The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday invited communities to apply for technical assistance to implement smart growth development approaches.  Applications are due November 20.

EPA is offering this technical assistance through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program to help communities across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities, small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies. 

The program aims to increase resilience to natural disasters and strengthen the economy while protecting human health and the environment. The Building Blocks program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to communities using tools with demonstrated results and widespread application.

Communities may apply for assistance on one or more of the following topics: Bikeshare planning; Equitable development; Infill development for distressed cities; Sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas; and Flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities

If selected, a community will work with an EPA-supported team of experts during a one-to-two-day workshop, where participants will learn about relevant strategies, policies, and practices.

EPA will select up to 25 communities through a competitive process. 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.

EPA will host a webinar to discuss the program and the application process on October 30 from 3 to 4 p.m. EDT.

For more information and to apply, visit EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities webpage.

10/27/2014