|
|
CD+A led a multi-disciplinary team of urban designers, hydrologists, transportation planners and environmental consultants in developing a "Green Streets" Best Management Practices (BMP) Handbook for the Portland Metro Region. The project was funded through an ODOT Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) grant. The Handbook is ultimately intended to be used as a threshold requirement for projects nominated for regional funding, and used to address 4(d) "taking" provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in relation to Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. The project expands upon CD+A’s expertise in the linkages between land use and transportation to examine the integration of man-made and natural systems. The Handbook directly addresses the water quality implications of overlaying a well-connected street pattern onto an existing stream system within the Region’s urban land reserve.
The Handbook begins with an educational component that introduces the reader to various concepts and precedents related to both stormwater management issues and street design. But beyond being an educational tool, the Handbook includes detailed design solutions, and a methodology of how to match a particular solution to specific site conditions such as topography, soil type, street type, as well as to political and public will. Also, the Handbook proposes new street connectivity provisions, for adoption into regional and local plans that address trade-offs between stream protection and an efficient, multi-modal transportation system.
CD+A met monthly with a technical advisory committee comprised of representatives from local jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, service providers, and environmental advocates. In addition, three monthly sessions were held specifically with local traffic and stormwater engineers to listen to their concerns and gather their advice. Near the end of the project CD+A participated in a Green Streets Summit attended by 150 regional policy-makers where the project results were presented. Throughout the project CD+A maintained an excellent rapport with Metro staff through open lines of communication.
|
