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EPA provides $120,000 to support South Platte watershed projects in the Denver metro area

Release Date: 06/26/2012
Contact Information:

Urban Waters grants part of $2.7M awarded nationwide

Contacts: EPA: Lisa McClain-Vanderpool (303)312-6077; Stacey Eriksen (303)312-6692; Barr Lake-Milton Reservoir Watershed Association: Amy Cocklin (303)795-5925; Earth Force Inc.: Donny Roush (303)870-4690.

(Denver, Colo. – June 26, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $60,000 each to the Barr Lake-Milton Reservoir Watershed Association and Earth Force Inc., to increase public awareness about urban impacts to watersheds and water quality. Today’s announcement is part of $2.7 million EPA is providing for projects across the country to help restore urban waters, support community revitalization and protect Americans’ health.

The Barr Lake -Milton Reservoir Watershed Association is receiving $60,000 to develop a coordinated public outreach campaign with nine watershed associations in the Denver metropolitan area. The Association will partner with Metropolitan State University’s One World, One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Sustainability and Water 2012to increase public understanding of water quality issues, leading to behavior change that will improve water quality.

Denver-based Earth Force, Inc. is receiving $60,000 to develop educational toolkits and provide teacher training for outdoor classrooms that will educate 750 youth. Earth Force will partner with Denver Public Works and Denver Public Schools on this effort, which will develop stewardship skills and deepen community investment in watershed protection along the South Platte River.

These Colorado grantees are among 46 organizations in 32 states and Puerto Rico receiving EPA Urban Waters grants ranging from $30,280 to $60,000. The projects selected for funding will promote the restoration of urban waters through community engagement and outreach, water quality monitoring and studies, and environmental education and training. To view a list of projects, visit https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding.

Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance economic, educational, recreational and social opportunities in nearby communities. By reconnecting communities to their local urban waters, EPA will help communities become active participants in restoring urban waters while improving their neighborhoods.

Information on EPA’s Urban Waters program: https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/index.html

Information on the Urban Waters Federal Partnership: http://urbanwaters.gov/