The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a

The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a request for proposals (RFP) on how state policies and practices affect spending on school construction and renovation. One of the purposes of the RFP is to identify policies and practices that make it hard to fit schools into walkable communities — a topic explored at length in the April-May New Urban News. EPA expects to award $101,000 in the first year, with the possibility of up to $400,000 total over five years. The study aims to identify and summarize school siting and design strategies that meet smart-growth objectives and other goals, such as improving students’ physical health, reducing stress on transportation systems, and meeting fiscal requirements. The study of four to ten states will culminate in production of materials that help those states make wise decisions about schools. Proposals are due July 2. Another RFP, due June 15, seeks to bring together emergency response officials, local government officials, transportation experts, and developers, with the aim of designing smart-growth streets and at the same time allowing emergencies such as fires to be dealt with effectively. The first phase of the EPA streets grant will be $150,000. For both RFPs, see www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants