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Land Use
SSTI Analysis Tool Will Allow DOTs to Better Engage with Land Use Authorities |
The State Smart Transportation Initiative has released a new analysis tool that will allow better modeling of transportation and land use patterns. The new tool, Land Use and Transportation Scenario Analysis and Microsimulation (LUTSAM), was developed for the Delaware Department of Transportation to use a smaller level of analysis than conventional transportation models. The tool integrates geographic information system data, transportation modeling, and microsimulation software to assess the benefits of mixed use development and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. For more information, link to the press release. (5-1-12) [back to top] |
Report Details Benefits to Tearing Down Urban Highways |
EMBARQ, a program of the World Resources Institute, has issued, in conjunction with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, a report discussing the costs of urban highways and the benefits of removing them. The report details the negative impacts of urban highways on neighborhood character, property values, investment in the city, land use, water quality, and air quality. Using five case studies of cities that have chosen to remove, or not to build, urban highways, the report provides details on what these cities have gained from the decision. For more information, link to The Life and Death of Urban Highways. (3-19-12) [back to top] |
EPA Announces Recipients of 2012 Smart Growth Technical Assistance |
The Environmental Protection Agency’s has announced the 2012 recipients of funding for sustainable development under two agency programs. EPA selected 56 communities in 26 states to receive technical assistance under the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, which will host one-day workshops in each community on policies and procedures for improving the local economy, environment, and quality of life. EPA also announced the selection of five projects to receive direct technical assistance under the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance program. USDOT and HUD will partner with EPA on delivery of these projects as part of the federal interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. For more information, link to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities 2012 selected communities and the SGIA program 2012 selected communities. (3-1-12) [back to top] |
NYSDOT Research Features Methods for Enhanced Modeling of Smart Growth Strategies |
The New York State Department of Transportation has released a report designed to assist planning and transportation organizations identify methods that better reflect the benefits of proposed smart growth strategies in travel demand forecasting. The study examined two approaches for increasing the sensitivity of transportation models to smart growth impact using the Greater Buffalo/Niagara metropolitan area as a case study. The report’s findings support claims that smart growth strategies can reduce vehicle trips, encourage non-motorized modes, decrease average trip length, and reduce daily VMT. For more information, link to Reducing Vehicle Miles traveled Through Smart Land-Use Design. (2-21-12) [back to top] |
EPA Presents Annual Smart Growth Achievement Awards |
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the winners of the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, which recognizes applicants that have “successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically.” For 2011 projects were recognized in five categories: overall excellence in smart growth; smart growth and green building; programs, policies, and regulations; rural smart growth; and civic places. EPA said the winners were selected based on their effectiveness in creating sustainable communities; creating a robust public involvement process; generating partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders; and serving as national models. For more information, link to the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. (12-1-11) [back to top] |
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