© 2024
NPR for Northern Colorado
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Federal Urban Waterways Initiative to Benefit Colorado

Wikimedia Commons

Federal officials are rolling out a new urban waterways initiative that will benefit Colorado, and have named Denver’s South Platte River as one of seven pilot projects nationwide.

The Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture will spearhead the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. One goal is to reconnect urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or economically distressed, with waterways by building off existing community partnerships.

“[We’re] trying to create better access for people that are in disadvantaged communities, getting them out to the river, letting them know that it’s there, and creating a more healthy lifestyle,” said Stacey Eriksen, who coordinates urban watershed revitalization in the Denver area for the EPA.

By having accessible urban waterways, federal officials argue, they can become a centerpiece of urban revitalization, which could help local businesses and enhance recreational opportunities. In addition to Baltimore, other pilot locations include Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Northwest Indiana.