WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. (EPA) today announced design assistance to help the capital cities of Michigan, Wisconsin and Washington develop designs for greener, healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. The designs will provide models for the growing number of communities interested in sustainable designs that enhance the environment, strengthen local economies, and protect people's health. The cities, which were selected through a national competition, are:
- Lansing, Mich. will gain assistance to develop options for transforming a 14-acre parking lot between the state capitol and Hall of Justice into a public park that showcases green infrastructure and renewable energy technologies. The design assistance aims to help reduce combined sewer overflows, prevent flooding, reduce the heat island effect, beautify public spaces near major civic buildings, and connect pedestrian walkways and transit to community and state institutions.
- Madison, Wis. will gain assistance to explore ways to make pedestrian and bicycle enhancements and add green infrastructure, such as trees and rain gardens, to streets in the Triangle Neighborhood. The plan aims to make it easier for residents to access nearby transit, open spaces, and the Monona Bay, and also enhance water quality in the bay.
- Olympia, Wash. will gain assistance to incorporate green infrastructure along Capitol Way to reduce stormwater runoff, enhance access to businesses and the waterfront, and adapt to climate change. The plan aims to strengthen connections between the capitol campus and downtown, encouraging people to walk and bike to shops and restaurants.
This is the 4th year of the Greening America's Capitals program. To date, 15 capital cities have received assistance, including Boston; Charleston, W.Va.; Hartford, Conn.; Jefferson City, Mo.; Little Rock, Ark.; Jackson, Miss.; Lincoln, Neb.; Montgomery, Ala.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Washington; Baton Rouge, La.; Des Moines, Iowa; Frankfort, Ky.; Helena, Mont.; and Indianapolis, Ind.
E.P.A. recently posted reports for Baton Rouge, Des Moines, Frankfort, Helena, and Indianapolis. E.P.A. assistance will help the cities pursue green infrastructure, more walkable streets and other amenities. View design options for each city at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usepagov/sets/72157633206541248/
Greening America's Capitals is an E.P.A. plan conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing and transportation choices, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.
More information on Greening America's Capitals and a link to the reports:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov
