Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2013 introduced in Senate and House

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tom Udall introduced the Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2013, which would encourage the use of innovative and economic approaches to manage and reduce stormwater pollution and restore natural surfaces, such as permeable pavement, natural drainage features, and green roofs. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill has four primary objectives. It would:

• Promote innovative stormwater infrastructure to states, local governments, and the private sector.
• Make investments so that communities can implement their own stormwater projects.
• Create up to five Centers of Excellence throughout the United States to conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing management practices for stormwater control and management that are tailored specifically to each region.
• Promote public-private partnerships to create jobs in the design and construction of innovative stormwater control infrastructure.

The bill is supported by American Forests, American Planning Association, American Rivers, American Society of Landscape Architects, Green For All, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Recreation and Park Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Water Environment Federation.