The National Association of Counties (NACo) today announced that Gwinnett County, Ga. is one of 10 recipients of its prestigious 2006-2007 Center for Sustainable Communities Awards.

The awards, presented every two years by NACo’s Center for Sustainable Communities, recognize the most effective and innovative county-led partnerships with private sector, other governments or community groups in developing economically prosperous, environmentally safe, and socially equitable communities.

The county was honored for the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. (See project description below.) Honorees will receive their awards during a reception this winter in Washington, D.C. Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges.

“I commend everyone who was involved in developing these outstanding community partnerships,” said NACo President Eric Coleman, commissioner, Oakland County, Mich. “It is our hope that the national awards will spotlight your communities’ great achievements and inspire others across the country to explore similar strategies to develop vibrant and sustainable communities.”