When considering how to rehabilitate an aging pumping station in Madison’s Marshall Park, the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) decided it was a great opportunity to use the Envision framework from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). This project, which began with planning in 2015, is resulting in an upgrade of Pumping Station 15 that includes much more attention to the broader sustainability metrics of the project than a traditional pumping station rehab, thanks to using the Envision process.

Marshall Park contains a boat launch, and is in close proximity to soccer fields and a bike path, which made it particularly important to include stakeholder involvement throughout the planning process. Stakeholders identified a desire for additional park restrooms, which have also been incorporated into the facility upgrade. The project includes a number of design features that contribute to the sustainability of the project. The park’s boat launch area will have an aquatic invasive species control center, which will drain into a bioretention basin for improved water quality. Saris, a local bike accessory company, has donated a bike maintenance station that will be connected by permeable pavers to the bike path. In addition to upgraded equipment and additional capacity, the pumping station will also include educational signage and viewing windows to help visitors understand MMSD’s collection and treatment system. A portion of the building will have a green roof and the rest will be covered in solar panels to provide renewable energy for running the pumps.

This upgrade of the station will meet MMSD’s service goals as well as improve the overall park experience for visitors. The City of Madison Parks Division has been an essential partner on the project, which is the first in the state to pursue an Envision award. While the Envision process is generally used for large infrastructure projects, this project demonstrates its benefits for enhancing stakeholder engagement and integrating sustainable features into projects of any size.  For further information about the Pumping Station 15 project, contact Jen Hurlebaus, MMSD’s Project Engineer, at [email protected].

Recently, the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point released their 2017 Wisconsin Land Use Megatrends report.  In this edition of megatrends, researchers address issues of the impact of transportation on individuals, businesses, communities, the environment and the state by taking a closer look at statewide land use and transportation trends.  This edition provides a timeline of Wisconsin transportation history and discusses how people and goods move around, how different users rely on the transportation system, and the impact of transportation on the economy, environment and human health.  Through case studies, land use and transportation policies are examined as a means of understanding how policy shapes local communities. 

 

Full Report

Forward Community Investment has extended the deadline for the Game Changer Grants from May 31st  to June 12th, 2017 at noon. These grants are intended to provide opportunities for organizations, programs, or initiatives that are aligned with the mission and vision of FCI. In 2017, they will be awarding one $3,000 grant every month of the year to grantees committed to addressing racial inequities, food access and community building.  

There are two parts to the application process:

1.) The Video (3-5 minute video explaining how your organization/program/initiative is addressing racial inequities)

2.) The Short Form (basic organizational/program/initiative info)

In December 2016, Forward Community Investment received more than 55 video submissions during the first call for applications and are expecting even more during the second round! The submissions that are received from May 1 – June 12 will be reviewed to determine  the awardees for July-December 2017. 

For more information, check out the overview of the Game Changer Grants or visit our the Forward Giving Program webpage.    
Questions may be emailed to: [email protected].