Expand the Green Dream: more green streets

By Lisa Libby

Commissioner Adams and Congressman Wu at PSU Green StreetCommissioner Adams and Congressman David Wu recently took a tour of some of Portland's innovative green street projects. Sam took the opportunity to discuss the numerous benefits of sustainable stormwater practices. Congressman Wu appreciated the success that Portland has achieved in this area, and Sam urged the support of federal policies and funding for green technologies.

Congressman Wu is the new chair of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation for the House Science Committee and supports expanding green strategies throughout Portland and the rest of the country. Sam has been invited by congress to testify at a subcommittee hearing in May about Portland's success with stormwater practices.

Portland is a national leader in innovative stormwater management. This is no surprise, when you consider that we average over 37 inches of rain over 150 days of the year. This year's stretch of rain should be eDaylighted Creek at the Village at Headwatersnding soon, but before we dust off our sunglasses, members of our local and federal government will be working to expand green solution throughout the city, and share Portland's pioneering efforts with the rest of the country.

Green solutions offer environmental, economic and social benefits, and include green streets, ecoroofs, swales and stormwater planters that treat the rain that falls on our urban rooftops and streets, and keep it out of the City's sewer system. The Village at Headwaters and the award winning green street at SW 12th and Montgomery are exciting examples of these practices.

Stay tuned to this blog for more information about Portland first Green Streets Policy, which will be unveiled at city council on April 18, 2007. This resolution aims to integrate green street efforts into the planning and design of Portland streets.