Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (NY) — The Bronx and Harlem Rivers Urban Waters Partnership hosted a workplan revision meeting on February 15, 2023. The 2023/2024 Workplan will help to define the partnerships activities and focal projects for the next two years.

Caño Martín Peña (PR) — The Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project (CMP-ERP) broke ground on January 31, 2023. After more than 10 years of continuous work and multi-sectoral advocacy involving community groups, state and federal partners, the project is moving to construction after a $163 million funding allocation under the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. The CMP-ERP is critical to reduce exposure of residents to contaminated floodwater and is essential to restoring fish habitat, species diversity and the overall health of the San Juan Bay Estuary system.

Caño Martín Peña (PR) — On January 31, 2023, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith visited Puerto Rico to meet with national service leaders and tour national service sites. One of the organizations Smith met with was La Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña (ENLACE).

Caño Martín Peña (PR) — The $3.4 million Borinquen Potable Water Line project was recently completed by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The project which initiated construction in July 2020 was developed through funding provided by ENLACE. The potable water line required relocation to enable the development of the Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project.

Caño Martín Peña (PR) — On February 22, 2023, local entities responsible for infrastructure development convened for the Caño Martín Peña Urban Waters Infrastructure Meeting. The meeting served not only as an opportunity to provide updates related to on-going work, but also to define paths to resolve utility service issues faced by community residents and to facilitate coordination of complex infrastructure projects.

Lake Pontchartrain Area/New Orleans (LA) — Nikole Witt and Travis Tucker, both within the EPA Water Division’s Assistance Programs Branch, will be co-leading EPA Region 6’s effort in the Urban Waters program. Witt has leadership and experience in grants management. Tucker has managed multiple successful groundwater and surface water clean-up projects.

Passaic River/Newark (NJ) — The Passaic River Urban Waters Partnership held a community event on January 28, 2023. The Passaic River Coalition and the Clement A. Price Institute of Rutgers University hosted a lunch and screening of two short films (The Meaning of the Seed and The Way of the Ramapough) to foster discussion about connecting with and improving the Passaic River.

Middle Rio Grande/Albuquerque (NM) — The Middle Rio Grande Urban Waters partners will be hosting the 2023 Land and Water Summit on March 1-3, 2023.  The summit will address local responses to climate change, why it is necessary to rethink the approach to resource management and why collaboration is the key to a sustainable future in the wake of an inevitable shift in climate. To further recognize the impact of this annual conference and the efforts of all in collaboratively stewarding land and water in the state of New Mexico, the governor has proclaimed a Land & Water Awareness week.

Middle Rio Grande/Albuquerque (NM) — Restoration and educational youth crew activities will begin at the Tijeras Bio-Zone Education Center in early March. The Bio-Zone, a City of Albuquerque Open Space property, has been the focus of collaborative restoration efforts that address erosion within and around Tijeras Creek, invasive species management and the development of accessible trails for the public that meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Mystic River Watershed (MA) — The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) held a steering committee meeting on January 19, 2023. The committee discussed street sweeping in the context of EPA Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits, stormwater best management practices and its impact on environmental justice neighborhoods. Members also discussed leaf litter and phosphorus control. 

Patapsco Watershed/Baltimore Region (MD) — The Baltimore Ecosystem Study quarterly science meeting was held on January 25, 2023. The meeting focused on environmental justice practice and research. Presenters and panelists from USDA Forest Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and community group leaders discussed the needs and opportunities related to environmental justice practice in Baltimore.

Patapsco Watershed/Baltimore Region (MD) — The Patapsco Watershed/Baltimore Region Urban Waters Partnership met on February 2, 2023. The Partnership discussed ongoing research efforts such as the Community Health: Addressing Regional MD Environmental Determinants of Disease program, funding opportunities and other agenda topics. The Partnership also welcomed Jeff Fretwell, Director of Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration.

Rio Reimagined-Rio Salado Project — The 2023 Salt River Project Water Conservation Expo will be on March 4, 2023. The Water Expo brings together community members to celebrate water in the Valley and discover ways to conserve water at home.

South Platte Watershed (CO) — The South Platte River Urban Waters Partnership (SPRUWP) held a partners meeting on February 21, 2023. Jessica Thrasher from the Colorado Stormwater Center presented on the Center's initiatives, including resources they've developed to provide information on rain gardens and rain barrels. This meeting was held at the Colorado State University Hydro Building and included a tour of the building.