The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with several other federal agencies and non-governmental partners, took time recently to reflect on a decade of progress under the Urban Waters Federal Partnership program, while recommitting to restoring urban waterways.
There are about 20 locations across the country advancing economic, public health, environmental and social benefits by improving community focus on improving water quality.
“With the 10th anniversary of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, EPA is celebrating transformational improvements to our waters—including in our urban centers,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in a release. “The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is supporting communities across the country, from the Bronx to Los Angeles to our newest location—the Rio Reimagined project in Arizona. I look forward to accelerating this progress with our renewed commitment.”
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership brings together 15 federal agencies to work with local communities and partners to restore urban waterways and their environments. The enhancements are aimed at boosting recreational opportunities, helping local economies, creating jobs and protecting the health of residents.
The partnership also supports hundreds of underserved communities through funding for local projects and educational opportunities through the Urban Waters Learning Network.
“The Urban Waters Federal Partnership Program recognizes that communities and clean water are integral to one another,” White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory said in the release. “For decades, this partnership program has demonstrated that restoring waterways reinvigorates communities by preserving areas that serve as natural flood protection, fish and wildlife habitat and beautiful places where Americans can work and play safely outdoors. It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone by reaffirming our commitment to advancing environmental justice, connecting people to nature and tackling the climate crisis.”
The Interior Department reconfirmed its commitment to the goals of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership while supporting the Biden administration’s mission to conserve and restore 30% of the lands and waters by 2030.
“As we look to the future, we’re particularly focused on strengthening our current locations with more resources and support, and looking to see how we can expand the impact of this innovative partnership to more communities across the country,” Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary for Water and Science for the Department of the Interior said.
