[StBernard] EPA works with Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to Revitalize Urban Waters in New Orleans

[Westley Annis]

EPA works with Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to Revitalize Urban Waters in
New Orleans

                                           

DALLAS - (July 17, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is
awarding $60,000 to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to accelerate
the outgoing revitalization of New Orleans' south shore lake front to help
protect and restore the waters. The project will also improve water quality,
support community revitalization and other local priorities.

 

"Restoration of Lake Pontchartrain and its waterways will improve public
health, provide additional recreational opportunities and boost the local
economy," said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. "Work by grant awardees
and partner state agencies makes certain the lake continues to benefit our
communities for many years to come."

 

EPA is awarding $2.08 million to 36 organizations in 17 states and Puerto
Rico, ranging from $40,000 to $60,000.  The projects are in areas that align
with the 18 designated Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations. The Urban
Waters Federal Partnership includes 14 federal agencies working to reconnect
urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination among
federal agencies and community-led revitalization efforts.  

 

"Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is ecstatic that we can further enhance
New Orleans' legendary lakefront," said Executive Director, Dr. John Lopez.
"The reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse complements the
establishment of our new Pontchartrain Beach Office."

 

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) was established in response to
environmental concerns voiced throughout the Basin. As the public's
independent voice, LPBF is dedicated to restoring and preserving the water
quality, coast, and habitats of the entire Pontchartrain Basin.  Through
coordination of restoration activities, education, advocacy, monitoring of
the regulatory process, applied scientific research, and citizen action,
LPBF works in partnership with all segments of the community to reclaim the
Basin for this and future generations. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin is a
10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes.

 

The funding, provided through EPA's Urban Waters program, supports
communities in their efforts to access and improve urban waters. Urban
waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays
and oceans in urbanized areas. The program will allow communities to benefit
from increased access to natural areas. 

 

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 actively participate in restoring urban waters while
improving their neighborhoods.

Information on EPA's Urban Waters program: http://www2.epa.gov/urbanwaters
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