Location:
Shepherdstown, WV
Event Date:
April 14, 2009 – April 16, 2009
Description:
This pilot course, which is offered in collaboration with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), provides techniques for putting green infrastructure to work specifically for public utility executives and officials, emphasizing how utilities can start, finance, build, and maintain green infrastructure projects to meet their water supply and water quality needs.
Water pollution control is increasingly recognized as both ecologically and economically beneficial. Green infrastructure methods, like rain gardens and bioretention systems, are designed to mimic natural hydrologic processes and prevent rainwater runoff from flooding urban storm drain systems.
The installation of green infrastructure can improve water quality in receiving bodies of water by reducing stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure also offers a slew of additional benefits, including reduced urban heat island effect during the summer, improved community aesthetics, and enhanced property values.
The goal of this training is to teach the utility how to make the most of green infrastructure’s many benefits. The curriculum will include a variety of educational lectures and classroom activities led by specialists in developing, financing, implementing, and maintaining green infrastructure and low-impact development methods.
In addition, the course will include a distinct characteristic in that it will incorporate a “team approach” to learning. As such, you are invited not only to send representatives from your utility but also to invite officials from other municipal agencies with which you collaborate, such as your local planning commission, public works department, city council, or mayor’s
The objective of the course is to educate members from all sectors of city government about the benefits of green infrastructure and ensure that there are many “champions” of green infrastructure who can assist you in promoting it when you return to your local community.
Focus:
Natural Environment
Built Environment
Social/Economic Health
Scale:
City/Town
Region:
National
