The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday it will be partnering with several state capital cities in the country in order to help boost economic development, reduce energy costs, and provide more transportation and housing options to residents.
The EPA is partnering with Montgomery, Ala.; Phoenix; Jackson, Miss.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Washington through the agency's Greening America's Capitals projects. According to the EPA's GAC Smart Growth website, the GAC project is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which includes the EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Transportation.
The goal of the partnership between the three agencies is to assist state capitals to develop environmentally-friendly neighborhoods that make use of green buildings and infrastructures. In 2010, the state capitals chosen for the GAC projects included Boston; Charleston W.Va.; Hartford, Conn.; Jefferson, Mo.; and Little Rock., Ark.
Along with the announcement of the 2011 GAC project recipients, the EPA also announced specific projects for each state capital.
Washington will be receiving resources to make three major intersections safer and more efficient for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Phoenix will be revitalizing Lower Grand Avenue, which has become an important commercial area, to incorporate the use of older, historic buildings. Montgomery will receive aid in redesigning a one-mile stretch of road on the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The new design will incorporate green infrastructure to manage storm water runoff as well. Lincoln will launch a green infrastructure pilot program in its South Capitol neighborhood to improve storm water runoff management and further support green transportation. Finally, Jackson will be receiving assistance to redesign a segment of Congress Street to manage storm water, boost economic development, and improve pedestrian access and safety in the area.
The Omaha World-Herald reported on Lincoln's selection into the GAC project and noted EPA regional administrator Karl Brooks said he could not estimate the costs associated with the projects to be carried out in Lincoln and that it was more involved than granting the city funding. However, the costs could be several million due to construction projects. Additionally, the EPA will be provided assistance through various means, including resources like landscape architects and urban planners.
The five state capitals chosen today for the GAC projects were selected out of 23 letters of interest. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation will also be offering their own resources in aiding the cities with their projects.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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