LCI grants are typically awarded

to communities located in existing activity and town centers. However,

recognizing that a portion of future development will occur on undeveloped,

or greenfield, sites, ARC awarded one pilot grant to Fulton County and

the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance to develop a model greenfield

site to include a full range of housing and shopping options, while incorporating

a variety of transportation modes.

All totaled, the program awards

$5 million in planning grants over five years ­ with $4 million already

awarded ­ for studies.

To support this planning money,

$350 million will be available to help implement promising plans. The

recently adopted FY 2003 ­ 2005 Transportation Improvement Program

(TIP) includes approximately $73 million for implementation.

To be considered for funding,

LCI study scopes must demonstrate:

A local planning public outreach

process that promotes the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly

low to moderate income and minority citizens.

A diversity of mixed-income

residential neighborhoods, employment, shopping and recreation choices

at the activity center and town center level.

Access to a range of travel

modes including transit, roadways, walking and biking to enable access

to all uses within the study area.

The nine successful grantees

are:

City of Atlanta ­ Jones/Simpson/Alexander/Ralph

McGill Corridor - $80,000

City of Jonesboro - $75,000

City of Lithonia - $68,000

City of Union City - $60,000

City of Stone Mountain - $64,000

City of Kennesaw - $75,000

City of Snellville - $75,000

City of Smyrna - $75,000

Fulton County ­ Chattahoochee

Hill Country ­ Pilot Greenfield Study - $70,000

"Many innovative plans

are coming out of our region right now, and we are witnessing real success

stories through the LCI program," said Mr. Weyandt. "I'm very

excited to see what new ideas the fourth round LCI recipients will develop."