U.S. DOT Releases Guide to Programs That Promote Sustainable Communities (AASHTO)
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a reference guide this week that identifies resources for promoting livable and sustainable communities.
U.S. DOT released the guide in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The document, “Leveraging the Partnership: DOT, HUD, & EPA Programs for Sustainable Communities,” summarizes the various federal programs available and how to get more information on each.
While not intended as a list of all U.S. DOT, HUD, and EPA funding and technical assistance programs, the document does include those activities and initiatives that are connected to the principles of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. That partnership was formed by the three agencies in June 2009 to address environmental protection, equitable development, and climate change. The partnership also seeks to help Americans gain better access to more transportation options, lower travel costs, and affordable housing.
The document highlights each agency’s commitment and contributions to meeting those shared goals.
“DOT will work to promote livable communities and enhance the economic and social well-being of all Americans by creating and maintaining a safe, reliable, integrated, and accessible transportation network,” according to the reference guide. “A multimodal transportation system increases choice, provides easy access to employment opportunities and other destinations, and improves the surrounding community.”
The transportation section of the document profiles various funding opportunities available for livable community projects through the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration. Examples include the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant program; Metropolitan & Statewide Planning Formula grant; Rural & Small Urban Area Formula grants; programs serving populations such as the elderly, disabled persons, and low-income workers who face particular challenges involving access to critical services; National Scenic Byways Program; and Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Program.
The 16-page U.S. DOT/HUD/EPA document is available at tinyurl.com/dot-hud-epa-report.
AASHTO released a report last week urging inclusion of roads in U.S. DOT’s livability program. The 18-page report is available at tinyurl.com/AASHTO-livability. (see April 23 AASHTO Journal story)
