Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Invites Community Applications For "Smart Growth" Grants |
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Topics: Gloria J. Jeff
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Federal Highway Administration
May 12, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 12, 1999
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Tel.: 202-366-0660
FHWA 32-99
Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gloria J. Jeff today announced that communities can apply for federal help to fight local sprawl under an innovative U.S. Department of Transportation initiative called the Transportation and Community and System Preservation (TCSP) program, a key component of the Clinton Administration’s livability agenda.
"This financial tool will help make communities more livable by preserving green space, easing traffic congestion and employing ‘smart growth’ strategies," U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater said. "Through this program, we can protect our environment while growing our economy, demonstrating once again President Clinton’s commitment to putting people first."
An FHWA-sponsored conference on the program in Denver this week was attended by representatives of more than 100 communities around the country. The conference marked the official opening of fiscal 2000 applications for TCSP grants. A notice on the application process was in the May 10, 1999, Federal Register.
"The TCSP program represents a unique partnership between local communities and the federal government that is both strong and enduring," Jeff said. "Communities are sharing their best practices with us at the federal level, and we in turn will provide that information to other communities so that we all can benefit."
Secretary Slater announced fiscal 1999 grant recipients on May 3 in Detroit as part of the National Town Meeting For A Sustainable America, which was sponsored by the President’s Council on Sustainable Development. For fiscal 1999, $13.1 million was provided to 35 projects in 28 states.
Under TCSP, grants are provided to communities to help them solve interrelated problems involving transportation, land development, environmental protection, public safety and economic development. The program was established in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the six-year surface transportation law signed into law by President Clinton on June 9, 1998.
The Federal Highway Administration provides extensive information on the program on its web site: www.fhwa.dot.gov. The Federal Register notice (Docket No. FHWA-98-4370) can be accessed at www.nara.gov/fedreg or at www.access.gpo.gov/nara.