Saturday, February 4, 2012

Van Meter and Woodward, IA Receive Smart Growth Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the two Iowa cities will receive Smart Growth grants. The City of Van Meter, Iowa and City of Woodward, Iowa will receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The assistance will be delivered during a day-long community workshop to provide the city with ideas for changing local policies and procedures to improve the economy, the environment and quality of life.

EPA awarded both cities a Smart Growth Zoning Codes for Small Cities and Rural Communities Workshop. The workshop will allow the cities to create a regulatory environment more favorable to expanded employment opportunities and business markets, and to expand its commercial property tax base.

EPA has awarded 56 communities with technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. Building Blocks is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, involving 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.

With assistance from EPA-funded private sector experts, the communities will focus on a specific development tool, such as improving pedestrian access and safety, green infrastructure, or economic and fiscal health assessment. Communities will also learn about other strategies for development that can improve the environment and the economy.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.



For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website