Another survey gives high marks

   Colorado Springs tied with Portland, Ore., for third place in Earth Day Network’s environmental ranking of 72 U.S. cities based on more than 200 environmental, health and quality of life indicators.
   The Springs ranked first among mid-sized cities, those with populations of 250,000 to 500,000.
   First overall went to Fargo, N.D. Second was Burlington, Vt. Denver ranked 13th. Detroit finished last.
   The report, released Thursday, evaluated toxic and waste issues, air quality, drinking and surface water, quality of life, parks and recreation opportunities, human and public health and global warming and climate change.
   Colorado Springs scored highest for human and public health, air quality and quality of life and lowest for drinking and surface water and parks and recreation opportunities.
   “It’s a reflection of what a great place we have to live in Colorado Springs,” Mayor Lionel Rivera said.
   He noted the city’s water supply comes from mountain reservoirs, local governments have successfully secured federal funding to reduce traffic jams and the pleasant climate encourages people to hike, run and bicycle.
   The 72 cities in the Urban Environment Report are the 50 largest in the U.S., plus the largest cities in each state.
   Earth Day Network said in a release the analysis is the first of its kind to analyze so much data and to use new components to define environment.
   The Springs’ ranking comes on the heels of Money Magazine listing Colorado Springs last year as the best big city in America — a designation worth a million dollars in publicity and a draw for investors considering the Springs.
   Mike Kazmierski, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp., said the environmental recognition will be used to promote the Springs.
   “Obviously, one of our selling points for our community is we have a great quality of life,” he said. “It just reinforces other survey results that indicates that Colorado Springs is very high nationally in those areas.”

By PAM ZUBECK THE GAZETTE 
   To read the report, go to