Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $5 million dollars in grants to five universities to evaluate innovative green infrastructure practices in urban areas, using Philadelphia, Pa. as the pilot area. These grants stem from a cooperative partnership between EPA and Philadelphia?s Green City, Clean Waters program that represents a broad, long-term investment in implementing green infrastructure stormwater management practices.
The EPA is awarding grants to the following universities: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.; Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa.; Temple University, Ambler, Pa.; University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H.; and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
?This partnership provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the early benefits, long-term performance and economic success of green infrastructure practices in urban communities.? said U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe. ?Through this research, we will gain valuable knowledge that can be applied across the United States to create a safer and more sustainable water supply.?
?Philadelphia is a national leader among cities around the country in using green infrastructure to address problems from combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Additional information on the program can be found through the EPA?s website at www.epa.gov/ncer/phillygi and www.epa.gov/research.
