Funding and technical assistance for stormwater management and green infrastructure

Thursday December 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm

In-person at St. Anthony Falls Lab (SAFL) & Virtual on Zoom

Event date and time
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Abstract

Many communities across the U.S. face stormwater infrastructure challenges. A recent Clean Watershed Needs Survey found an estimated $115 billion in stormwater capital investments are needed to address water quality related public health concerns and meet goals of the Clean Water Act.  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law recently provided the largest investment in water infrastructure in the nation’s history and expanded technical assistance programs aimed at enabling communities to address their needs. Central to addressing stormwater challenges is the use of green infrastructure. The EPA and other federal agencies are working together through the Green Infrastructure Federal Collaborative to align knowledge and resources to build capacity for green infrastructure implementation. These coordinated efforts provide a platform to publicize the multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure. This discussion will focus on funding and financing, technical assistance, EPA’s green infrastructure strategic agenda for 2035, and related resources available at the federal, regional, and state level to invest in our nation’s stormwater infrastructure.

Event Speaker
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Robyn DeYoung is U.S. EPA’s Green Infrastructure and Integrated Planning Lead in the Office of Wastewater Management. In 2021 she launched a robust cross-agency effort to re-establish the Green Infrastructure Federal Collaborative.  Robyn plays a key role in protecting nature, creating healthy watersheds, and improving public health.  Prior to joining EPA in 2010, Robyn worked at Ohio EPA, where she developed a state-wide emission offset program and conducted climate change policy analysis.  Robyn is also a certified performance coach through ICF and mindfulness instructor. Robyn holds an MA in Energy and Environmental Analysis and BA in Environmental Science, both from Boston University. She enjoys playing field hockey, biking and gardening.

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Travis Ostrom is an Environmental Engineer with the U.S. EPA’s Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Finance Center (WIRFC).  WIRFC is an information and assistance center, helping communities make informed decisions for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.  Travis is a professional engineer (PE), specializing in stormwater management, with broad experience in the water sector, including as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras.  He holds a PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Maryland, an MS in environmental engineering from Michigan Tech, and a BS in mathematics from the University of Miami.