EPA, HUD, and DOT Partner with States to Meet Growth, Development Goals

Press release:


EPA, HUD, and DOT Partner with States to Meet Growth, Development Goals
Release Date: 07/31/2012

Contact Information: Latisha Petteway (News Media Only), petteway.latisha@epa.gov, 202-564-3191, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today they will partner with the Governors’ Institute on Community Design to provide enhanced technical guidance to governors seeking to tackle housing, transportation, environmental, and health challenges facing their states.

The partnership, a part of the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, is designed for states seeking to spur economic growth and development while addressing these issues.

“The Governors’ Institute on Community Design helps states address local challenges in ways that are cheaper and more effective, making it an important part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to communities,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The EPA has been proud to be a part of the program since it was created in 2005. We look forward to working with our colleagues at HUD and DOT as well as Smart Growth America to continue supporting the Institute's workshops, and help states achieve their economic, environmental and public health goals."

“With this effort, our three agencies are providing the cutting-edge technical assistance states need to create healthier, more livable communities,” says HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Just as importantly, we are demonstrating once again that the key to more affordable housing, transportation and access to jobs is providing partnership at the federal level that supports innovation at the local level.”

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood adds, “By working with HUD and EPA over the last three years, we’ve made significant progress to help communities across the country become safer, healthier, and better connected.” “We’re excited to expand our collaboration by working directly with the Governors’ Institute to increase state transportation options.”

Established in 2005, the Governors’ Institute brings together leading practitioners and academics in government, design, development, and regional economics to help governors and their state executive teams make informed choices about growth and development in their states. At the request of a governor, the Governors’ Institute conducts a workshop that pairs the governor and his or her cabinet with planning experts to identify strategies that spur development and help communities achieve their economic, public health, and environmental goals. Governors also receive follow-up assistance on technical issues.

The Governors’ Institute is coordinated by Smart Growth America and is led by former Governor Parris N. Glendening of Maryland and former Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey. Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania; Chet Culver, former governor of Iowa; and James Lee Witt, former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serve as advisors. In June, EPA awarded Smart Growth America a five-year cooperative agreement to administer the institute. This funding builds upon support provided previously by the National Endowment for the Arts, which brought to the fore issues of community design and art in public places.

The partnership, which celebrated its third anniversary in June, works to provide communities with faster, more streamlined access to federal programs and resources, and works closely with other federal agencies, states, and local governments to ensure that partnership programs use federal resources as efficiently as possible.

More information on the Governors’ Institute: http://www.govinstitute.org

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

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News Release from EPA Region 10

Spokane Tribe to receive EPA Smart Growth assistance

Community of Wellpinit water and sewer system challenges addressed

Contact: Abby Hall, EPA Office of Sustainable Communities, 415-972-3384, hall.abby@epa.gov; Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(Seattle–March 12, 2012)) – The Spokane Tribe of Indians in eastern Washington will benefit from EPA technical assistance through the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program. The Tribe will work with technical experts to address future water infrastructure needs in the community of Wellpinit, Washington.

The EPA funds private-sector experts through the EPA Smart Growth program to work with communities as they plan for future needs in ways that sustain environmental and economic progress and create a high quality of life. The Spokane Tribe requested assistance to support their development of a comprehensive water infrastructure plan that will focus on water and sewer system challenges in Wellpinit. The community faces future challenges of summer water shortages, drinking water delivery, pipe and pump failures, and design and maintenance of sewage management systems.

“Bringing private-sector consultants together with the professional staff of the Spokane Tribe will create a strong partnership to address future growth and the strains placed on older water systems,” said Melanie Wood, Sustainable Infrastructure Coordinator in EPA’s Pacific Northwest office. “These EPA Smart Growth programs not only provide support for environmental improvements, they also set the stage for green jobs and a healthier economy.”

The EPA assistance builds upon a Housing and Urban Development Community Challenge Planning Grant the Tribe received in 2010. The water infrastructure plan will create a foundation for future housing, transportation, and economic development planning.

Since 2005 EPA has supported 31 SGIA projects, serving dozens of communities.

Smart Growth Implementation Assistance is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

More information:

SGIA: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2012.htm

Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Wellpinit community contact: Scott Radford, info@antithesisresearch.org/, 509-258-7100

News Release from EPA Region 2 - Smart Growth Assistance Upstate NY

EPA Provides Technical Assistance to Upstate New York County to Promote Smart Growth Strategies

Contact: John Martin (212) 637-3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov 

(New York, N.Y. – March 9, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will offer technical assistance to Madison County, New York, to help it implement smart growth strategies that preserve the county’s rural character. This initiative, which is part of the EPA’s Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program, aims to help communities address development challenges in ways that improve the economy, the environment and public health.

“Communities around the country are facing a variety of challenges as they try to make the best use of their resources, improve the quality of life for their residents, and spur economic growth,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA’s assistance can help these communities explore new options for growth that protects their environment while laying a foundation for prosperity.”

In addition to Madison County, the following applicants will receive technical assistance in 2012:

• State of Vermont -- EPA will help communities in the Mad River Valley recover from flood damage and become more resilient to future natural disasters.
• Spokans Indian Reservation, Eastern Wash. -- EPA will help the Spokane Tribe of Indians develop a comprehensive water infrastructure plan.
• San Francisco, Calif. -- EPA will help San Francisco develop a citywide district energy plan.
• Billings, Mont. -- EPA will help Billings develop a model for collaborative planning that signs school siting with community revitalization, affordable housing, and transportation plans.

The program will offer these communities technical assistance to help understand new or cutting-edge development issues, and will then replicate that assistance to other places facing similar challenges. In addition, the program aims to identify common barriers to sustainability, and create new tools other communities can use.

Since 2005 EPA has supported 31 Smart Growth Implementation Assistance projects, serving dozens of communities. The projects are coordinated through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint effort of EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The Partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments and support vibrant neighborhoods that attract new business.

More information on the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program and the selected communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2012.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/eparegion2 and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.

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News Release from EPA Region 2 - Smart Growth Assistance NY

EPA to Provide Three New York Communities with

Smart Growth Assistance 

Contact: John Martin (212) 637- 3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov

(New York, N.Y. – March 9, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the city of Binghamton, the town of Stony Point in Rockland County, and Onondaga County will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The assistance will be provided by EPA-funded private-sector experts, who will conduct workshops in each community. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

• The EPA will provide Binghamton with a "Complete Streets" workshop.  This workshop will teach local government officials and community members how to set investment priorities, draft policies, and implement changes to make their streets safe and appealing to all users, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders.
• The EPA will provide Stony Point with a "Using Smart Growth to Produce Fiscal and Economic Health" workshop.  The City will use the assistance as a springboard for community residents to incorporate smart growth concepts into the daily operations of government and private development processes.
• Onondaga County will receive assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas.  This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to promote

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. This year, the EPA selected 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2

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News Release from EPA Region 2 - Smart Growth Assistance

EPA to Provide Three New Jersey Communities with

Smart Growth Assistance

Contact: John Martin (212) 637- 3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov

(New York, N.Y. – March 9, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Jersey City, Trenton, and Passaic County will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The assistance will be provided by EPA-funded private-sector experts, who will conduct workshops in each community. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

• The EPA will provide Jersey City with a "Walking Audit" workshop.  The workshop will identify the good and bad aspects of the city sidewalk system so that recommendations can be provided to help shape the city's policies, codes, priorities, and standards for sidewalks.
• The EPA will provide Trenton with a "Parking Audit" workshop.  The workshop will assist Trenton with managing parking supply and applying strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.
• Passaic County will receive assistance with a "Green Streets Strategy".  This workshop will lead Passaic County communities through actions to manage stormwater.

 Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. This year, the EPA selected 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2

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News Release from IBM - Smart Growth

City of Zhenjiang, China and IBM Collaborate to Build a Smarter City

IBM Smarter Cities Solution Helps Zhenjiang Boost Economic Development and Tourism Plans

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Armonk, NY & Zhenjiang, China - 24 Feb 2012: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the City of Zhenjiang, China today announced that IBM is helping to transform the city’s public transportation system. Zhenjiang will use hardware, software, services and technologies from IBM's Research labs, all brought together through the IBM Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) for Smarter Cities – a solution that will serve as the central point of command for the city.

Zhenjiang is a renowned historical and cultural city in the eastern People's Republic of China (PRC), a region experiencing rapid economic growth.  Zhenjiang has an estimated population of three million people and has become an important regional transportation hub due to its location near the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world.  It is also considered a state model for environmental protection.

To bolster economic development, increase tourism and improve overall public welfare, the city initiated the “Smarter Zhenjiang, Smarter Tourism” project which includes plans to replace and upgrade more than 400 bus stations and over 1,000 public transportation vehicles. In conjunction with the system-wide upgrade, Zhenjiang will rely on IBM’s Intelligent Transportation solution to provide city managers with a consolidated view of the transportation network, and initiate a new bus scheduling system that will use analytics technologies to manage traffic patterns and over 80 routes across the city.

A First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) IBM Research-developed platform will increase traffic throughput and improve the efficiency of its public transportation system while anticipating traffic jams before they happen. The solution will build on services assets that simulate transit fleets and passenger flow across the transportation network, while tapping into IBM technologies that enable real-time bus monitoring and route and dispatch management for the vehicle fleet.

The overall solution will provide a comprehensive, real-time picture of the city’s traffic network to alleviate congestion, improve traffic management, maximize road capacity, rapidly respond to incidents and enhance the travel experience for citizens, business travelers and tourists.

“Building a smart city has become a strategic choice of the city's urban development as it creates profound impact on the city’s information management standard and contributes to the formation of a huge industrial chain,” said Mingnian Yin, Director of Reform Commission, City of Zhenjiang.  “Working with IBM, we will make our public transportation system faster and more efficient, while making our city a better place to live in.”

“Our collaboration with Zhenjiang exemplifies IBM’s commitment to supporting the government's agenda to build smarter cities in China,” said D.C. Chien, General Manager, IBM Greater China Group. “We expect this collaboration to help transform the transportation system, support the government's effort of building a harmonious society, and accelerate the economic growth and transformation of this vibrant country.”

According to Pike Research, by 2020 the Asia-Pacific smart city technology market will be worth $5.5 billion annually - a cumulative investment of over $36 billion between 2010 and 2020.  China represents the largest single market in Asia for smart city technology, roughly 30 percent of the total opportunity.

"It’s estimated that up to $30 trillion will be spent on transportation infrastructure globally in the next 20 years. Building new physical infrastructure only goes so far, especially with the ever-present debate on the best ways to maintain roads, rails and terminals in the face of strained budgets and resources. By integrating technology and intelligence into the physical transportation infrastructure, cities can improve capacity, enhance the traveler experience and make transportation systems more efficient, safe and sustainable for future growth,” said Gerry Mooney, General Manager, Smarter Cities, IBM. "With the IOC, Zhenjiang has access to advanced analytics technology that will make it easier for the city to predict potential disruptions so that they can minimize impact and deliver better services to people living in and visiting their city.”

IBM's Intelligent Operations Center and Intelligent Transportation solutions draw on experience gained from over 2,000 Smarter Cities projects with cities around the world, and assets from IBM's hardware, software, services and research divisions. With flexibility and scalability, the Intelligent Operations Center can be extended to support a wide range of city services such as water management and public safety among others. 

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Onslow County, NC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Onslow County, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Onslow County, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Onslow County is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas.  This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to get development that protects their character and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Greensboro, NC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Greensboro, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Greensboro, NC will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Greensboro is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Guidelines for Sustainable Design and Development.  This assistance will help the community understand the key principles and decisions at the location, site, and building levels that can result in a more sustainable plan or development proposal.
 
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Dunwoody, GA

From the EPA:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Dunwoody, GA is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Dunwoody, GA will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Dunwoody will use the Green Building Toolkit to assist in the identification and removal of barriers in the permitting processes for sustainable designs and green buildings.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Daytona Beach, FL

From the EPA:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Daytona Beach, FL is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Daytona Beach, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Daytona Beach is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short and long-term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Wakulla County, FL

News release from EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

Wakulla County, FL is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Wakulla County, FL will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.  Nationally, 56 communities in 26 states will each receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Wakulla County is receiving assistance with Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas.  This assistance offers solutions that the county can make to their zoning codes and planning documents to get development that protects their character and quality of life.

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

This announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Port Arthur, TX

From EPA Region 6:

Port Arthur is Among Recipients of $750,000 in

Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS – February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Port Arthur, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Port Arthur is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Corpus Christi

From EPA Region 6:

Corpus Christi is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Corpus Christi, Texas, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Corpus Christi is receiving assistance in the development of a walking audit, which will help form a vision for short- and long- term improvements to sidewalks and streets.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Baton Rouge

From EPA Region 6:

Baton Rouge is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

(DALLAS - February 3, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the communities selected to receive assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts. The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life. Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

 

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

 

Baton Rouge is receiving assistance in the development of parking audits, which help the city manage parking supply and apply strategies for making the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses.

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/feb2012.html

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Nahal Mogharabi, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov

EPA Provides $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance to Communities

Funds will go to 56 communities including Northern and Central Calif., Arizona, and Nevada

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today named 56 communities in 26 states that will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Communities granted assistance include Contra Costa County and Modesto, California, Surprise, Arizona and Henderson Nevada. Each community will receive the assistance from EPA-funded private-sector experts.  The technical experts will work with the communities on actions they can take to improve the economy, the environment, and quality of life.  Some examples may include improving pedestrian access and safety, incorporating green infrastructure, or conducting an economic and fiscal health assessment.  

Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities among EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.  The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.


“EPA is proud to support the work that communities around the nation are doing to become more environmentally sustainable,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “The Building Blocks program will help them find development solutions that will save money, energy and resources while creating more jobs and opportunities.”


The following communities will receive assistance:


•             Surprise, Ariz. 
•             Contra Costa County and Modesto, Calif. 
•             Simsbury, Conn. 
•             Lewes, Del. 
•             Pocatello, Idaho 
•             Campton Hills, Hazel Crest, Lakemoor, Lansing, Niles, Olympia Fields, and Round Lake Heights, Ill. 
•             Dallas Center, Van Meter, and Woodward, Iowa 
•             Daytona Beach and Wakulla County, Fla.   
•             Dunwoody, Ga. 
•             Hays, Salina, and Topeka, Kan. 
•             Baton Rouge, La. 
•             Fall River, Holyoke, Northampton, and Roxbury, Mass.
•             East Lansing and Jackson, Mich. 
•             Hennepin County, Minn. 
•             Blue Springs, St. Joseph, and University City, Mo. 
•             Henderson, Nev. 
•             Jersey City, Passaic County, and Trenton, N.J. 
•             Binghamton, Onondaga County, and Stony Point, N.Y. 
•             Greensboro and Onslow County, N.C.
•             Dickinson, New England, and Richardton, N.D. 
•             Greensburg, Marietta, Newtown Borough, and Northampton, Pa. 
•             Corpus Christi and Port Arthur, Texas 
•             Roanoke, Va.
•             Kelso and Olympia, Wash.  
•             Burlington, Vt. 
•             Cheyenne, Wyo. 

Today’s announcement marks the second round of Building Blocks assistance. Thirty-two other communities were named in the first round in April 2011. EPA selected the 56 communities from 350 applicants through a competitive process in consultation with EPA’s regional offices, HUD, DOT, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 


More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities: 


http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm


More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

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Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Topeka, KS

News release from EPA Region 7:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

EPA to Provide Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Topeka, Kan.

Contact Information: Ben Washburn, 913-551-7364, washburn.ben@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Topeka, Kan., will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The announcement was made at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in San Diego, Calif. The assistance will be delivered during a day-long community workshop to provide the city with ideas for changing local policies and procedures to improve the economy, the environment and quality of life.

EPA awarded Topeka, Kan., with a Using Smart Growth to Produce Fiscal and Economic Health workshop. The city will use the assistance as a springboard for community residents to incorporate smart growth concepts into the daily operations of government and private development processes.

“The Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program allows EPA, in partnership with other federal agencies, to provide technical assistance so communities can realize their vision of a sustainable future,” said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator. “I applaud the city of Topeka for setting an example in sustainability for other communities to follow.”

Across the nation, EPA awarded 56 communities with technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Building Blocks is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, involving EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

With assistance from EPA-funded private sector experts, the communities will focus on a specific development tool, such as improving pedestrian access and safety, green infrastructure, or economic and fiscal health assessment. Communities will also learn about other strategies for development that can improve the environment and the economy.

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