Bowser Administration Launches Anacostia River and District Green Infrastructure Job Training Program
(WASHINGTON, DC) This morning, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III signed the Anacostia River Accord. The signing of the Accord signifies a renewed commitment on the part of the three jurisdictions to work collaboratively toward removing trash from the Anacostia River, its tributaries and watershed.
The signing event took place at the DC Aquatic Resources Education Center, which is located on the banks of the Anacostia River, and is operated by the District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
"Signing the Anacostia River Accord with our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties signifies another important step toward a cleaner, healthier Anacostia River,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We are committed to working in partnership with our neighbors and stakeholders to remove trash, manage pollution, and take bold, innovative actions to restore the river for future generations to fully enjoy."
“I am pleased to join Mayor Bowser and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker as we renew our commitment to work together toward a healthier Anacostia River,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “While our work to protect and preserve the Anacostia is not a new goal for Montgomery County, there is much more to be done and we will continue to do our part to protect and preserve the more than 1,500 miles of Montgomery County streams, many which flow into the Anacostia River.”
“The Anacostia River is such an important part of who we are as a region, so we must make every artery as clean and healthy as possible,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “Today’s signing of the Anacostia River Accord is a significant step forward for our region and is symbolic of what we can accomplish together. Standing with our friends and neighbors in the District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Prince George’s County is committed to ensuring that the Anacostia River is cleaner and safer for our residents.”
At the press conference, Mayor Bowser also announced the launch of a new green workforce development program. “I’m proud to announce that this year, DOEE will fund a $400,000 Anacostia River and District Green Infrastructure Job Training Program,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This green workforce development initiative will provide our young people ages 18 to 24 with meaningful job training and experience in the field, and will assist in permanent job placement as we continue to build our new green economy.”
The Anacostia watershed is one of the most densely populated watersheds within the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin. Efforts to restore the Anacostia watershed began nearly three decades ago and since that time, the three jurisdictions have had a leading role along with state and federal agencies and environmental groups. Each respective jurisdiction is nationally recognized for the implementation of progressive environmental policies and programs.
CONTACT:
LaToya Foster (EOM) – (202) 727-5011; [email protected]
Julia Robey Christian (DOEE) – (202) 450-7878; [email protected]
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