Some of the far reaching federal economic stimulus dollars have found a cause close to home in Prince George’s County, in the small town of Edmonston, which has a population of fewer than 1,000. The town was awarded $1.1 million to make Decatur Street the “greenest street on the East Coast.” Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., took a tour of the street on Tuesday.
How did such a small town get the funds?
For a small town, I think it has a really big vision, and that’s what made it interesting to the Environmental Protection Agency. I think it says that, you know what, even if you’re a small town, you can take these kinds of resources and do something really special. It’s an inspiration for small towns all across Maryland.
What’s going to make the street so green?
The surface of the street is going to be environmentally acceptable; to ensure proper drainage, they’re going to put bump-outs on the street and plant indigenous trees, oaks and maples, that will canopy the street and provide protection. They’re going to use compost along the roadway to help filter, so there’s not too much horrible drainage that goes into the Anacostia River. And they’re going to make sure the street is livable and walkable for the town.
Why did Edmonston want these funds?
You have to start with leadership and vision, and I think that Mayor Ortiz and the town council there have a real vision, not just about resurfacing and improving their streets, but also doing something that improves their quality of life — and improves and protects the environment and the Anacostia River.
What other ways will the project help the town?
The really great thing about the project is it’s going to create 50 new jobs. We talked to some of the workers there who are working on the project and they come right from our community.
— Ben Glles
