Warren's town manager and planner said the were thrilled and beyond flattered to learn last week that a statewide planning organization is singling out Warren for smart planning, forward thinking and innovation.

At its annual awards night in April, SmartGrowthRI, a non-profit advocacy and planning group, will honor Warren for recent policy and infrastructural initiatives and the town's overall commitment to smart planning. To Warren Town Planner Bob Rulli and Town Manager Kate Michaud, the award is flattering and speaks as much to the efforts of the town council and many boards and agencies, as to them:

"I'm thrilled," Ms. Michaud said Monday. "I'm proud of everyone who's been working on the policies and procedures that have been put in place" that have made it possible for "these things to happen."

"It's gratifying," Mr. Rulli added. "Were fortunate that we have a team, both elected and appointed, that are kind of all of the same mind in terms of how we approach these things."

In a press release, GrowSmartRI said Warren is leading the way with its innovative thinking, future planning and cutting edge initiatives:

"The Town of Warren has taken an assertive and holistic approach to implementing smart, sustainable growth for the long term benefit of all residents.

"Though these efforts are occurring through a handful of separate policies and plans, Warren’s leadership is keenly aware of how incremental decisions about the town’s future impact the overall strength of its economy, its vibrancy, tax base, natural resource protection and quality of life."

In singling out Warren, GrowSmartRi pointed to several projects in particular that have set the town apart:

* The town's partnership with Green Energy, a South County-based solar power generating company. Town officials have signed a lease with Green Energy, which this Spring or summer will begin construction of a solar farm at the town's closed landfill on Birchswamp Road.

Through the partnership, Warren will be able to purchase enough energy — approximately 80 percent of its overall needs — to power most of its municipal buildings. In addition to generating energy through a clean, renewable resource, the partnership will save the town as much as $2.5 million over the life of the lease.

* The town's $20 million wastewater treatment plant is being built as a result of an agreement between the town and DEM, but Warren is going forward to address the threat of sea level rise as it is constructed, GrowSmart noted.

* The town is working to implement a Main Street Rhode Island grant to improve the streetscape and walkability of downtown Warren, and to better connect businesses with the East Bay Bike Path.

Mr. Rulli said many of the initiatives are thought up by the town's appointed officials, but having a town council of the same mind is a crucial aspect that has given officials the freedom to think creatively.

"It's as much to the council's effort in allowing us to do what we do" than anything else, he said. "We have the ideas but they give us the freedom" to go after and develop them.