through our specialized programs. The purpose of these specialized programs is to address specific needs and barriers that might otherwise prevent an individual from entering the workforce. Weekly orientations are conducted in our facility to explain the specifics of these programs. If a person is not able to make the regularly scheduled event, we will do our best to schedule one-on-one meetings that fit around the customer’s schedule. But no matter the service or program, they all share the same common goal and that is finding a job. Our centers are also a place where local employers can conduct job fairs and hiring events as well private areas to conduct their interviews and pre-employment testing. Another advantage that employers have using our center involves a large labor pool from which to draw qualified candidates. This is because all unemployment benefit recipients are required to register at www.workintexas.com. None of the other well known job search websites can make this claim. Employers can also obtain information regarding labor law and wage guidelines. Labor Market Information can provide the employer with valuable statistical wage data and allow them to effectively set their wage scale as it relates to their competitors.

3. Is Workforce Solutions a placement agency?

No, Workforce Solutions is not a placement agency, but rather a career center. The services, equipment, and facilities that we provide are free to the employer and the job seeker. Through our services, we help to secure long-term employment in the communities that we serve.