by Shane Henson — January 20, 2014—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will be helping the capital cities of Michigan, Wisconsin and Washington to develop designs for greener, healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods through its Greening America’s Capitals program .
The program aids state capitals in developing an implementable vision of environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate innovative green infrastructure strategies. In collaboration with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, EPA provides design assistance to help support sustainable communities that protect the environment, economy, and public health.
According to the EPA, the designs for the capital cities within Michigan, Wisconsin and Washington will provide models for the growing number of communities interested in sustainable designs. The cities, which were selected through a national competition, are:
- Lansing, Michigan, will receive 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, Wisconsin, will receive assistance to explore ways to make pedestrian and bicycle improvements and add green infrastructure, such as trees and rain gardens, to streets in the Triangle Neighborhood. The project aims to make it easier for residents to access nearby transit, open spaces, and the Monona Bay, and also improve water quality in the bay.
- Olympia, Washington, will receive assistance to incorporate green infrastructure along Capitol Way to reduce stormwater runoff, improve access to businesses and the waterfront, and adapt to climate change. The project aims to strengthen connections between the capitol campus and downtown, encouraging people to walk and bike to shops and restaurants.
This is the fourth year of the Greening America’s Capitals program. To date, 15 capital cities have received assistance, says the EPA.
