All News Releases By Date

Greensboro, NC is Among Recipients of $750,000 in Smart Growth Assistance Provided by EPA

Release Date: 02/06/2012
Contact Information:

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: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov