Transportation
COGCNV is responsible for planning, setting priorities, and programming federally-funded highway and transit projects in the Central Naugatuck Valley Region. The agency is the federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region.

COGCNV monitors the performance of the region’s transportation system, provides transportation data to municipalities and organizations in the CNVR, and conducts studies of the highway and bus systems. The agency works with towns to apply for and obtain federal funding for local and regional transportation projects.

Land Use
The Council staff provides technical advice and information to towns on land use planning and regulations. Assistance includes help in starting the local plan, model zoning and subdivision regulations, map preparation, and educational seminars.

The Regional Plan of Conservation and Development provides the foundation for COGCNV’s land use planning activities. It emphasizes the redevelopment of the Region’s urban center — Waterbury, Naugatuck, and the Oakville section of Watertown — the clustering of development in suburban centers, and the conservation of most of the remaining portion of the Region at low intensity with little additional infrastructure.

Economic Development
COGCNV is the regional clearinghouse of economic, demographic, land use and transportation data, and maps. The information is available to businesses, developers, local organizations, realtors, banks, consultants, and others involved with economic development. Information on where to seek business assistance and funding is supplied by staff. COGCNV serves as the regional economic agency for business leads from the CT Economic Resource Center.

Emergency Planning - Webpage
With funds from the Connecticut Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Homeland Security, COGCNV’s Central Naugatuck Valley Emergency Planning Committee has begun coordinating emergency services in the region. Fire, Police, EMS, Red Cross, emergency management directors, and others participate in these efforts.

Greenway Planning - Webpage
COGCNV has been very involved in the planning of greenway multi-use recreational trails for over ten years. Greenway trails provide safe corridors for walking and bicycling and add to the region's quality of life. COGCNV is currently working on a routing study for the Naugatuck River Greenway through the towns of Beacon Falls, Naugatuck, Thomaston, and Watertown and has assisted with a similar study in Waterbury. COGCNV also is assisting with the Steele Brook Greenway in Watertown and the Farmington Canal Trail in Cheshire.

Environment
With the assistance of a grant from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Council is purchasing GPS units and handheld computers for local public works departments to help municipalities meet federal EPA stormwater phase II regulations. All municipalities of the CNVR, except Bethlehem, are part of the program, which covers the urbanized areas in the region.

COGCNV is working with municipalities on the issue of non-point water pollution including the impact of impervious surfaces and run-off from development. Staff is preparing maps of existing and projected increases in impervious surfaces for each municipality and has prepared presentations to educate local land use commissions on this issue. Non-point pollution comes from a general area as opposed to one specific source. Local commissions can use this information to encourage development which has limited adverse impact on water quality and implement best management practices to reduce water run-off.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation - Webpage
Pre-disaster mitigation planning is assessing hazard areas in a community, which might be improved with planning and project activities. These activities can range from culvert widening or review of land use regulation to acquisition of property. Working with FEMA and CTDEP, COG staff provides oversight and administration for seven municipalities preparing pre-disaster mitigation plan.

Household Hazardous Waste / Electronics Recycling - Webpage
COGCNV coordinated efforts to establish a regional municipal solid waste disposal solution in the late 1980s and a regional recycling program in the early 1990s. A majority of the towns are sending their solid waste to a regional solid waste and recycling transfer station in Watertown, established through COGCNV’s planning and coordination. Household hazardous waste is handled through one-day COGCNV-sponsored drop-off events. The collection sites are rotated among the participating towns. COGCNV also sponsors regional electronics recycling collections with CRRA.

Regional Data and Analysis
COGCNV is the regional census data center. It has an extensive library of census publications and data files plus data reports and files from state agencies and other sources. An annual Profile of the Region presents statistical information on the demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics of the CNVR. Staff can assist data users in finding and understanding the information.

Regional Mapping - Webpage
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer mapping system which links features and land areas on a map with data about those features and areas. COGCNV’s GIS system is a powerful tool for regional and local planning. In addition to regional map analyses and presentations, GIS mapping services are available to municipalities.

Planning and Zoning Referrals
Under State statutes, zone changes affecting land within 500 feet of another town must be referred to the regional planning organization (COGCNV) for an advisory review. COGCNV evaluates the proposed regulation or map change for potential intermunicipal land use conflicts. Typically, staff will also offer planning advice on the proposal. Plans for subdivisions abutting another town are also required to be reviewed by COGCNV.

Technical Assistance
COGCNV assists towns, local organizations, and the public on issues of development and conservation in the Region. Assistance ranges from data, maps, and general information to funding programs and proposal reviews. Regional forums are held each year on a variety of topics of interest to towns. Recent forums have included discussions the legal responsibilities of land use commissions, cluster subdivisions, and road access management.

Inter-municipal Cooperation
Towns work together to develop programs or seek grants. COGCNV and local police departments implemented a regional mobile data communications system for local law enforcement agencies.  COG staff is active in the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC) in its efforts to preserve the quantity and quality of the Pomperaug Aquifer. The PRWC is supported by the municipalities of Bethlehem, Oxford, Southbury, and Woodbury.