RiverSmart Communities

The RiverSmart Communities program is an extension of the RiverSmart Homes program to multi-family residences such as condominiums, co-ops apartments, and houses of worship. The current program, RiverSmart Homes targets private, single-family homeowners to encourage the use of five specific stormwater BMPs (rain gardens, BayScaping, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and shade trees) to control nonpoint source pollution on their property. The RiverSmart Communities Program aims to implement similar practices on a larger scale that is more appropriate for the increased runoff area often seen on multi-family housing complexes.

What kinds of stormwater management practices can be covered?

Grant funding is available to assist for stormwater BMPs such as:

• Cisterns for rain capture and reuse
• Rain gardens
• Impervious surface removal or conversion of impermeable to pervious pavement
• Turf removal with conversion to native plant beds
• Or other landscape enhancements with stormwater capture capability

How do I apply?

There are three steps to the application process: 

1. Submit the application. DDOE is currently accepting applications now. You do not need to have a specific project idea outlined, but you do need to illustrate (1) that there is opportunity for some type of stormwater retrofit project and (2) that you have a unified project team consisting of building owners, residents, users, and management committed to seeing the project through.
2.  Once your application has been received, a DDOE staff person will schedule an appointment to conduct a stormwater audit on your site. During this time we will to identify possible project(s). If your site does have specific projects identified in the application, we will make sure the work proposed is indeed the most cost-effective stormwater management solution for the site.
3. Your application team will choose the preferred project(s) based on recommendations from the audit.

Each project will be ranked based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and environmental benefit. If your project is not chosen this year, we encourage you to apply again.  You may also be interested in Becoming a RiverSmart Homeowner.

What if I do not know what types of stormwater management practices are possible on my site?

The application does not require that you know what type of project you would like to implement, we just need to know that there is potential for at least one project and there is a strong team of residents and building management that will be committed to the project. Once the application is received, a DDOE staff person will conduct a stormwater audit on the property to help you identify specific project ideas.    

When is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Projects will be ranked based on feasibility and cost effectiveness, then placed in a queue for funding. It is highly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to increase chances of receiving funding.

Where can I go to learn more about the types of practices that might be possible on my site?

This Best Management Practice (BMP) guide contains many links to websites where you can read about practices such as rain gardens, cisterns, and permeable pavement.

Is match funding a requirement?

Match funding is not a requirement, but it increases the competitiveness of an application. 

For more information, please contact Leah Lemoine or (202) 654-6131.