News Releases from Region 06

New Orleans Non-profit Receives $60,000 to Restore Area Urban Waters

DALLAS – (Oct. 11, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $60,000 to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to help protect and restore urban waters in the New Orleans area. The grant will also support community revitalization and other local priorities.

“We continue to work with local stakeholders to take critical steps towards water protection,” said EPA regional administrator Ron Curry. “Water restoration allows residents to enjoy the environmental and recreational benefits from their local waters and surrounding lands for many years to come.”

The organization will partner with several New Orleans-based underserved schools to assess stormwater runoff occurring in local neighborhoods to improve local pollution mitigation practices. Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets, and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can enhance economic, educational, recreational, and social opportunities in surrounding communities.

This year’s Urban Waters Grantees will inform and engage residents in stormwater management and pursue community-based plans to address pollution in waterways. The grant is a part of a $1.3 million to 22 organizations in 18 states. To accomplish these goals, many projects will reduce trash in waterways; test rivers, streams and lakes for pollutants; and prepare the next generation of environmental stewards for careers in the green economy.

The Urban Waters Small Grants are competed and awarded every two years. Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded approximately $6.6 million in Urban Waters Small Grants to 114 organizations across the country and Puerto Rico, with individual award amounts of up to $60,000.

To learn more about the funded projects, visit /urbanwaters/urban-waters-small-grants

Information on EPA’s Urban Waters program: /urbanwaters
 

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