EPA has selected Lincoln for green design assistance that includes incorporating green solutions to manage stormwater runoff and building pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The Agency will organize teams of urban planners and landscape architects to provide technical assistance as requested by Lincoln officials.

“This project will address environmental concerns, enhance green infrastructure and help revitalize neighborhoods, spurring economic development in Nebraska’s capital city,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Plans include improvements to streets and alleys to make them more pedestrian-and bike-friendly. In addition, the project will enhance the work of local neighborhood and community leaders to connect Lincoln’s historic area with the State Capitol building, which was completed in 1932.”

Lincoln is actively working to revitalize a densely built South Capitol neighborhood, which is 287-acre primarily residential neighborhood directly south of the Capitol. The city and neighborhood are addressing many challenges including a high number of older homes and businesses, aging sanitary sewers and water mains, and lower per capita income than the rest of the city.

Learn more about Greening America’s Capitals at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greencapitals.htm.