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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Thursday, October 2, 2003

Contact:  Phyllis Miller   (916) 340-6224

Blueprint Project Receives ‘State’s Highest Environmental Honor’

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday presented the Sacramento Region Blueprint: Transportation/Land Use Study with a 2003 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, the State of California’s ‘highest environmental and economic honor.’

The annual awards are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses in the State of California that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving precious resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships.

The ‘Blueprint Project’ was recognized for its innovative approach to examining land use patterns in the Sacramento region using state-of-the-art modeling tools to estimate transportation, air quality, economic and other effects of current land use patterns, and develop alternatives to those patterns for future growth.

Accepting the Blueprint award were Christopher Cabaldon, West Sacramento Mayor and Vice Chair of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and Tom Stallard, incoming Chair of the Board of Directors of Valley Vision. The project is a SACOG/Valley Vision joint effort.

“This award belongs to all of SACOG’s staff, our workshop participants, sponsors and supporters — especially Valley Vision, which has been a tremendous partner in garnering public participation. Without participation and support from the public, this project would not be possible,” Cabaldon said.

“The Blueprint Project is a model of regional leadership because it steps outside the box of how we typically approach land use planning,” Stallard said. “Blueprint was blessed to have had at the helm the late Bill Hughes, who was a model of regional collaboration and leadership.” The former chairman of SACOG, Hughes passed away unexpectedly during the Thanksgiving holiday. He championed and advanced the Blueprint Project.

“We would not be receiving this award without Bill, who was able to see beyond our city and county boundaries to a better regional future. This award is really a testament to his vision and dedication.”

The 2003 competition was the first in which a land use category was included. Blueprint was one of only two recipients in the category. A total of 24 awards were presented to individuals and groups from throughout the state. Other categories included Sustainable Practices, Watershed Management, and Energy Conservation.

Other regional entities receiving Governor’s awards were Yolo County’s FARMS Leadership Program and SLEWS Program, which was acknowledged in the category of children’s environmental education. In the category of environmental and economic partnerships, the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians & Yolo County Agreement received praise. Also, acknowledged were the Placer Nature Center in the children’s environmental education category. The Capitol Area East End Complex – Department of Education Building was acknowledged in the sustainable facilities category.

The State’s Environmental Protection Agency and Resources Agency administers the annual Leadership Award, in conjunction with the State and Consumer Services Agency and the California Resources Agency. A complete list of award recipients can be found at the awards Web site, at http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/2003/.