Funds Awarded to Expand Green Jobs, Infrastructure, Streets

Last week, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of Maryland announced an expanded Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns grant initiative to help cities and towns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The initiative is intended to push forward greening efforts that improve watershed protection, community livability and economic vitality. This public-private partnership will award more than $400,000 in 2012, doubling the funding from 2011.

The grant program is open to local governments and non-profit organizations in urban and suburban watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia who want to pursue green streets, green infrastructure and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning.

Grant assistance up to $35,000 is available for infrastructure project planning and design, and up to $100,000 for implementation and construction. The strongest proposals will combine innovative green infrastructure and best management practices that maximize cost-effectiveness.

Projects selected will further sustainable watershed protection and green infrastructure storm water management through low impact development practices, renewable energy use, local livability and green job creation.

“Many small to mid-sized communities around the Chesapeake Bay watershed are looking for ways to boost local economies while also protecting water resources and expand greening efforts,” said Allen Hance, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Building green streets and urban green infrastructure projects marry three important issues that these towns face: jobs, livability and the environment.”

The request for proposals is available at www.cbtrust.org with a deadline of March 9, 2012, for all applications.

Source: www.epa.gov