Urban Waters
First Phase Pilots with Communities
To begin our efforts, the partnership identified seven pilot locations in which to enhance existing work:
- Anacostia Watershed (District of Columbia / Maryland)
- Patapsco Watershed / Baltimore Region (Maryland)
- Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (New York)
- South Platte River in Denver (Colorado)
- Los Angeles River Watershed (California)
- Lake Pontchartrain Area in New Orleans(Louisiana)
- Northwest Indiana Area
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Anacostia Watershed (District of Columbia / Maryland
The federal partners believe a deeper connection to local water bodies will bring a new cycle of community hope and energy resulting in healthier urban waters, improved public health, strengthened local businesses, and new jobs, as well as expanded educational, recreational, housing, and social opportunities. Led by DOI and EPA, twelve Federal agencies--with authorities ranging from economic development and infrastructure to environmental and public health protection--will work together to align programs, activities, and expertise supporting local initiatives.
Read more about the Anacostia Watershed (Washington, DC / Maryland) (PDF) (2 pp, 53K)
Patapsco Watershed / Baltimore Region (Maryland)
The Baltimore Urban Waters Pilot project will create a coordination committee and develop projects devoted to protecting and restoring urban waters; promoting community revitalization and strengthening the social fabric through the removal of blight, establishment of open spaces, and creation of economic development to serve as catalyst opportunities for disadvantaged neighborhoods, and capitalize on the social and economic benefits derived from improved urban waters and adjacent lands. Federal partner agencies will work together with the City, County, and State Agencies, local NGOs and CDCs, and communities groups.
Read more about the Patapsco Watershed / Baltimore Region (Maryland) (PDF) (2 pp, 56K)
Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (New York)
The Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds Urban Waters Federal Partnership strives to support local watershed revitalization efforts through implementation of economic development, ecological restoration, green infrastructure, improved water quality, better community health, increased recreation and transportation and environmental education. The federal partner agencies will work with the New York Departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation as well as with the NY City Departments of Parks and Recreation and Transportation and Planning. Many other local groups are involved as well.
Read more about the Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (New York) (PDF) (2 pp, 71K)
South Platte River in Denver (Colorado)
The South Platte River Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot project strives to protect one of Denver's primary sources of drinking water, while supporting ongoing on-the-ground projects, education, and research, and facilitating a growing population's connection to its urban waterways. The federal partner agencies plan to work with the City and County of Denver, The Greenway Foundation, Groundwork Denver, the Trust for Public Land, Colorado State agencies, local non-governmental organizations, and businesses. The activities in the Denver metro area are also part of EPA's Green Infrastructure Initiative.
Read more about the South Platte River in Denver (Colorado) (PDF) (2 pp, 95K)
Los Angeles River Watershed (California)
The Los Angeles River Watershed Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot project will support local watershed revitalization efforts, which include enhancing flood protection, improving water quality through green infrastructure, enabling safe public access, and restoring ecosystems. The Federal partners will work with the City, other interested municipalities, California State agencies, and local nonprofits.
Read more about the Los Angeles River Watershed Work Plan (PDF) (17 pp, 684K) and the Los Angeles River Watershed (California) (PDF) (2 pp, 52K)
Lake Pontchartrain Area (New Orleans, Louisiana)
The Lake Pontchartrain Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot project strives to support local restoration efforts. Goals include enabling safe public access, restoring essential facilities and structures, and providing environmental education to the community. Federal partner agencies will work with the City of New Orleans, other interested municipalities, Louisiana State agencies, and local non-governmental agencies to make these goals a reality.
Read more about the Lake Pontchartrain Area (New Orleans, Louisiana) (PDF) (2 pp, 65K)
Northwest Indiana Area
The Northwest Indiana Urban Waters Federal Partnership Pilot project strives to develop urban green spaces, reduce flood risks, improve water quality, and create a vision for greenway preservation and water trail development. Federal partner agencies will work with the Cities of Gary, Portage, Hammond, Valparaiso, Porter, Chesterton, East Chicago, and other interested municipalities and counties, Indiana State agencies, and local non-governmental organizations.
Read more about the Northwest Indiana Area (PDF) (2 pp, 60K)