City of Indianapolis and United Water Go Green Local groups partner to promote greener stormwater management practices

Under its new contract for operating and maintening of the City’s wastewater and stormwater systems United Water Services agreed to provide $100,000 per year over the next four years for a Green Infrastructure Grant Program. This innovative grant program is designed to promote practices within the Indianapolis community that promote the management of stormwater using natural systems and more green techniques as well as energy conservation. The Green Infrastructure Grant Program targets non-profit community organizations that have a keen interest in helping to green their neighborhoods.

"We are proud to partner with United Water and LISC on this initiative," said Department of Public Works Director, David Sherman. "Indianapolis faces many challenges when comes to best managing our stormwater, and it will take the whole community to get involved. This grant program is an important first step to encouraging the use of green infrastructure techniques in Indianapolis and will help the City make progress in meeting our stormwater management goals."

Priority will be given to stormwater projects such as green roofs, rain gardens, porous pavement and other greener, natural techniques for stormwater management. Other projects might include distribution and use of rain barrels, building construction adhering to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or comparable standards, or following specific weatherization and energy-efficient strategies in home building or remodeling.

Grant recipients will be selected by a committee of City, United Water and LISC staff. Each recipient is required to provide a 20 percent matching contribution, and funding guidelines cap the award at $20,000.00 per recipient.