The Great American Clean City Act

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Summary of the Great American clean city act

The Great American Clean City Act establishes national standards for cleanliness and maintenance across U.S. cities. Each year, federal inspections will evaluate cities on waste management, public facility cleanliness, air and water quality, green space upkeep, and preservation of historical sites. Cities that achieve high scores or show significant improvement will qualify for federal grants to fund local improvement projects.

The Act includes specific incentives for historically significant cities, doubling their performance weight to ensure the preservation of cultural landmarks. Additional clauses require grant-funded projects to stay within budget, with bonuses for on-time or early completion, and cities that meet these standards may receive extra funding and public recognition for their stewardship.

Overall, the great American Clean City Act encourages sustainable urban environments, promotes community pride, and rewards cities for maintaining high cleanliness and environmental standards.
Proposed Cleanliness Standards and Enhancement Act

Section 1: Purpose

To ensure that cities across the United States maintain high standards of cleanliness, public health, and environmental quality. This law incentivizes cities to improve cleanliness by offering grants for city improvement projects.

Section 2: Annual Cleanliness Review and Scoring

  1. Annual Assessment: Each year, the federal government will conduct a comprehensive cleanliness inspection in all U.S. cities, scoring them based on:

• Trash and waste management

• Public facility cleanliness

• Air and water quality

• Green space and recreational area maintenance

• Historic preservation efforts (for cities with historical significance)

• Overall environmental impact of city practices

  1. Scoring Criteria: Cities will be scored on a 100-point scale, with specific benchmarks for improvement or decline. A score of 85 and above is considered “Excellent,” 70-84 is “Good,” and below 70 requires improvement.

Section 3: Grant Incentives

  1. Improvement Grants: Cities with scores above 85, or those showing a 10-point improvement from the previous year, are eligible for federal grants for city improvement projects. Eligible projects include infrastructure updates, public transport enhancements, park creation, or cultural initiatives.

  2. Double-Weight for Historically Significant Cities: Cities with historical, cultural, or political significance, such as Hollywood or Washington, D.C., will have double-weighted assessment criteria to ensure the preservation and cleanliness of their heritage sites. These cities are eligible for additional funding if they meet or exceed a threshold of 90 points.

Section 4: Accountability and Enforcement

  1. Reporting and Public Access: Scores and reports will be made publicly available to promote transparency and accountability.

  2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Cities consistently scoring below 70 for three consecutive years will be placed on a watch list. If improvements are not made, federal funds for non-essential projects may be withheld until cleanliness standards are met.

Section 5: Funding

Federal funding will be allocated to the Cleanliness Standards Program from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Interior, with provisions for private donations and partnerships to support grant incentives.

Section 6: Project Budget and Timeliness Incentives
1. Budget Compliance Requirement: Cities receiving grants under this Act must submit a detailed project budget for approval. All projects are required to stay within this approved budget. Any overruns exceeding 5% of the original budget will require a formal review, and cities may face reduced funding for future projects if non-compliance with budget standards is found without just cause.
2. Timeliness and Efficiency Incentives: Projects completed on or before their scheduled deadline and within budget are eligible for additional funding and performance bonuses, which can be applied toward future city improvement projects. Bonuses will be awarded as follows:
• Early Completion Bonus: Projects completed more than 30 days before the scheduled deadline will receive a 10% additional grant.
• On-Time Completion Bonus: Projects completed on the scheduled deadline will receive a 5% additional grant.
3. Reporting and Transparency: Cities must provide quarterly updates on budget and timeline adherence. Reports will be reviewed by the federal agency administering the grants, ensuring accountability and allowing for intervention if delays or budget issues arise.
4. Exceptional Performance Recognition: Cities that complete three consecutive projects on time and on budget will be publicly recognized as “Excellence in City Stewardship” awardees, eligible for priority consideration in future grant applications.

This clause encourages cities to stay on budget and finish projects on time, while providing recognition and additional funding for those that meet or exceed these standards.

Overall This act aims to promote a cleaner, healthier living environment for all citizens and incentivize cities to take proactive steps toward maintaining high standards of cleanliness and environmental stewardship.

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