RiverLink receives grant funds from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund for Water Quality improvements for the Craven Street Improvements and New Belgium
RiverLink receives $400,000 in grant funds at the November meeting of the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to support innovative stormwater quality projects in conjunction with the City of Asheville Craven Street Improvements and New Belgium development. With the number of breweries recently selecting the WNC region, Karen Cragnolin RiverLink’s Executive Director believes the economic development is in our water. “They wouldn’t be here if the water was not clean. We have three new breweries here – the second and third-largest craft breweries in the U.S. It’s imperative that we take care of our water.” These companies are leading the way to do just that.
New Belgium is re-developing a sight that is mostly impervious along the banks of the French Broad, from the roof tops to compacted gravel parking lots. Working with the City of Asheville the design team is taking a complete green streets approach to the road design and site, developing plans for bio-retention areas, stream enhancement, pervious parking areas, and bioswales. These mechanisms are far above stormwater requirements and will assist in reducing flooding, erosion and sedimentation of our waterways and the French Broad River.
City of Asheville is investing over 2 million from grants and development funds to improve Craven Street, for pedestrians, cyclist and cars alike, all while protecting and improving the water quality in the neighborhood. New Belgium is investing approximately $175 million in the site, with plans to employ 150 people. The People come to WNC for our environment and active life styles. Karen believes that the way you develop and your environment matters to residents and industry. “It makes a difference; it makes it a place that people want to live. You know, in the old days, people moved to where the jobs are – and now, with this changing economy, we have more and more people who actually pick a place to live and then create a job.”
For questions or more information contact RiverLink’s Watershed Resources Manager Nancy Hodges at Nancy@riverlink.org.