Washington, D.C.—Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) to develop a regional plan for sustainable development.  

The funding comes from the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program and will go towards helping TRPC work with community partners in Thurston County to implement a plan to increase transportation choices, reduce housing and transportation costs, and protect the environment.

“Southwest Washington is growing and we have to address our transportation, infrastructure, and housing needs, and it’s essential we look out for the environment while we do it,” said Congressman Baird.  “This funding helps put in place a smart vision for community and economic growth, which will help put more people to work.  Just as important, it helps build a clean energy future.”

TRPC’s grant will be administered by HUD, in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  In June 2009, HUD, DOT, and the EPA formed the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to ensure that communities meet their housing and transportation goals, while promoting equitable development and helping to address the challenges of climate change at the same time.

45 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grants were awarded nationwide.