US EPA provides funding to improve water facility in urban areas

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing $2.08m to 37 organisations in 17 states and Puerto Rico, under the Urban Waters programme.

The programme will support communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land.

As part of the programme, the agency is providing $60,000 to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to carry out the Green Infrastructure Monitoring Project.

The project is said to improve local water quality and support community revitalisation, as well as other local priorities.

EPA regional administrator Ron Curry said: "The restoration of urban waters will improve public health, provide additional recreational opportunities and boost the local economy.

"Work by grant awardees and partner state agencies makes certain the area continues to benefit our communities for many years to come."

According to EPA, the funds in the range of $40,000 to $60,000 are provided to the projects, which are carried out in areas that align with the 18 designated Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations.

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership comprises 14 federal agencies, while the urban waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans in urbanised areas.

The agency is also awarding a $59,827 grant to the University of Baltimore, which will be used to clean up the Patapsco River watershed.

EPA regional administrator Shawn Garvin said: "Today’s Urban Waters grant to the University of Baltimore is yet another example of EPA’s commitment to the city of Baltimore and surrounding communities as they work to create a healthier, sustainable future."