Arizona Department of Commerce Director Gilbert Jimenez today announced approval of ten Growing Smarter Planning Grants to assist communities in meeting state mandated planning requirements in the Growing Smarter/Growing Smarter Plus laws. “Our goal is to assist communities in growing wisely.” says Director Jimenez.  “Planning projects that establish a framework for long-term community vitality and economic sustainability can be financed in part through funds available as matching grants.”

 

The GSPG Program has $60,000 each year to support small and rural communities and counties that endeavor to develop or update general or comprehensive plans, engage in activities that create a public participation program, undertake research and analysis, prepare maps and graphics, and implement the general/comprehensive plan by updating zoning ordinances, capital improvement plans or other specific plans.  This year additional funds were leveraged to maximize assistance available bringing the award total to $90,000 for fiscal year 2007. 

 

The ten Growing Smarter Planning Grant awardees for fiscal year 2007 are:

 

1.  City of Show Low, General Plan Update, $10,000
2.  Pinal County, Comprehensive Plan Update, $10,000
3.  City of Eloy, General Plan Update, $10,000
4.  City of San Luis, Zoning Ordinance Development, $10,000
5.  La Paz County, Subdivision Regulation Development, $10,000
6.  City of Douglas, Zoning Ordinance Update, $10,000
7.  Town of Springerville, General Plan Update, $6,500
8.  Town of Winkelman, General Plan Development, $10,000
9.  Town of Snowflake, General Plan Update, $6,500
10. Town of Payson, Community Infrastructure Plan, $6,500

 

Priority is given to those cities, towns or counties proposing projects that are mandated in order for them to meet Growing Smarter statutory requirements.

 

“Applicants are required to provide details on the scope of work, current planning issues and needs, the partners and public participation in the process, a proposed budget and timeline, and the commitment to implementation,” says Deb Sydenham, Assistant Deputy Director of Community Development at the Arizona Department of Commerce.

For additional information on the Growing Smarter Grant Program visit the Communities and Counties pages on the Arizona Department of Commerce website at www.azcommerce.com or contact Heather Garbarino, Senior Planner at (602) 771-1128.