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Virginia’s State Capital to Receive Green Design Assistance from EPA

Release Date: 09/23/2014
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113, heron.donna@epa.gov

RICHMOND (September 23, 2014) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced technical assistance to help Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, develop designs for greener, healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods and increase resiliency from the impacts of our changing climate. Richmond is one of only five state capitals selected through a national competition for this year’s Greening America’s Capitals program.

EPA will provide design assistance from private-sector experts to assist the City of Richmond in developing sustainable designs that create vibrant neighborhoods with multiple social, economic, environmental, and public health benefits.

The announcement was made today by EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin during a ceremony in Richmond where he was joined by City of Richmond officials.

“The Mid-Atlantic Region is often at the vanguard of applying environmental principles to our lives, and striking a balance to promote healthier communities and a sustainable lifestyle. Richmond is continuing this tradition by applying sustainable design strategies to Jefferson Avenue that will help bring together significant and diverse neighborhoods,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin.

Richmond will receive assistance to improve a one-third mile segment of Jefferson Avenue which links the racially, culturally, and economically diverse neighborhoods of Church Hill and Union Hill, while also serving as the gateway to some of Richmond’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods.

The Greening America’s Capitals project will build off of Richmond’s grassroots, community-led vision developed by residents and business owners that will meet the community’s goals of more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streets, more parks and open spaces, and incorporates green infrastructure to better manage stormwater runoff.

Greening America's Capitals is an EPA program conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country create more housing and transportation choices, reinforce existing investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.

Four other capitals announced today for green design assistance are Austin, Texas; Carson City, Nev.; Columbus, Ohio; and Pierre, S.D.

More information on Greening America’s Capitals and a link to the reports: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

More information on Greening America’s Capitals and a link to the reports: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm.

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov.