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EPA Provides Smart Growth Assistance to Atlanta

Release Date: 07/13/2007
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, (404) 562-8293, [email protected]

(ATLANTA – JULY 13, 2007) Atlanta was one of six communities selected nationally to receive customized technical assistance from EPA to help them put the principles of more efficient, affordable and environmentally sensitive growth into action.

The communities were selected under a competitive, nationwide application process that drew 67 submissions from 30 states. Under a federal contract, each community will receive approximately $45,000 in direct assistance from a team of national experts organized by EPA and other partners to work with local leaders. Team members will have expertise in disciplines relevant to each community's unique needs. The projects will start this summer.

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), a local organization working on growth and development issues, has requested assistance for a policy analysis that would support development of a land use strategy that can meet housing and other needs of older adults. ARC understands the need for a land use strategy that accommodates the needs of older adults along with the general population. Part of this strategy includes compact, walkable neighborhoods where seniors can live near services and social opportunities in existing communities. Such neighborhoods will mean that seniors and other residents can drive less in their daily activities, which can help reduce air pollution from automobiles. The city of Fayetteville, located in the Atlanta metropolitan region, and Fayetteville Senior Services will serve as the local model for this process.

The other recipients include: the California Department of Transportation; the City of Denver, Co.; the City of Greensboro, N.C.; Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky; and Valley Metro Transit with the cities of Phoenix and Mesa.

More on the 2007 SGIA Communities: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia2007.htm