The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing technical assistance to help five capital cities develop green infrastructure, improving neighborhoods, and increasing protection against impact from climate change.
This year’s Greening America’s Capitals candidates were selected through a national competition, and the agency will work with each city to provide design assistance in specific neighborhoods. The projects focus on incorporating green infrastructure by using vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage stormwater.
“EPA is excited about the opportunity to work with five new capital cities as they pursue their vision of a more sustainable future,” said EPA administrator Gina McCarthy. “Their projects will lay the groundwork for a greener, healthier environment that can help these cities become more resilient to climate change and other challenges, while acting as models for other communities.”
The program has been in place since 2010, with 18 capital cities and the District of Columbia benefiting from community designs that helped clean the air and water, stimulate economic development, and make existing neighborhoods more vibrant places.
Austin, Texas
Austin will receive assistance to create design options to improve pedestrian and bike connections in the South Central Waterfront area, and to incorporate green infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff and localized flooding, improves water quality, and increases shade.
Carson City, Nevada
Carson City will be improving William Street—a former state highway that connects to the downtown area. The project will help the city explore how to incorporate green infrastructure through the use of native plants, and to enhance the neighborhood’s economic vitality.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus intends to develop design options for the Milo-Grogan neighborhood; it will explore using green infrastructure to improve stormwater quality, reduce flooding risks, and encourage walking and cycling.
Pierre, South Dakota
Pierre will receive assistance to redesign its historic main street, South Pierre, in a way that uses green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff and improve resiliency to extreme climate conditions.
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond will receive assistance to design options for more parks and open spaces, and to incorporate green infrastructure to better manage stormwater runoff on Jefferson Avenue—the street serving as the gateway to some of Richmond’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods.
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm.
