The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2003 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to local or state governments and other public sector entities that have successfully created smart growth.

Smart growth is development that serves the economy, the community and the environment. Smart growth development approaches have clear environmental benefits including improved air and water quality, greater preservation of critical habitat and open space, and more clean up and re-use of brownfield sites.

Applications will be accepted in five categories:
1) Built Projects
2) Policies and Regulations
3) Community Outreach and Education
4) Public Schools
5) Overall Excellence in Smart Growth.

Interested parties from urban, suburban, and rural areas are encouraged to submit applications for smart growth activities undertaken within the last five years. Successful applicants will incorporate smart growth principles to create places that respect community culture and the environment, foster economic development and promote a better quality of life for this and future generations.

Applications are due on June 30, 2003. Up to five winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, DC in November 2003.

For more details about the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, including an application packet, visit: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards_2003.htm