The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy visited Houston on March 6, 2014 and took a tour with Mayor Annise Parker of the ongoing Buffalo Bayou Park construction project.
Topic of conversation was protection of Buffalo Bayou and the green space around it, water quality and storm water drainage and containment.

Other representatives from State, Federal and Local office came out to take the tour and to show support for the City’s initiative to be environmentally safe. State Senator Rodney Ellis, Congressman Gene Green, Councilmember Jack Christie, EPA Region 6 Administrator Ron Curry, Director Joe Turner from Houston Parks and Recreation walked along the bayou and listened as various features of the project were pointed out to Administrator Gina McCarthy.

“We support the EPA’s emphasis on green infrastructure and projects such as Buffalo Bayou Park and Bayou Greenways 2020. They are all part of the suite of tools a city can use to enhance water quality and decrease flooding,” said Parker.

Executive Director of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Anne Olson and Program Director for the Buffalo Bayou Park Guy Hagstette also provided information and insight about the project. The group walked along the hike and bike trail along the bayou and saw the vast landscape and infrastructure projects that are well underway.

“The Buffalo Bayou Park is fast becoming a transformational green space project for our city. By partnering with numerous groups we are removing heavy sediment, stabilizing areas with severe erosion, and installing green infrastructure features which allow for improved water quality within the bayou,” said Anne Olson, executive director of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership . “The Mayor and Buffalo Bayou Partnership are committed to these types of green improvements and look forward to working with the EPA on current best management practices as we move forward.”

Water quality and conservation is a hot topic all over Texas right now as water is scarce and the quality has been in question for over a year. Yet Houston has a known reputation for flooding and drainage issues after severe weather.

“Houston’s best defense against extreme climate events and natural disasters is grounded in its local efforts to leverage its natural resources — its bayous, marshes and wetlands,” said Parker. “Only through a strong vibrant natural landscape can we combat natural disasters like major hurricanes, annual flooding and water pollution.”

Roksan Okan-Vick, Executive Director of the Houston Parks Board echoed the mayor stating, “Only by leveraging our natural resources—and valuing the water quality, public health, and other environmental benefits that projects like Bayou Greenways 2020 provide — can a city like Houston deal with its growing population and economy in a way that provides sustainable growth,” said Roksan Okan-Vick, executive director of the Houston Parks Board “The EPA knows this, and Mayor Parker’s commitment to this program demonstrates that when we work with nature, the entire community will benefit.”

With the changing in standards with EPA and the Clean Water Act, the steps Houston is taking to clean up their water ways is a thumbs up to the EPA.

“From building resilience through flood protection and green infrastructure, to safeguarding clean water and expanding recreational opportunities, the work to restore and conserve the Buffalo Bayou is creating new investments for the Houston economy and new outdoor spaces for all Houstonians to enjoy,” said McCarthy. “The EPA is proud to support this partnership for the Houston community.”

The Buffalo Bayou Park construction project is a $58 million dollar deal and the Buffalo Bayou Greenways is a $215million dollar project that is expected to reach its completion in 2020.