Friday, September 18, 2009

GOV. RITTER LAUDS URBAN SUSTAINABILITY TOUR, TOUTS 'LIVABLE PLACES'


 

Gov. Ritter joined federal, state and local officials today for a White House-sponsored urban sustainability tour of Denver. The tour was part of a nationwide Obama administration initiative to create more livable communities through economic, land-use, transportation and energy-efficiency sustainability efforts.

 

Among those also on today's tour: Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

 

The group toured Union Station, traveled on RTD light rail and visited the South Lincoln Park neighborhood. During the tour, HUD Secretary Donovan announced $10 million in Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency efforts in the South Lincoln Park neighborhood homes.

 

"Colorado is poised for a strong economic recovery," Gov. Ritter said. "As we move forward and grow, we must create livable places, open spaces and sustainable communities. Working with partners like Mayor Hickenlooper at the local level and the Obama administration at the national level, Colorado has become a national model for how to build sustainable 21st century communities."