Friday, January 31, 2003

ARC grants announced

The Atlanta Regional Commission announced nine fourth-round recipients of Livable Centers Initiative planning grants totaling nearly $1 million in matched federal funds.

LCI continues to be a popular program with regional communities interested in enhancing their livability. This round of funding brings the total to 41 communities in the Atlanta region receiving LCI grants to develop "quality growth" plans through the award-winning LCI program since its inception in 1999.

"This program is having a profound impact in the way our region plans for future vitality," said Tom Weyandt, director of ARC's Comprehensive Planning Department. "ARC is thrilled to be able to directly support and encourage the creative ideas coming from local governments to improve livability."

LCI promotes quality growth in the region by encouraging greater mobility and livability within existing employment and town centers, thereby using the infrastructure already in place instead of building anew.

LCI grants are typically awarded to communities located in existing activity and town centers. However, recognizing that a portion of future development will occur on undeveloped, or greenfield, sites, ARC awarded one pilot grant to Fulton County and the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance to develop a model greenfield site to include a full range of housing and shopping options, while incorporating a variety of transportation modes.

All totaled, the program awards $5 million in planning grants over five years ­ with $4 million already awarded ­ for studies.

To support this planning money, $350 million will be available to help implement promising plans. The recently adopted FY 2003 ­ 2005 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes approximately $73 million for implementation.

To be considered for funding, LCI study scopes must demonstrate:

A local planning public outreach process that promotes the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly low to moderate income and minority citizens.

A diversity of mixed-income residential neighborhoods, employment, shopping and recreation choices at the activity center and town center level.

Access to a range of travel modes including transit, roadways, walking and biking to enable access to all uses within the study area.

The nine successful grantees are:

City of Atlanta ­ Jones/Simpson/Alexander/Ralph McGill Corridor - $80,000

City of Jonesboro - $75,000

City of Lithonia - $68,000

City of Union City - $60,000

City of Stone Mountain - $64,000

City of Kennesaw - $75,000

City of Snellville - $75,000

City of Smyrna - $75,000

Fulton County ­ Chattahoochee Hill Country ­ Pilot Greenfield Study - $70,000

"Many innovative plans are coming out of our region right now, and we are witnessing real success stories through the LCI program," said Mr. Weyandt. "I'm very excited to see what new ideas the fourth round LCI recipients will develop."