In 1996, President Clinton directed EPA to develop a program that allows communities across the country the opportunity to provide timely environmental information to local citizens.
This program is knows as Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking (EMPACT).
EMPACT is designed to provide public access to accurate environmental monitoring data using the latest technology which will be established in 86 of the largest metropolitan area.
Recently, EPA announced the award of approximately $3.4 million in grants to seven communities.
This year's project will provide environmental information through advanced measurement, information management and communications technologies.
This years winners are City of Tulsa, Okla.; Washtenaw County, Wis.; El Paso, Texas; Narragansett Bay, R.I.; Syracuse City, N.Y.; South Florida Water Management District; and Cheyenne, Wyo.
More information on EMPACT is found at www.epa.gov/empact