The Check's In the Mail: Grant Awarded to Austin

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced yesterday that it will cough up $3.7 million to Austin and the surrounding area as part of HUD's Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.

Plans are for the money to be used to bolster the new initiative by the Capital Area Council of Governments to create economic strength by connecting housing with quality jobs, schools, and transportation. Specifically, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Long-Range Transportation Plan (scroll down here for more) will receive financial help for its concept of building 37 mixed-use, easily accessible Activity Centers, which will potentially produce a balanced and diverse combination of jobs, housing, and services.

"Regions that embrace sustainable communities will have a built-in competitive edge in attracting jobs and private investment," said Austin's HUD Regional Administrator C. Donald Babers in a release. Mayor Lee Leffingwell, present at the announcement, added: "As our area continues to grow by leaps and bounds, we must plan better transportation systems, economic development and preserve our quality of life. This grant will allow us to achieve long-range regional planning and cooperation."