[OKC] EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community Goals

[Dan Yates]

Subject:	EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community
            Goals



EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community Goals

On February 3, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
launched the Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program, an
initiative designed to help interested communities adopt sustainable
planning methods. The program will provide quick, targeted technical
assistance to 20 local and/or tribal governments in the United States,
using a variety of tools that have demonstrated results and widespread
application. This technical assistance will help communities implement
development approaches that protect the environment, improve public
health, create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and improve overall
quality of life.

Each technical assistance project will include:

      Public engagement — for example, a one-day workshop that is open
      to the public.
      Direct consultation with relevant decision-makers.
      A memo outlining specific steps the community could take if it
      wants to implement the ideas generated during the site visit.

Among the tools that will be used are zoning code reviews, walkability
assessments, parking policy analysis, climate action planning, commuter
benefits, complete streets, and fiscal and economic tools.

EPA will work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to select 20
participating communities through a competitive process.

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks is being coordinated through the
Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint effort between the EPA,
HUD, and DOT to coordinate federal actions on housing, transportation,
and environmental protection. This interagency collaboration achieves
efficient federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and
services that meet multiple economic, environmental, and community
objectives.

The application period opens on February 3 and ends on February 23,
2011.

More information and submission instructions for the Sustainable
Communities Building Blocks Program:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm 

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html 

***
State and local officials interested in additional information about
developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies
that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and
economic benefits may visit:
http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate 

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