Explanation
Background: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program, funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, represents a Presidential priority to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, and most reliable energy technologies available - energy efficiency and conservation - across the country.
The Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act is modeled after the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:
· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
· Create and retain jobs.
Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change. The City of Columbus has received $7,403,500 from this allocation, as described by Ordinance No. 0868-2009, passed June 22, 2009, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District was identified as a sub-recipient of up to $490,000 of these monies to make downtown bike infrastructure improvements.
Capital Crossroads in coordination with the Recreation and Parks Department crafted a plan for bike infrastructure improvements to increase critical bike parking options within the downtown core of Columbus. Improving the usability, visibility, and security of bike parking options will likely increase ridership for daily commuting, increase biking into and throughout downtown for shorter trips, and reduce traffic congestion.
Specifically, Capital Crossroads will make bike infrastructure...
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