EPA Hosts Green Street Design Walking Tour, Workshops and Meetings in Joplin, Mo.

of sidewalks, bike paths, and green infrastructure. Green infrastructure features such as rain gardens, permeable pavement and the use of native plants help to minimize stormwater runoff while removing pollutants. The intent is to manage stormwater through environmentally beneficial practices, which can divert stormwater into the ground or store it for future use. Visuals were displayed at the meetings of initial design schematics and descriptions Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 administrator and city staff tour the 20th Street Corridor on June 18, 2013 in Joplin, Mo. EPA of street design options. EPA hosted a green street design workshop and meetings, June 18-19 that provided the city of Joplin technical assistance to consider green complete street features. USEPA Photo by Kris Lancaster) and its contractors SRA and HDR provided examples of By Kris Lancaster green street designs from other communities, trends and direct input for final design plans. (Lenexa, Kan., June 24, 2013) - EPA hosted a green street design workshop and meetings June 18-19, 2013 that will The focus of the project is the development of a provide Joplin, Mo., with technical assistance to consider sustainable streetscape plan for a two-mile seggreen complete street features for the citys 20th Street ment of 20th Street from Main Street to Highview Corridor from Main Street to Highview Avenue. Before Avenue. Much of this corridor was destroyed durthe workshops, EPA and city staff conducted a walking tour of the 20th Street Corridor on June 18 to discuss green options that support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods. The workshops and public meetings were held to stimulate ideas and conversations based on street management strategies, with an emphasis on demonstrated results that have worked in other communities. A green complete street can be safely used by pedestrians, cyclists, transit and cars and manages stormwater in an environmentally appropriate manner. The 20th Street Corridor is presently primarily used only by automobiles. Features and options discussed included widening

Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 administrator and city staff tour the 20th Street Corridor on June 18, 2013 in Joplin, Mo. EPA hosted a green street design workshop and meetings, June 18-19 that provided the city of Joplin technical assistance to consider green complete street features. (USEPA Photo by Kris Lancaster)

Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 administrator delivers a presentation about green street design options at a meeting, June 18, 2013 in Joplin, Mo. (USEPA Photo by Kris Lancaster)

ing the 2011 tornado and is a focus of redevelopment efforts by the city. Joplin has embraced sustainable development through the efforts of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team and other local stakeholders and much of this technical assistance takes these efforts into consideration. EPA is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the City of Joplin and the following design firms SRA and HDR to support the overall mission of long-term community recovery after the tornado. Also, a variety of individuals have been invited to be involved in this project including local builders, bankers, engineers, realtors, residents, city council, neighborhood groups, property owners, business owners and architects. After the workshop and public meetings, EPA and its contractors, SRA and HDR, will provide recommendations to the City of Joplin for redesign of the

20th Street Corridor to have it become an attraction for business development.