EPA to Assist Camden, New Jersey Community Group to Reduce Water Pollution

Press release:

EPA to Assist Camden, New Jersey Community Group to

Reduce Water Pollution

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

(New York, N.Y. – July 19, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership in Camden, New Jersey has been selected to receive $70,000 worth of technical assistance to advance projects aimed at reducing water pollution in Camden. The EPA will provide the assistance to help estimate the benefits of the Camden SMART (Stormwater Management And Resource Training) Initiative. The SMART Initiative is a joint project by the city of Camden, the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority and other community partners to develop a network of green infrastructure programs and projects throughout the city. Green infrastructure captures and filters pollutants by passing stormwater through soils and retaining it on site. Camden is one of just 17 communities receiving such assistance from the EPA this year.

“Camden’s SMART Initiative is a smart way to fight water pollution and make the local economy stronger,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “By working together, we can make our urban communities cleaner and more livable. I commend the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership and this initiative’s other partners for leading the way to a sustainable and revitalized Camden.”

Controlling stormwater is one of the most widespread challenges faced by communities across the country. Large volumes of polluted stormwater degrade our nation’s rivers, lakes, and aquatic habitats and contribute to downstream flooding. Communities are increasingly using green infrastructure to supplement or substitute for single-purpose “gray” infrastructure investments such as pipes, filters, and ponds. Effective green infrastructure tools and techniques include green roofs, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, rain gardens, and rain harvesting systems.

The SMART Initiative is an effort to restore and revitalize Camden through efficient stormwater management. In less than one year, Camden has planted eleven rain gardens and has developed plans for 20-40 more. Camden SMART has organized and hosted a series of stormwater management education and information sessions with residents and produced literature on sound stormwater management practices. Additionally, the initiative has supported the removal of impervious surfaces such as blacktop to plant hundreds of street trees throughout Camden.

Under the partnership announced today, the EPA will help complete an assessment of the water quality, air quality, and brownfield remediation benefits, and the flooding mitigation potential of the SMART Initiative. The EPA will additionally help Camden SMART conduct an assessment of the barriers posed by local codes and permitting processes for various green infrastructure projects. The EPA will also help Camden identify appropriate green infrastructure practices for brownfield sites and other sites that pose potential challenges for the implementation of green infrastructure.

For more information on green infrastructure, visit: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure.

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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Cities of the Future, Songdo, South Korea - Water Conservation

Cities of the Future, Songdo, South Korea - Water Conservation

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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Technology Holds the Key to Nairobi's Development

IBM Report: Technology Holds the Key to Nairobi's Development and Increased Competitiveness

As Kenya transitions from a rural to an urban population by 2020, modern approaches and technologies will help transform city systems, Prosperous and Sustainable Future

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NAIROBI, KENYA - 07 Mar 2012: IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced the launch of a report entitled "A Vision of a Smarter City: How Nairobi Can Lead the Way into a Prosperous and Sustainable Future" that highlights transportation, energy and public safety as three critical areas to address in line with the growth of Nairobi's more economically empowered and mobile younger generation.

The first of its kind to be produced in Africa, the report draws on the views of leaders and experts from the public and private sectors, World Bank, UN-HABITAT and civil society organizations. It outlines how Nairobi should turn to the latest technologies and global best practices to transform itself into a smarter and more efficient city as it strives to cope with an expanding population and become a major African business hub.

"With increased urbanization and substantial economic opportunities, major African cities like Nairobi are coming under more pressure than ever to transform," said Tony Mwai, Country General Manager, IBM East Africa. "For Nairobi to reach its full potential as a regional powerhouse, new technologies and approaches are required to modernize the city's systems and to make it a better place to live, work and do business."

Kenya's demographic challenges
Currently home to just over three million inhabitants, Nairobi's population is expected to soar to over five million by 2020 as migration to urban areas continues.

"Kenya is undergoing a simultaneous demographic and geographic transition," explains Wolfgang Fengler, the World Bank's lead economist in Kenya. "Today it is a rural country but by 2033 it will be an urban country with Nairobi receiving the greatest influx of new citizens."

Tackling traffic congestion requires new approaches as well as new infrastructure
According to IBM's Commuter Pain Survey, Nairobi citizens have the fourth most painful commute in the world. City officials estimate that traffic jams cost the economy over Sh50 million ($600,000) per day in lost productivity, fuel consumption and pollution.

City authorities are currently investing to improve Nairobi's roads and basic infrastructure. However, the report highlights that investment in the city's road network should not be the only strategy for addressing traffic congestion.

"Nairobi needs new transport alternatives urgently.  It is increasingly obvious that Nairobi must move beyond the traditional model of just building roads to solve traffic problems. It needs a combination of physical infrastructure, new ways of thinking and new technologies," said Andre Dzikus, Urban Mobility Unit, UN-HABITAT.

The IBM report lists a number of possible technological solutions to consider, including systems to better automate and improve traffic flow, micro chips embedded in driving licenses to record a driver's road history, priced road usage schemes and using mobile phone signal density to pinpoint and predict traffic jams.

Reliable and affordable energy increases efficiency and competitiveness
Energy is a critical and pressing issue for people living and working in Nairobi. According to KENGEN, Nairobi suffers from 11,000 high voltage fluctuations and power outages every month. For Nairobi's smarter city aspirations to be realized, energy has to be affordable as well as reliable.

"Nairobi's unreliable energy is not just an inconvenience, but also a critical business issue," said Linus Gitahi, CEO of Nation Media Group.

The report highlights the development of alternative energy sources, smart metering and incentive schemes to change energy consumption as possible solutions to some of Nairobi's energy problems.

A safer Nairobi needs smarter technologies and increased collaboration
Technology is already starting to help make Nairobi smarter and empower citizens. For example, to enhance security, an expanding CCTV network has been deployed by public and private players. However, the report underlines that analytics technologies are needed to make sense of the data generated by public safety systems.

The report also calls for better collaboration between public and private sectors as well as more integration between government departments. This issue is critical to public safety as Nairobi's citizens rely on a number of private security companies as well as public departments for emergency services. The report suggests that shared emergency resources between public and private sectors and centralized information systems could improve Nairobi's ability to deal with major city incidents such as last year's fuel explosion and fire in the impoverished Sinai district of the city in which more than 100 people were killed.

"By working together with the private sector, the government can create cities that meet the needs of their citizens more efficiently," said Bitange Ndemo, Information Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information.

The report also underlines Kenya's advantage in technology innovation as a way to address some of the challenges of urbanization. Cloud computing, mobile technologies and social media could all play a role.

"The good thing about Kenya is that it is exporting as well as importing innovations," said Wolfgang Fengler from World Bank. "In the case of mobile money, crowdsourcing and many other innovations, Kenya is quite remarkable."

About IBM:
To download the IBM report "A Vision of A Smarter City: How Nairobi Can Lead the Way into a Prosperous and Sustainable Future" visit:
http://www-05.ibm.com/za/office/ke/en/

For more information on IBM's strategy for Africa please visit:
http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/presskit/34710.wss

For more information on IBM Smarter Cities, please visit:
http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/uk/en/sustainable_cities/ideas/index.html

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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