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New Mexico's San Juan Pueblo Wins National Award from EPA

Release Date: 11/17/2004
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      San Juan Pueblo received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2004 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement during a ceremony today in Washington, D.C.  The award recognizes innovative approaches to development that strengthen a community's identity and protect the environment.  

      "San Juan Pueblo has demonstrated a powerful vision while maintaining a holistic environmental management approach.  Moreover, the Pueblo has gone the extra mile to map this vision and begin implementing it, making the Pueblo a more healthy, attractive, and enduring place to live, work, and play," EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said.  "I congratulate San Juan Pueblo for its outstanding achievements and challenge others to follow its example."  

In 2001 San Juan Pueblo adopted a Pueblo-wide Master Land Use Plan that reflects the same commitment to community, environmentally-sound designs, and pedestrian-oriented villages that have long been a part of the tribe's 700-year heritage.  The first of its kind for a Native American community, the plan and process by which it was developed provide valuable models for other tribes and communities around the country.  

      The plan includes design guidelines that preserve the architectural heritage of the Pueblo, fostering a distinctive sense of American Indian heritage.  It provides a long-term growth strategy, coordinates existing infrastructure with housing and commercial development, preserves the walkable historic plazas and encourages retail and commercial uses in a "main street" style.  

      The first project implemented under the Master Land Use Plan is Tsigo Bugeh Village, which was completed in 2003.  The 40-unit development mixes market-rate and affordable rental housing and includes a community center with a large kitchen, computer and exercise rooms, and laundry facilities.

      Smart growth development practices support national environmental goals by preserving open spaces and parkland, protecting critical habitat, improving transportation choices, promoting brownfield redevelopment and reducing impervious surfaces.  

      More information about the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement and this year's winners is available at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards.htm.