Federal Partnership Aims to Revitalize Urban Waters

The diverse group of federal entities—which includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control, and eight others—aims to increase coordination among federal, state, and local governments as well as community organizations in an effort to connect urban communities to their waterways and foster protection and revitalization efforts. Urban waters are an often-overlooked resource, both environmentally and socially, and their revitalization can be beneficial in both arenas.

Examples of these benefits can be found in many cities that have incorporated waterways into river walks, waterfronts, bike paths, parks, and public spaces—places that often see increased commercial development as well as increased property values. According to the partnership, other potential benefits include cleaner water, wildlife habitat and migration corridors, improved public health, reduced crime rates, stronger local businesses, and increased education and recreation opportunities.

Seven pilot sites have been chosen in places where the partnership’s efforts will enhance existing work, such as the Los Angeles River in California, Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana, and the Patapsco Watershed in Maryland. For more information, visit www.urbanwaters.gov.