DALLAS – (July 17, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Bayou Land Resource Conservation and Development Council is taking action by evaluating the impact of green infrastructure on mosquito breeding areas and surface water quality in the Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods neighborhoods. EPA is awarding $59,000 to help protect and restore waters around Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans. The projects will also improve water quality, support community revitalization and other local priorities.
“Restoration of Lake Pontchartrain and its waterways will improve public health, provide additional recreational opportunities and boost the local economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Work by grant awardees and partner state agencies makes certain the lake continues to benefit our communities for many years to come.”
EPA is awarding $2.08 million to 36 organizations in 17 states and Puerto Rico, ranging from $40,000 to $60,000. The projects are in areas that align with the 18 designated Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership includes 14 federal agencies working to reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and community-led revitalization efforts.
“The work we are doing will make a positive impact for both the environment and public safety,” said Joe Baucum, Board Member, Bayou Land RC&D. “Our goal is to grow the local knowledge base to incorporate sustainable practices that improve quality of life and demonstrate a clear commitment to make Lake Pontchartrain an example of sustainability.”
Bayou Land RC&D Council is a non-profit organization serving the communities of Southeastern Louisiana. Bayou Land collaborates with a wide-array of community partners to promote and implement natural resource restoration and conservation as well as community development.
The grant, provided through EPA’s Urban Waters program, supports communities in their efforts to access and improve urban waters. Urban waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans in urbanized areas. The program will allow communities to benefit from increased access to natural areas.
Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance economic, educational, recreational and social opportunities in nearby communities. By reconnecting communities to their local urban waters, EPA will help communities actively participate in restoring urban waters while improving their neighborhoods.
