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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Breaks Ground on Innovative Drainage System
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
9/8/2005 11:09:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mara Rogers, (206) 615-0866 or
mara.rogers@seattle.gov
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Mayor Breaks Ground on Innovative Drainage System
Natural drainage infrastructure will benefit community and Thornton Creek
SEATTLE--In a celebration of innovation for the City of Seattle's newest natural drainage program, Mayor Greg Nickels today broke ground on the Pinehurst Green Grid project.
"This latest natural drainage project is another building block in the Restore Our Waters Strategy designed to protect Seattle's valuable waterways," said Mayor Nickels. "These improvements, together with the Pinehurst Pocket Park will provide an opportunity to build and enhance the Pinehurst community."
In July 2004, Seattle's natural drainage program won the Innovations Award from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Reducing the quantity and speed of storm water runoff will protect Thornton Creek from large, fast flows that can damage the creek channel and habitat. Slowing down the water also allows time for storm water to infiltrate back into the soil and water table, helping sustain the creek in the dry summer months and preventing roadway pollutants and pesticides from being transported downstream into the creek and Lake Washington.
The Pinehurst Green Grid project slows the flow of storm water to reduce flooding and improve water quality, as well as providing new sidewalks, calmer traffic and enhanced landscaping for the community. It is the third pilot project in Seattle Public Utilities' Natural Drainage Program. Other Natural Drainage projects include:
--Broadview Green Grid, located between Greenwood Avenue N and 3rd Avenue NW between NW 107th and 110th Streets.
--SEA Street, 2nd Avenue Northwest between Northwest 117th and 120th.
--Carkeek Cascades, located on 110th, between Greenwood Avenue North and 3rd Avenue Northwest.
Construction is under way on the High Point natural drainage system as part of the High Point Redevelopment project. For more information on the Pinehurst Green Grid Project please visit Natural Drainage Systems.
In addition to providing more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area with a reliable water supply, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City's infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.
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Seattle Public Utilities
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