10 Communities and Organizations Selected for Green Streets-Green
Jobs-Green Towns Funding during Green Jobs Training Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Alton Mullins 410.974.2941, Ext. 107
EPA: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov
(Baltimore, MD – June 27, 2012) Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of the
Environment announced the recipients of $376,000 in grant funding through EPA’s Green StreetsGreen Jobs-Green Towns initiative. This program was created to advance watershed protection,
community livability, and economic vitality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed through the
development of stormwater management techniques, green jobs creation and enhanced resident
livability. The 10 selected recipients comprise a diverse group of municipalities and organizations that
are committed to investing in green infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of life in their
communities as well as create green jobs to benefit their local economy.
“We're working with towns and communities to advance environmental best practices, while also
providing new opportunities for green jobs that benefit local economies,” said EPA Regional
Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This program was created to benefit the overall health of
communities through greening efforts that can be replicated by towns throughout the entire
Chesapeake Bay watershed."
The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns grant program was open to local governments and nonprofit organizations in urban and suburban watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland,
D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that were interested in pursuing green
streets, green infrastructure, and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning. Grant
assistance up to $35,000 was available for infrastructure project planning and design, and up to
$100,000 for implementation and construction.
“We have seen the demand for green infrastructure funding accelerate in recent years as more and
more cities and towns are looking for ways to incorporate green techniques into their infrastructure
plans,” said Dr. Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Through this incredible
partnership with the EPA and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment,
we are able to help communities find the resources they need to advance these ever-important ‘green
streets’ techniques.”
During today’s event, each grant recipient unveiled individualized plans to develop green
infrastructure practices, promote green educational efforts, and advance green employment. In
addition, the ability of these projects to serve as a source of green jobs was showcased. Because green
infrastructure projects rely on new techniques, workers engaged in project construction gain valuable
on-the-job training that enhances their skills. The green infrastructure project at the John Eager
Howard Elementary School in the City of Baltimore, previously supported under this initiative, has
served as a hands-on learning experience as part of a green jobs training program supported through a
partnership with the Department of Labor for 30 unemployed or underemployed individuals from the
region.
“The City of Baltimore greatly supports urban greening efforts that not only enhance the beauty of a
local community, but also improve livability and create jobs,” said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie
Rawlings-Blake. “We are honored to have two of these grants awarded today to organizations right
here in Baltimore that are accomplishing great ‘green’ things for our city.”
The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Initiative supports President Obama’s Executive Order for
Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of “green streets.” A “green street”
is defined as a street that integrates a stormwater management system to reduce the amount of water
that is piped directly into streams. Green streets also increase street tree canopy and encourage
pedestrian and/or bicycle access; while providing an aesthetic advantage to a community.
“Providing educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences are crucial to sustaining green
development efforts,” said Senator Ben Cardin, a long-time supporter of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and
green infrastructure development. “Projects like these will not only enhance sustainable watershed
protection and stormwater management techniques, but will also provide Marylanders with the skills
necessary to gain employment in the ever-expanding green jobs sector.”
For more information on the Green Streets grant program, visit www.cbtrust.org.
2012 Green Streets Grant Recipients (full descriptions available at mmullins@cbtrust.org)
Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., Baltimore City, $34,960
Southeast Community Development Corporation, Baltimore City, $67,100
Housing Initiative Partnership, Cecil County, $35,000
Town of Delmar, Wicomico County, $18,950
Town of Forest Heights, Prince George’s County, $55,000
Water Environment Federation, Maryland, $10,000
Town of Ashland, Virginia, $25,000
Matthews County, Virginia, $85,000
City of Romney, West Virginia, $25,000
American Rivers, Pennsylvania, $20,000
About the Chesapeake Bay Trust:
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) is a nonprofit grant-making organization
dedicated to improving the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers through environmental
education, community outreach and local watershed restoration. Since its inception in
1985, the Trust has awarded $40 million in grants and engaged hundreds of thousands of citizen stewards in
projects that have a measurable impact on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The Trust is supported by the
sale of the Maryland Treasure the Chesapeake license plate, donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered
Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form, donations from individuals and corporations, and
partnerships with private foundations and federal and state agencies. Fully 90 percent of the Trust’s
expenditures are directed to its Chesapeake Bay restoration and education programs.