The Environmental Protection Agency says that Charleston’s neighborhoods are some of the best in the nation in improving their environmental situation, in spite of economic challenges.

The EPA presented the award Thursday at North Charleston City Hall to the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC), which includes seven North Charleston neighborhoods, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and a board overseeing a $4-million Community Mitigation Plan funded by the Ports Authority.

The Award recognizes community teamwork in dealing with what the EPA calls environmental justice issues. In this case: $12-million program to help reduce the impact of the Ports Authority’s new, 280-acre container terminal under construction at the former Navy Base.

The awarded groups have worked on various issues impacting the health and economic well-being of their communities. including funding for local scholarship programs, affordable housing, environmental monitoring, health care and wellness activities.

Only four other such EPA awards were presented nationally

Ports Authority Board Secretary John F. Hassell III presented a $300,000 check to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.

“Working together, we are maximizing the community benefits of port expansion and minimizing the undesirable impacts,” says Hassell.