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National
EPA, NOAA Form Partnership to Ensure Beneficial Growth for Nation's Coasts
Building on their earlier Portfields Memorandum of Understanding, under which they jointly help port and harbor communities redevelop waterfront brownfields, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formed similar partnership to ensure that growth within 50 miles of the nation's coasts, where 55 percent of its population lives, benefits the economy, public health and the environment.
Announced at the 4th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Miami, the EPA-NOAA Memorandum of Understanding on Coastal Community Development is offering ''training for local government staff and officials; outreach and education on successful policies, ordinances, and initiatives; and assessment of local development rules and policies.''
EPA and NOAA officials said this will help coastal watershed communities redevelop vacant land, provide more housing and transportation choices, preserve crucial natural areas, limit air and water pollution, and enhance overall quality of life.
In his keynote speech to the 1,000 conference participants, EPA Assistant Administrator Ben Grumbles called for greater public understanding of development impact on water quality, and stressed that watershed and stormwater regulations can promote infill and reduce sprawl, and that EPA will remain committed to Smart Growth.
NOAA Administrator Conrad C. Lautenbacher said in a statement, ''This agreement will facilitate the development of management strategies that ensure continued conservation of coastal and marine habitats.'' -- US EPA, The Herald
1/27/2005
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