News

In a press release this week, Attorney General Josh Stein announced Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) awards for environmental projects across the region. Sound Rivers has been awarded $100,000 to install best management practices on Wayne and Nash Community College campuses in partnership with NC State University

The Attorney General noted, “This project will prevent and improve water pollution on community college campuses,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I’m particularly pleased at the way this project harnesses expertise at NC State University and puts it to work in North Carolina communities.”

The grant funds are part of Sound Rivers campus stormwater initiative that began in 2011 at Edgecombe Community College. The program is designed to work with K-12 schools, community colleges, and local governments to determine stormwater problems, complete site assessments, and develop a plan of recommendations for installation of green stormwater infrastructure as both a retrofit and for future development on public spaces. To date, we have completed 19 campus stormwater assessments and implemented 14 projects across the region. The program fosters relationships with each school or local government staff in order to problem-solve together. As projects are designed and implemented, Sound Rivers works with partners to identify educational and learning goals and actions. This program provides environmental and water quality benefits through habitat restoration and flood reduction. It also provides societal and educational benefits, including: unique outdoor learning opportunities for diverse student audiences; reduction of flood risk and pollution / public health risks associated with flooded homes (bacteria, toxics, mold).

About the EEG Program

These funds are distributed through the Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) program, which began after an agreement between the Attorney General’s Office and Smithfield Foods in 2000. Under that agreement, $2 million are provided each year for environmental projects across the state.