Green infrastructure project in SC jumpstarted by Recovery Act funding

Feb. 18, 2010
ATLANTA, GA, Feb. 18, 2010 -- U.S. EPA Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Beverly Banister joined officials from Clemson University and the city of Aiken to celebrate Aiken's Green Infrastructure Project kickoff ceremony in Aiken, SC...

ATLANTA, GA, Feb. 18, 2010 -- On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Beverly Banister joined officials from Clemson University and the city of Aiken to celebrate Aiken's Green Infrastructure Project kickoff ceremony in Aiken, SC. This project, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), designed to control the impact of rainwater on the surrounding environment. The ceremony was highlighted with a tour of Sand River and demonstration planting of a rain garden.

"With this innovative project, the city of Aiken is taking a positive step to enhance the city's environmental health and demonstrate community leadership toward sustainability," said Banister. "EPA is committed to helping communities through projects that not only create jobs, but also make a demonstrable difference for the environment and public health."

The city of Aiken received $3.34 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and awarded the Watershed Center two related grants: $293,187 to assist in design of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable paving and other low-impact retrofit practices; and $126,359 to develop a research and monitoring program for Aiken's Green Infrastructure that taps into Clemson's Intelligent River research program. This project enhances the city's environmental health and demonstrates community leadership toward sustainability. The project's is anticipated to create approximately 25 to 50 local jobs.

The city of Aiken's Green Infrastructure Project incorporates sustainable development practices to capture and treat stormwater in downtown watersheds. The Clemson University Center for Watershed Excellence in partnership with the city of Aiken and the engineering firm Woolpert Inc. is designing and implementing natural treatment systems that will greatly enhance stormwater infiltration in downtown watersheds. The objective is to reduce the impact of stormwater on nearby Sand River and Hitchcock Woods by returning to the principles of how stormwater was treated decades ago, prior to the introduction of pavement, driveways and other impervious structures.

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on Feb. 17, and has directed the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at www.Recovery.gov.

###

Sponsored Recommendations

WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Automated Fresh Water Treatment

March 15, 2024
SCADA, Automation and Control for Efficient and Compliant Operations

Digital Transformation Enables Smart Water

March 15, 2024
During this webinar we will discuss factors driving the transformation to digital water, water industry trends, followed by a summary of solutions (products & services) available...

Smart Water Solutions: Transforming the Water Universe

March 15, 2024
Water is our most valuable resource, and efficient and effective water and wastewater handling is crucial for municipalities. As industry experts, you face a number of challenges...