(PHILADELPHIA, July 17, 2014) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $2.1 million to 37 organizations nationwide to help protect and restore urban waters, improve water quality, and support community revitalization and other local priorities. Three of the organizations announced today for funding include Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, and the University of Maryland, each undertaking projects to support Anacostia Watershed communities.
The funding is through EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land.
“Today’s Urban Waters grants to these three organizations underscores EPA’s commitment to helping create a healthier and sustainable Anacostia community,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “We’re especially proud that all three organizations recognize the value of achieving environmental justice and engaging students and other community members in hands-on environmental learning and stewardship.”
EPA is awarding grants ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 for projects taking place in areas that align with the 18 designated Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations. The Anacostia River Watershed is one of the 18 locations. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is made up of 13 federal agencies working to reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and collaborating with community-led revitalization efforts. All funded projects work to advance environmental justice in their communities and focus on one of the following three categories: community greening and green infrastructure, communities and water quality data, and integration of water quality and community development in planning.
Urban waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans in urbanized areas. 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 to actively participate in restoring urban waters while improving their neighborhoods.
