First is the reduction of impervious surfaces in the city.  This focuses on the creation of best practices for collection of stormwater in the Executive Order.  The city received $562,000 in stimulus money for this project. When completed, this impervious to pervious surface will set the standard and create a model of what can be accomplished in a historic district as well as in a densely populated urban setting. 

The next Executive Order initiative highlights environmental research and monitoring of new innovative practices. Annapolis has Floating Islands, a project that has been in the Capital Budget for more than 2 years.

These “islands” have native grasses and a filtration system connected that cleans the water, improves wildlife habitat and beautifies a waterscape. The recycled plastic mesh provides a concentrated surface area for microbes to colonize and soak up nutrients from the water.   BlueWing Environmental Solutions & Technologies  is working with the city on this effort.

The third and final initiative announced today, measures the impact of climate change on the environment. It is a public/private partnership that offers tax-exempt, low-interest loans to property owners who install energy-efficient equipment. It is the Energy Zone Program, known as the EZ program. This creative program offers the low-interest loans to be tied to the properties, rather than the homeowners.

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