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EPA SIGNS FIRST REGULATORY REINVENTION AGREEMENT FOR A MAJOR URBAN REDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Release Date: 09/07/99
Contact Information:

United States Environmental Protection Agency Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
Region 4: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN 61 Forsyth St. SW
Office of External Affairs Atlanta, GA 30303-3104

Environmental News

PHONE: (404) 562-8327 FAX: (404) 562-8335

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Jacoby Development, Inc. today signed an unprecedented agreement for a new multi-use, urban revitalization development at the former Atlantic Steel site in downtown Atlanta. This is the first major urban redevelopment project in the nation to be approved under Project XL, part of the Clinton/Gore Administration’s programs for regulatory reinvention and improved livability. It is expected to help reduce future problems associated with both growing urban sprawl and air pollution.

Project XL (eXcellence and Leadership) was created by President Clinton in 1995 as part of the Administration’s efforts to reinvent environmental regulation through new, common-sense programs that eliminate burdensome red-tape in exchange for better and more environmentally protective ideas from companies, cities and citizens themselves.

“Through today’s action, Atlanta will serve as a national model to show how cities can improve themselves by working cooperatively to create a more livable environment for their citizens,” said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. “By reinventing environmental programs to provide for creative projects like this, the Clinton/Gore Administration is protecting public health and the environment while at the same time promoting economic growth.”

The new redevelopment will transform a former steel mill into a 138-acre mix of residential, shopping and other commercial uses -- one of the largest urban redevelopment initiatives in the country. A key element of the effort is a multi-purpose bridge that will serve cars, pedestrians and eventually rail vehicles and connect to the adjacent highway (Interstate 75/85) and a nearby mass transit (MARTA) station. Because Atlanta does not meet federal clean air standards, funding for new highway projects like the bridge could not be allowed without the flexibility provided under Project XL.

EPA believes that the redevelopment of the site and the new bridge will produce less air pollution than an equivalent amount of development at other sites. The site’s location and design are expected to reduce growth of auto traffic and cut back on regional sprawl.

Browner added, “Vice President Gore, in a speech earlier this year that addressed the livability issue, noted that the average Atlantan working parent presently must drive 34 miles a day. With actions like the one being taken today, metropolitan Atlanta is seeking a better way that will help with growing traffic problems and urban sprawl and the air pollution problems that come with it.”

John H. Hankinson Jr, EPA’s Regional Administrator in Atlanta, said, “EPA is proud to have worked together in partnership with the City of Atlanta and Jacoby Development to achieve an innovative agreement under Project XL for this progressive development project. All Atlantans will be benefit greatly from the example set by this effort.”

“This project could not have been undertaken without the unwavering support of the EPA and the City of Atlanta,” said James Jacoby, Chairman and CEO of Jacoby Development, Inc. “Jacoby Development is thrilled to be a part of the team that brings this vision to reality.”

Bill Campbell, Mayor of the City of Atlanta, said, “The City of Atlanta is delighted to join with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Jacoby Development in support of this important initiative. Smart growth such as this project will represent the standard for future urban development. Atlanta is delighted to be taking a national leadership role in this area.”

Project XL is one of several innovative programs under the Clinton/Gore regulatory reinvention initiative and the Administration’s Livability Agenda. As a result of reinvention efforts to date, EPA has cut more than 1,500 pages of outdated or obsolete requirements, representing nearly 27 million hours of paperwork a year – a cost savings of $800 million annually for businesses and communities. Through voluntary programs, such as Waste Wise, businesses, schools, and other organizations are saving as much as $3.3 billion a year while eliminating 7.8 million tons of solid waste, preventing the equivalent in air pollution of taking 65 million cars off of the road, and conserving 1.8 billion gallons of clean water each year. EPA’s new commitment to support the public’s right to know now accounts for millions of “hits” on its Internet site, where people can gather information on pollution levels in their local communities and businesses can find quickly and easily the most up-to-date information on public health and environmental requirements.

Under its Brownfields redevelopment program, the Clinton/Gore Administration has provided nearly $69 million to 300 communities nationwide to help local communities cleanup lightly contaminated sites and return them to productive economic use. These partnerships with local communities have leveraged more than $1 billion to date in investment capital and created thousands of jobs.

To address the problem of urban sprawl, President Clinton and Vice President Gore have launched a Livability Agenda to give states and cities the tools and resources they need to develop their own plans for healthier, less congested communities and thriving economies. One of these tools – Better America Bonds – would make $10 billion in interest-free bonds available in order to finance projects that communities choose themselves to help improve the quality of life.

EPA plans to build upon its efforts to encourage new, innovative efforts to protect public health and the environment more affordably through common-sense reforms. Tomorrow it will make available
a new report -- Aiming for Excellence -- outlining additional actions EPA will take in the next 12 to 18 months. These actions include offering more assistance, incentives, and rewards to encourage environmental excellence.


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