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Three Community Projects Win EPA Grants

Release Date: 4/22/1999
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected three projects in Region 6 to receive Sustainable Development Challenge Grants. A coalition supporting sustainable development in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an effort to reintroduce traditional building methods in the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico and an Austin, Texas, project promoting mass transit and ride-sharing will receive more than $403,000 in grants.

     "These grants are an example of how EPA is forming effective partnerships with local governments, businesses, non-profit groups and concerned citizens to address environmental issues at a community level. Sustainable Development Challenge Grants provide seed money to encourage creative local solutions to serious environmental problems," Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     The Alliance for Affordable Green Development in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will receive $163,700 to help fund projects that community groups have identified as necessary to promote sustainable development. These include creating an energy rating and certification system that is adapted to local conditions, promoting adoption of green building codes and ordinances, and designing and piloting affordable low-energy housing. These projects will help Albuquerque families create a high quality life and strong sustainable economic growth.

     Another grant in New Mexico will promote a return to traditional housing in the Acoma Pueblo. For centuries the residents lived in housing they built of earth, stone and wood collected nearby. Their construction methods and materials have withstood the test of time.

     However, construction on tribal lands during the last several decades has used imported methods and materials less suited to the local environment. The newer homes are less energy-efficient. They also create a dependence upon suppliers outside the pueblos and undermine cultural pride.

     A $189,675 grant will allow the Cornerstones Community Partnerships in Santa Fe to combine traditional building methods and materials with modern technology to build low-cost low-energy housing. As residents learn this construction method, the pueblo will become less reliant upon outside assistance and better able to meet its housing shortage. The project also will encourage restoration of the tribe's older, traditionally built homes and foster community pride.

     In Austin, Texas, the 4H CAPITAL Project will receive $50,000 to create a 4H SchoolPool. This project will develop a partnership of students, school staff and administrators and local transportation officials to promote mass transit and car pooling.

     Between 1960 and 1990, the number of vehicle miles traveled per capita in Austin quadrupled and the number of vehicles doubled. A recent survey showed less than 3 percent of Austin workers use a bus for their commute. Through the 4H SchoolPool, disadvantaged high school students will take the lead in changing the way their peers, parents, teachers and community leaders think about their travel choices.

     Nationwide 41 innovative projects were selected this year from  more than 650 proposals to receive about $5 million in Sustainable Development Challenge Grants. This is the third year these grants will be awarded for a total of $10.5 million for 96 projects.