American Rivers and 13 Milwaukee Groups Receive $3.7 Million in Green Infrastructure Grants
Washington, DC – In a significant boost to American Rivers’ work in the Great Lakes, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District recently awarded $3.7 million in green infrastructure grants to 14 groups, including American Rivers. The grants will support a range of green roof projects, from a small project in Mequon to a massive remake of the roof of the Golda Meir Library at UW Milwaukee.
American Rivers, in a partnership with Simon Landscape and the Energy Exchange will create an education center focused on Best Management Practices in green infrastructure. The facility, located at 4121 S. 6th Street in the Kinnnickinnic Watershed, will feature over 7,500 square feet of permeable pavement, 4,000 square feet of green roof, 1,100 square feet of bioswales and rain gardens and two 1,000 gallon rain harvesters and rain barrels.
“Through the leadership of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the greater Milwaukee area is becoming a leader in green infrastructure, and making significant strides in protecting the Great Lakes,” said Sean Foltz, Associate Director, Clean Water Program for American Rivers in Milwaukee.
American Rivers’ Milwaukee office is just one part of the comprehensive approach American Rivers is taking in the Great Lakes region to reduce stormwater runoff and protect clean water. American Rivers is working with decision-makers to promote natural stormwater management practices like permeable pavement, rain gardens, and green roofs. These “green infrastructure” approaches help save money and energy, reduce flooding, and improve water quality.
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American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. Visit www.americanrivers.org, www.facebook.com/americanrivers and www.twitter.com/americanrivers.
