FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Atley Keller
Local Government Commission
916-448-1198 ext 330
akeller@lgc.org
The Local Government Commission Awarded $230,000 for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project
Grant award will improve parks through the Great Urban Parks Campaign
[Sacramento, CA, March 6, 2019] – The Local Government Commission (LGC) has been selected for a Great Urban Parks Campaign grant by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). LGC is one of 10 organizations awarded the grant, which supports the development of green stormwater infrastructure.
Green stormwater infrastructure in parks offer an effective way to positively impact environmental and social change, especially within underserved communities. Projects can mitigate the effects of climate-related weather events, improve community health, increase access to green space and nature, and provide opportunities for education, employment and social inclusion. By empowering local residents through meaningful community engagement, projects can address community needs while meeting local stormwater management goals. The grant award issued to LGC will be used to design and construct two sites, one in the City of Morro Bay and one in the City of Woodland. An additional project will be designed in the City of Salinas.
“Local Government Commission is very excited to provide direct service California communities through local, multi-benefit stormwater projects,” said Danielle Dolan, LGC’s Water Program Director. LGC is taking a unique approach to this grant program; rather than a single large project, we are designing and building multiple “pocket-park” sized pilot projects in different northern California communities which have been reluctant to pursuing large stormwater green infrastructure projects. Our intent is to popularize this approach and prompt additional investment in future projects. We want to show these communities – as well as other communities across the state and the nation – that green infrastructure stormwater management can be effective in smaller scales, and still provide multiple benefits to the community. We look forward to sharing the success of these projects and seeing their long term impacts!
The Great Urban Parks Campaign aims to demonstrate the social and environmental benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in underserved communities — including increased public access to recreational opportunities and access to nature via parks.
For more information about the Great Urban Parks Campaign, visit www.nrpa.org/about-GUPC.
To learn more about the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in parks, watch
this video.
To learn more about the Local Government Commission visit lgc.org.
About the Local Government Commission
The Local Government Commission works to build livable communities and local leadership by connecting leaders via innovative programs and network opportunities, advancing policies through participation at the local and state level, and implementing solutions as a technical assistance provider and advisor to local jurisdictions.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation , visit www.parksandrecreation.org.