WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 14, 2013 -- Commended by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Senator Tom Udall (NM) and Representative Donna Edwards (MD) introduced the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act (S. 1677, and H.R. 3449) on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
The purpose of the legislation is to provide critical support to advanced stormwater strategies that improve the nation's ability to effectively manage polluted runoff and sewage overflows while relieving pressure on aging infrastructure.
Accordingly, the legislation would establish up to five regional centers of excellence that would conduct research, develop recommendations and provide training and technical assistance for implementing practices for stormwater control and management. It would also promote the use of innovative stormwater solutions within the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Water and related programs and provide technical assistance to states, local governments and the private sector.
The bill remains one of ASLA's top legislative priorities. A host of allied organizations have joined the Society in providing advice and technical assistance to the bills' sponsors, including American Rivers, the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Other organizations supporting this bill include the American Planning Association and the National Parks and Recreation Association.
More information about this bill is here. Visit here to learn more about ASLA's stormwater management resources, including more than 475 green infrastructure case studies and a report on the economic benefits of green infrastructure.
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