Livable Communities Act advances in Senate

The Livable Communities Act (S 1619/HR 4690), which would provide $4 billion in competitive grants for projects that integrate transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental planning, was passed by the Senate Banking Committee Aug. 3 in a vote along party lines. 

The bill, introduced by Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), would also establish a new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities in the Department of Housing & Urban Development to coordinate federal policies that foster sustainable development and provide technical assistance to communities.

The New York-based Tri-State Transportation campaign, in a blog available here, said the bill would formalize the recent partnership between HUD, the Department of Transporation, and the US Environmental Protection Agency.  A vote on the Senate floor is expected after congress returns from its August recess.