Ten Maryland Towns Receive More Than $230,000 to Expand Green Infrastructure and Reduce Polluted Runoff
April 2011 -- Ten Maryland communities have been awarded a total of more than $230,000 to design “green streets” that will reduce polluted stormwater runoff to the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers while creating green jobs in urban areas.
Baltimore City, Bladensburg, Capitol Heights, College Park, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Edmonston, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, University Park each received grants of $25,000-$35,000 to plan and design “green streets” in their communities.
A “green street” is a street that:
- Minimizes impact through an approach that incorporates water quality, energy-efficiency and other environmental best practices
- Integrates a stormwater management system that increase infiltration and/or reduces flow
- Reduces the amount of water that is piped directly into streams
- Makes the best use of the street tree canopy to intercept stormwater, control temperatures and improve air quality
- Encourages pedestrian and/or bicycle access
- Provides an aesthetic advantage to a community
Communities can save $27 for every $1 invested in green infrastructure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Green Streets-Green Jobs Initiative grants are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. For more information, visit the Trust’s website.