CONTACT: Mike Matthews, Publis Affairs, (202) 536-7666, [email protected]
A total of $181,985 will fund 10 community-oriented projects with a special focus on the Year of the Anacostia
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA – May 31, 2018 – The Department of Energy and Environment recently awarded 11 grants totaling $181,985 for innovative, community-oriented projects aimed at improving water quality in the District, reducing trash, and raising awareness about what citizens can do to restore our rivers, streams, and parks. The 2018 grants include projects that honor the history and engage people in the future of the Anacostia River and surrounding communities as part of the Year of the Anacostia. This is the third year DOEE has offered Community Stormwater Solutions grants. In 2016 and 2017, grantees installed 21 storm drain murals, engaged over 3,000 District residents, and planted more than 5,000 native plant species.
The 2018 Community Stormwater Solutions grantees and projects are:
- American University will redesign and renovate a failing green roof at Mary Graydon Center, $20,000
- Anacostia Coordinating Council with the Committee to Restore Shepherd Parkway will launch a pilot program to employ Ward 8 residents as Park Stewards, $20,000
- Anacostia Riverkeeper will create a temporary art installation with an anti-littering message to be displayed at Anacostia Park during the Year of the Anacostia, $20,000
- Anacostia Waterfront Trust will build and deploy a mobile green infrastructure educational toolkit - $19,999
- Anacostia Watershed Society will collaborate with Lamond-Riggs Civic Association, Langston Civic Association, and Historic Anacostia Block Association to build watershed awareness, $19,986
- Bancroft Elementary PTO of Washington DC will engage students and the surrounding community to restore woodland habitat on the slopes of Piney Branch valley, $19,986
- Changing Perceptions will work with returning citizens to own and run a stormwater-solutions business, host cleanup events, and offer free community seminars on native plants and gardening, $20,000
- George Washington University will implement a study to characterize waste on campus to evaluate the success of existing zero waste strategies and to assist with increasing campus awareness of pollution prevention, $2,000
- Urban Learning and Teaching Center will partner with Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School to develop and implement stormwater curriculum focused on “hidden waterways” for students in grades kindergarten through 5th, $20,000
- Washington Parks & People will expand their “Think Outside” campaign to incorporate on invasive species removal, native trees, green infrastructure maintenance, perennial planting, and litter prevention, $20,000
The Community Stormwater Solutions program requires applicants be physically located in the District. Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and small businesses are eligible to apply for up to $20,000.
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