EPA provides green infrastructure funding

Six communities in the US are to receive funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help reduce water pollution and make improvements to their green infrastructures. Local communities in Michigan, Arizona, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Indiana will receive a share of the $400,000 (£246,990) worth of funding from the EPA.   

The communities will receive funding to help them make more changes to infrastructures that could reduce water pollution and help them to overcome any changes that are linked to climate change. Funding is being awarded in support of the Climate Action Plan, which was put in place by President Barack Obama. The action plan requires federal agencies to identify communities that would benefit from climate-resistant investments.

A share of the funding will go to each of the six communities to help improve human health and water quality in the area. Improving the green infrastructure will help economic activity and create a number of jobs. It is likely that energy usage will also be reduced and the community sites will experience an element of rejuvenation with more people earning disposable income. 

Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, said: “Investing in green infrastructure pays off for our environment and our economy. It reduces water pollution and energy consumption. It creates jobs and boosts local economic activity. And these investments help local communities build resilient systems to protect from severe storms, floods, and other impacts of climate change.” 

The green infrastructure will help to reduce water pollution by ensuring that stormwater doesn't enter the sewer system and by treating rainwater where it falls. Tools and technologies that will be installed throughout the six communities include rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, alternative street and building designs and rain gardens. 

Five of the communities are set to receive an equal share of the funding, equating to $65,000, while Providence, Rhode Island, will receive $75,000. The latest funding comes on top of the $1.35 million the EPA has previously provided to improve the green infrastructures within over 20 US communities.