The EPA is providing $70,000 in technical assistance to the city of Omaha for development of tools that will encourage incorporation of green infrastructure into community improvement projects.

“Green infrastructure provides many community benefits including the reduction of storm water runoff, neighborhood revitalization and reduction of pollutants in local streams,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “The technical assistance will support work such as a review of city codes and ordinances to identify barriers to green infrastructure and recommend appropriate revisions as needed.”

Storm water is one of the most widespread challenges to water quality. Large volumes of polluted storm water degrade our nation’s rivers, lakes and aquatic habitats and contribute to downstream flooding. Green infrastructure decreases pollution to local waters by treating rain where it falls and helps to keep polluted storm water from entering sewer systems.

Nationally, EPA is providing $950,000 in technical assistance to help 17 cities expand the use of green infrastructure to improve water quality and benefit communities. Effective green infrastructure tools and techniques include rain gardens, vegetated swales, wetlands, green roofs and permeable pavement. Communities are increasingly using green infrastructure to supplement or substitute for traditional infrastructure investments such as pipes, filters and ponds.