Showing posts with label policies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label policies. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Nahal Mogharabi, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov
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
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.
“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
###
Friday, February 3, 2012
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Topeka, KS
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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.
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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Woodward, IA
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Woodward, Iowa
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Woodward, Iowa, 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 Woodward, Iowa, a Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Communities Workshop. The workshop will provide Woodward with critical assistance to assist in identifying policy changes needed to promote community goals using smart growth principles.
“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 Woodward 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Van Meter, IA
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Van Meter, Iowa
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Van Meter, Iowa, 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 Van Meter, Iowa, a Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Communities Workshop. The workshop will allow Van Meter to create a regulatory environment more favorable to expanded employment opportunities and business markets, and to expand its commercial property tax base.
“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 Van Meter 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to University City, MO
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 University City, Mo.
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that University City, Mo., 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 University City, Mo., a Sustainable Land Use Audit workshop. The workshop will identify ways to improve the city’s zoning code to incorporate sustainability. The Sustainable Land Use Audit will build upon existing planning efforts to coordinate transportation linkages, energy efficiency, affordable housing, neighborhood walkability and overall sustainable practices.
“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 University City 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to St. Joseph, MO
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 St. Joseph, Mo.
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of St. Joseph, Mo., 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 St. Joseph, Mo., a Smart Growth Zoning Codes Workshop. The workshop will allow the city to review current zoning codes from a different perspective and identify areas where they can be better utilized to allow for and promote smart growth.
“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 St. Joseph 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Salina, KS
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Salina, Kan.
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Salina, 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 Salina, Kan., a Sustainable Design and Development workshop. The assistance will help the city better understand how to best locate affordable housing by incorporating sustainable design into site selection and evaluation of development proposals.
“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 Salina for setting an example in sustainability for other communities to follow.”
Across the nation, EPA provided 56 communities with technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Building Blocks 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.
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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Hays, KS
News release from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Hays, Kan.
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Hays, 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 Hays, Kan., with a Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas workshop. The assistance will help identify changes to codes so that the city can implement a smart growth strategy in the future, as well as maximize the use of currently underused infrastructure.
“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 Hays 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Dallas Center, IA
News alert from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Dallas Center, Iowa
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Dallas Center, Iowa, 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 Dallas Center, Iowa, with a Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Areas workshop. The city hopes that the assistance will help improve city codes to promote smart and sustainable development within Dallas Center.
“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 Dallas Center 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.
# # #
Smart Growth Technical Assistance to Blue Springs, MO
News alert from EPA Region 7:
Environmental News
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.
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 Blue Springs, Mo.
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 3, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the City of Blue Springs, Mo., 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 Blue Springs, Mo., a Walking Audit workshop. The workshop will indentify 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 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 Blue Springs 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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