FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release

March 3, 2015

Media Contact:
Monique J. Damiano, Public Information Specialist
954-828-5942 / mdamiano@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The City of Fort Lauderdale has been named the winner of the Southeast Florida Smart Growth Partnership’s (SGP) Overall Excellence Award for “Connecting the Blocks (CTB),” an initiative aimed at creating a more walkable, bikeable, fully connected, sustainable city.  The Overall Excellence Award is the highest award presented by the SGP and recognizes outstanding, comprehensive, integrated, and impactful smart growth approaches across multiple levels, including neighborhoods, corridors, city, county, and regional levels.  Fort Lauderdale accepted the award during the recent 2014 Smart Growth Excellence Awards event that took place at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. 

“The City is truly honored to be recognized for our leadership, vision, and commitment to innovative mobility solutions,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler.  “The award validates our strategic comprehensive approach to fulfilling the priorities encompassed in our Citywide Vision and Strategic Plans to enhance connectivity, promote pedestrian safety, encourage alternative modes of transportation, and make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.  I commend our Transportation and Mobility Department for their outstanding efforts in moving our City forward.”

Connecting the Blocks is a long-term, multimodal plan that is supplemented through grants and partnerships with local, state, and federal organizations. The City is implementing this program through a variety of initiatives.  The five-year Downtown Walkability Community Investment Project dedicates $500,000 per year to Wayfinding, pedestrian plazas, and complete streets projects that support numerous transportation initiatives, including the upcoming Wave Streetcar.  In addition, more than $500,000 in pedestrian and bicycle improvements will be implemented through private development projects. 

Projects completed to date as part of the CTB program include painting three intersections on E. Las Olas Boulevard, installing several streetscape improvement projects, and adding more than 80 bike racks and several bike lanes throughout the City.

For more information about the 2014 Smart Growth Excellence Awards or the Smart Growth Partnership, please visit www.smartgrowthpartnership.org.

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