City of New Bedford seeks input on Green environment/infrastructure strategy
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – From a grant through the Commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, and to begin the climate plan NB Resilient, the City of New Bedford is developing a Green Infrastructure Master Strategy and Implementation Roadmap.
Headed by the City’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, They’ve released a survey to help Residents become acquainted with green infrastructure, its benefits to New Bedford, and ask for feedback and concerns.
“New Bedford has been a leader among cities in its response to climate change,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “We will continue to strengthen our resilience the more we can engage our residents in the effort, and this survey is an important step in that general direction.” Green infrastructure refers to a collection of natural solutions that infiltrate, store, or absorb stormwater to reduce runoff into existing stormwater and sewer infrastructure. It is a solution that improves water quality, reduces urban flooding, mitigates extreme heat, enhances neighborhood livability, and delivers environmental justice if prioritized in historically marginalized neighborhoods.
“Through this project we will realize multiple benefits, including natural alternatives to traditional stormwater collection,” said Michele Paul, the City’s director of resilience and environmental stewardship. “Green Infrastructure creates conditions to allow for more infiltration of rain into the ground, where it undergoes natural treatment and results in less discharge to surface waters through underground piping. With more street trees and ‘greener’ drainage alternatives throughout the city, we’ll add shade and reduce the amount of asphalt, as well, to lessen flash flooding and mitigate heat in the summer.”
Though the new green infrastructure isn’t as traditional or hidden as the “gray infrastructure”, the benefits provided will be much healthier for our environment. The city plans to reach out to community-based and neighborhood groups to provide more information and address questions and reception.
For more information visit the NB Resilient website.
