THE LEAFLET

The District of Columbia is facing a critical moment: $6-8 million allocated for essential green infrastructure maintenance has been removed from the budget. This decision is short-sighted, as the District has already invested tens of millions of dollars to build these crucial facilities. We need your help to restore these funds and ensure the future of our community’s environment.

Without proper maintenance, the green infrastructure we’ve worked so hard to establish will deteriorate, leading to significant consequences:

• Increased Neighbor Complaints: Poorly maintained facilities can become eyesores and sources of frustration for residents.
• Reduced Water Quality: Effective green infrastructure is vital for filtering and managing stormwater, keeping our waterways clean.
• Non-Compliance with NPDES Permit: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires strict adherence to water quality standards. Failing to maintain our infrastructure could jeopardize our compliance.
• Shortened Lifespan of Facilities: Neglecting maintenance reduces the longevity of our investments, leading to higher costs in the long run.
• Job Losses: Over a dozen District residents depend on these maintenance projects for their livelihoods.

Take Action Now

Contact Chairman Mendelson TODAY to voice your concern and emphasize that green projects that support our tree canopy are budget priorities. Your voice can make a difference!

Email: pmendelson@dccouncil.gov

Phone: (202) 724-8032

Let’s protect our environment and our community. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for DC!