The cities of Phoenix and Mesa, along with METRO light rail, recently earned one of six awards from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the 20-mile light rail project. The award recognizes smart-growth planning while protecting public health and the environment.

Phoenix, Mesa and METRO received the EPA's Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) award. Through this program, EPA provides technical assistance from private-sector experts to help communities find the best tools and resources to plan for growth in ways that sustain environmental and economic progress and create a high quality of life.

“The Phoenix metropolitan area is the eighth fastest-growing region in the country and we are committed to promoting more compact, mixed-use and transit-oriented development,” said Phoenix Principal Planner Sandra Zwick.

Light rail is being built in the most densely populated areas of the Phoenix metropolitan areas and will alleviate congestion on heavily traveled commuter corridors. This investment will reduce the projected air pollution increases caused by automobile use as the region grows.

“The city of Mesa recognizes the importance of linking together with a high capacity regional transit system,” said Deputy Transportation Director Mike James. “As part of smart growth, we worked with Phoenix and METRO to develop strategies to increase transit use. ”

The partnership requested SGIA assistance for policy analysis to provide options for establishing local transit-oriented development land use regulations under Arizona law.

“METRO and its member cities are committed to maximizing the return on this important investment,” said METRO planner Benjamin Limmer. “The goal is to support and encourage transit use through a variety of programs. ”

Along with Phoenix, Mesa and METRO, EPA received letters of support from Arizona Planning Association, Arizona State University Stardust Center, Friends of Transit, Lazarus & Associates, League of Arizona Cities and Towns, Maricopa Association of Governments and the Urban Land Institute Arizona District Council.