To address complementary municipal goals of improved water quality and restored natural hydrology, this project focused on the development of a simple and logical methodology to promote street-based stormwater management. This methodology is guided by larger cities’ analysis of and commitment to green street strategies. Cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and New York have made intentional commitments to green street strategies to reduce stormwater runoff that contributes to combined sewer overflows. River Network worked with Hawkins Partners, Inc. (project team) to develop a green streets methodology for mid-sized cities that may not have the same resources as the larger cities that have embraced green streets. River Network’s approach (a) demonstrates a clear connection between stormwater runoff and the road system, (b) involves neighborhood, utility and local official guidance, and (c) connects green streets to established local priorities.

LONGER TERM GREEN STREET VISION

As a best practice for achieving clean water, addressing unnatural and damaging streamflows, and investing in many other community benefits, River Network envisions a time when all cities systematically consider green street features whenever changes to the right-of-way are proposed or transportation capital improvement plans are being developed.

PROJECT PARTNERS

River Network greatly appreciates the support of the Surdna Foundation which made this project possible. In addition, Smart Growth America, Hawkins Partners, Inc., Cumberland River Compact and the Clean Water Nashville Program were all instrumental to the success of the project.