EPA Smart Growth Index Pilot Study

EPA has approved PlanSmart NJ to receive a license to use the new Smart Growth Index model for a pilot study. PlanSmart NJ will collaborate with EPA, the Delaware Estuary Program, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and Upper Freehold Township to conduct a study in Upper Freehold. This study will build upon the work that PlanSmart NJ previously conducted in Upper Freehold for the WMA #20 project.

The Smart Growth Index model simulates land use / transportation scenarios and evaluates the impacts of these scenarios on land consumption, infrastructure needs, and environmental conditions. Through the work on this project, PlanSmart NJ will have the opportunity to compare the operations of this model with its own GOZ® model.