Sen. Carper Highlights Sustainable Growth Assistance for Delaware Communities

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted the open application period for Delaware communities seeking technical assistance to support sustainable growth and development. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, which offers tools that can be applied in throughout rural, suburban, and urban areas in Delaware, including: 

• Smart growth and economic development to help communities get better financial results from public and private investments 
• Green street strategies for managing polluted stormwater 
• Land use strategies to protect water quality 
• Parking audits to make the best use of parking for existing and planned land uses Bikeshare system planning to create alternative commuting options 
• Community design for aging populations to ensure residents can live at home as long as possible 
• Green building toolkit to overcome common barriers 
• Strategies to help small cities and rural areas develop in ways that retain unique community characteristics 

Applications will be accepted between September 26 and October 26. EPA will host a webinar to discuss the program and the application process on September 21 from 1:00 to 2:30 Eastern time.
 

“Building greener and more sustainable communities is a step in the right direction for Delaware’s businesses and families,” said Sen. Carper. “Smart growth strategies help rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the First State expand economic opportunities, protect our environment, and safeguard public health. I encourage all towns and municipalities in Delaware to apply for this assistance.” 

According to the EPA, communities apply for assistance with one of the specific tools and, if selected, work with an EPA-supported team of experts on applying those tools during a two-day workshop. Along with the policies and practices highlighted in each tool, participants will learn more about smart growth development strategies. 

Up to 44 communities throughout the nation will be selected through a competitive process for this latest round of assistance.  The selections will be made in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.  This interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. 

More information and application instructions for the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks 

More information on the webinar: http://www.epa.gov/dced/webinars/index.html 

More information on the Walkability Workbook:  http://www.walklive.org/project/walkability-workbook/ 

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:  http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html