Madison one of Three State Capitals to Receive Green Design Assistance from EPA

Program will strengthen local economies, protect health, and improve the environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced design assistance to help the capital cities of Wisconsin, Michigan and Washington develop designs for greener, healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.

Madison will receive technical assistance to explore ways to make pedestrian, bicycle improvements, and add green infrastructure, such as trees and rain gardens, to streets in the Triangle Neighborhood. The project aims to make it easier for residents to access nearby transit, open spaces, and the Monona Bay, and improve water quality in the bay.

The designs will provide models for the growing number of communities interested in sustainable designs that improve the environment, strengthen local economies, and protect people’s health. The cities were selected through a national competition.

"This is wonderful news for the 13th District," said Alder Sue Ellingson. "The targeted area houses a diverse population and landscape and I look forward to working with federal experts, City staff, and residents of the area to develop a greener and healthier neighborhood. We have some great projects in place and I hope we can build on them."

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.

"This program will bring in experts from Federal agencies to work with residents of the Triangle Neighborhood as well as City staff," said Mayor Paul Soglin. "This collaboration is an exciting partnership that will benefit the entire area. We can learn from this project and use that knowledge to improve other areas of the city as well."

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