WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Green Communities Act, S.3055, which would help communities create green strategies to improve quality of life, attract new business and improve the general environment in urban areas.
“Research shows that urban greening not only improves the quality of life for residents, but also attracts new business, generates economic growth and creates jobs,” said Senator Casey. “It is more important now than ever to focus on new ideas that will restore the health of our economy and will get people back to work. That’s why I introduced the Green Communities Act to assist cities in planning, designing and implementing green infrastructure strategies.”
The Green Communities Act creates a new program through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This program will encourage public-private partnership by contracting with five nationally recognized non-profit organizations that will provide technical assistance to 80 municipalities across the United States. After the communities have completed the technical assistance portion, they will be eligible for additional grant funding to help implement their green planning.
The Green Communities Act is endorsed by groups including: America In Bloom, Alliance for Community Trees, American Nursery & Landscape Association , National Association of Clean Water Agencies, OFA – An Association of Floriculture Professionals, Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs, Penn Future, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, Perennial Plant Association, Professional Landcare Network, Project EverGreen, Society of American Florists, Tree Care Industry Association and Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association.
The legislation has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).