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HUD and DOT to Partner with EPA to Assist Louisville, KY with Growth Management, Environmental Challenges

Release Date: 09/17/2009
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

(Atlanta, Ga. – Sept. 17, 2009) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Louisville, KY is one of four communities in the nation to receive technical assistance on growth and development-related issues through the Agency’s Smart Growth Implementation Program. The Agency also announced that Louisville and the other three communities, chosen from among more than 100 applicants, will also receive help from the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, thanks to the Administration’s new Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

In Louisville, Kentucky, the EPA team will help local officials develop a plan to retrofit a suburban community in ways that will create a more vibrant center where walking, bicycling and public transportation are real options for residents.

EPA selected local projects in Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, and a statewide program in California from among more than 100 applicants to receive technical assistance in 2009. For the first time, the EPA will coordinate its direct assistance to communities with its counterparts from HUD and DOT on issues that relate to housing and transportation. In June, the three agencies joined forces to align their resources to better assist communities as part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

EPA developed its Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program in 2005 in response to communities' requests for help in achieving development goals in ways that incorporate smart growth techniques. Through this program, EPA provides technical assistance from nationally recognized, private-sector experts to help communities find the best tools and resources to plan for growth in ways that sustain environmental and economic progress and create a high quality of life. Since its inception, EPA has provided direct assistance to 23 communities in 21 states. This year, EPA received 103 applications, the most ever and more than double the number received last year.

Under the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, announced June 16 by Administrator Jackson, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, the three agencies agreed to align resources and initiatives to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide. Collaborating on assistance to these four communities will set an example for future work by the agencies with states, regions, and local governments across the country.

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2009.htm