Nebraska’s Capital Selected to Receive Green Design Assistance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected Lincoln, Neb., for green design assistance, which includes incorporating green solutions to manage storm water runoff and building pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The EPA will organize teams of urban planners and landscape architects to provide technical assistance as requested by Lincoln officials.

“This project will address environmental concerns, enhance green infrastructure and help revitalize neighborhoods, spurring economic development in Nebraska’s capital city,” said EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks.

Lincoln and four other state capitals were selected for green assistance. Greening America’s Capitals is not a grant program, but provides direct technical assistance to communities by working with private sector experts and leveraging federal and state partnerships. In addition to helping the selected state capitals build civic pride and a greener future, this assistance will help create models that many other cities can look to in creating their own sustainable designs.

Lincoln is actively working to revitalize a densely built South Capitol neighborhood, which is a 287-acre residential neighborhood. The city and neighborhood are addressing many challenges including a high number of older homes and businesses, aging sanitary sewers and water mains, and lower per capita income than the rest of the city.

Source: EPA