(WVDN) – The Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3, Chesapeake Bay Program, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Baltimore City Department of Public Works announce $1,650,815 in funding for 31 projects across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia as part of the Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program. The awards help communities reduce stormwater runoff; increase the number of green spaces in our communities; improve the health of local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay; improve human health; create jobs; and reduce energy use.
This green infrastructure program is designed to facilitate and encourage communities who need to implement traditional “gray” infrastructure projects, such as repaving roads or reconfiguring intersections, to add green elements at little additional cost. These green elements then offer cost-effective savings on stormwater treatment, flooding reduction, and other community benefits.
The G3 Initiative started in 2011. Initially led by water experts at the EPA, it has grown exponentially and expanded into the program it is today. Over 330 projects have received funding with over $19 million invested.
“These types of investments are critical to the collaborative efforts of all our Chesapeake Bay partners who have a unified goal to protect the Chesapeake Bay as well as all natural resources in West Virginia,” said Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Harold D. Ward. “These awardees are leading important local projects to protect our environment for future generations.”
New this year is funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City Department of Public Works to support additional projects to green communities and reduce pollution flowing into local waterways. They joined the program after seeing years of success.
“Reducing stormwater pollution is a priority in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “That’s why we’re supporting the G3 program to help provide cities and towns with resources to install rain gardens, bioswales, and other green infrastructure to reduce polluted runoff. We are proud to support local nonprofits and community groups that are ready to install projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and promote community health.”
“We are proud to join the G3 Grant Program in supporting innovative green infrastructure projects that improve our neighborhoods, protect our waterways, and create a healthier future for our residents,” said Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Khalil Zaied. “This investment underscores our commitment to sustainability and to building stronger, more resilient communities across Baltimore City and the region.”
Studies have shown the extensive impact of installing green elements like trees, community gardens, rain gardens in neighborhoods, ranging from financial to health. Benefits for residents with access to green spaces include improved physical and mental health and well-being, reduced energy costs, and cleaner air and water.
The 31 awards range in size and scope and will reduce stormwater runoff, build green spaces, protect wildlife, plant native trees and pollinator gardens, remove trash, and more. The Chesapeake Bay Trust, a grantmaking nonprofit, will manage these awards, delivering resources back to communities with the support and expertise needed to ensure each project achieves its intended goals.
“For over a decade, G3 grant awards have empowered everyday people to lead local projects to enhance their own communities their way,” shared Chesapeake Bay Trust president Dr. Jana Davis. “This approach creates a ripple effect where neighbors, families, and friends are inspired to get involved too, ensuring the long-term health of our natural resources and communities.”
Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program 2025 Awardees:
Mamie D. Lee Garden Association: District of Columbia – $26,468 to create garden plots and install pollinator gardens to improve overall garden health, accessibility, wildlife conservation, stormwater management, and public stewardship of the historical gardens in Ward 5.
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation: Virginia – $35,000 for a 1.5-mile trail expansion to improve access to jobs, public transportation, schools, and other essential services.
Mid-shore Community Foundation: Maryland – $25,000 to support Envision the Choptank in engaging the Hannah Henry Way community in developing a plan to address stormwater flooding that impacts water quality and quality of life for residents.
City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania – $35,000 to implement a green infrastructure capital paving project to reduce stormwater runoff to create positive change in the City’s Ross neighborhood.
Lebanon County Conservation District: Pennsylvania – $9,675 for a 900-square-foot Lawn to Meadow conversion at the Lebanon Valley Agricultural Center. This project will create a diverse habitat for birds and pollinators while mitigating stormwater runoff and serving as an educational resource to the community.
Sustainability Matters: Virginia – $50,000 to plant two new pollinator-friendly native meadows in Northern Virginia’s historic Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park.
Ruscombe Community: Maryland – Baltimore City – $9,956 to install a rain garden to address stormwater runoff and to replace a failing retaining wall with native and habitat plants. Gardens will be accessible to the public and plants labeled for teaching purposes.
Berkeley County: West Virginia – $144,425 for construction funds for several bioretention areas to manage stormwater as part of the South-Berkeley Inwood Park project to help make the area of Bunker Hill a more green, sustainable place to live.
Sleepy Creek Watershed Association: West Virginia – $174,900 to engage a construction firm to implement stream restoration to reduce pollution going into Sleepy Creek and the Chesapeake Bay.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: Virginia – $19,934 to develop a best practices guide for ensuring long term maintenance of green infrastructure.
Potomac Valley Audubon Society: West Virginia – $35,000 to design the expanded parking area at the visitor services at Cool Spring Preserve in Jefferson County. The engineered designs will layout an EV charging station, permeable pavers, and a composting restroom.
City of Lancaster: Pennsylvania – $20,000 to engage residents, church members and leadership, community organizations, and the City to develop a Green Infrastructure Concept Plan for the Churchtowne neighborhood in Lancaster City, including green infrastructure practices such as rain gardens, street trees, and native landscaping.
Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council: Baywide – $19,935 to evaluate real-world barriers and propose practical steps for improving maintenance and costs to ensure that Best Management Practices (BMPs) function as designed.
James River Association: Virginia – $25,370 to engage county residents in the creation of green infrastructure concept plans for two Amherst County Public Library branches to reduce stormwater runoff.
National Aquarium: Maryland – $37,586 for a community tree planting project in Nassawango Creek Preserve that engages the local community including students and volunteers in hands-on conservation efforts.
Gunpowder Valley Conservancy: Maryland – $35,000 for design plans to transform the mostly paved Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative (CMHC) headquarters in Towson, MD into a green space that integrates green infrastructure and nature-informed therapy.
Parity Baltimore Incorporated: Maryland – Baltimore City – $50,000 to enhance gardens and trees that replaced vacant lots and remove trash from non-Parity-owned lots to prevent waterway pollution.
The SEED School of Maryland: Maryland – Baltimore City – $50,000 to create native plant and pollinator gardens while improving the existing vegetable garden at The SEED School of Maryland. This initiative will boost biodiversity, develop a sustainable green space, and offer garden produce to the neighborhood events.
Shepherdstown Community Club, Inc.: West Virginia – $20,000 to create a green infrastructure plan for Morgan’s Grove Park, the largest public park in Shepherdstown. The plan will identify best practices to reduce the park’s runoff to maintain water quality for public health.
St Agnes Catholic Church: West Virginia – $175,000 for improvements to St. Agnes’ stormwater infrastructure.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: Virginia – $175,000 for green infrastructure improvements at Amelia Street School, a Richmond Public School that serves students with disabilities, behavioral issues, or complex health needs. The project will improve water quality in the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
Town of Bladensburg: Maryland – $35,000 to transform a typical street intersection into an ecologically functioning green street intersection in Bladensburg.
Town of Emmitsburg: Maryland – $175,000 to address stormwater runoff and flooding issues through the construction of a green street. The project will incorporate permeable sidewalks, street trees, and bioswales to protect waterways like Flat Run stream and the Chesapeake Bay.
Blue Water Baltimore: Baywide – $20,000 for an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) guide, including case studies demonstrating how community-driven IDDE efforts have improved water quality.
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy: District of Columbia – $18,717 for designs to transform vacant lots on Sheridan Road SE into a thriving public green space that also addresses heat island effect and local flooding.
Chesapeake Audubon Society/Pickering Creek Audubon Center: Maryland – $49,963 to convert garden spaces at the entrances to their headquarters and Intergenerational Center at Chesapeake Grove to feature native plants, shrubs and trees.
Nature Forward, Inc: Maryland – $49,985 to install 5,000 square feet of native pollinator plants through engaging 100 residential households in the Anacostia Watershed.
Borough of Lewisburg: Pennsylvania – $43,900 to incorporate green infrastructure elements into a street re-pavement project, with a goal to reduce stormwater runoff and increase green space in the Borough.
Nanticoke Watershed Alliance: Delaware – $35,001 to evaluate High Street’s parking and landscaped areas to determine where stormwater BMPs can be incorporated. This project will reduce stormwater runoff pollution, improve pollinator habitat, decrease the heat island effect, and improve property values.
Filbert Street Garden: Maryland – Baltimore City – $50,000 to enhance gardens and wildlife habitats, mentor youth stewards, and educate the public on conservation.
Greater Reedville Association (AKA Reedville Fisherman’s Museum): Virginia – to create a Watermen’s Park to preserve the character of the National Historic District of Reedville and add a feature attraction to the Northern Neck National Heritage Area.
