HARRISBURG, PA (February 12, 2020) — The City of Harrisburg and Capital Region Water are completing the final phases of work associated with the Third Street Multimodal Project in Harrisburg and wish to thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience during construction.
Funding from Impact Harrisburg and PennDot allowed the City of Harrisburg and Capital Region Water to partner on a $6.5 million paving, pedestrian improvement, and stormwater management project on Third Street between Seneca and Chestnut Street. Since the fall of 2017, project construction has been led by the City of Harrisburg. Improvements include road resurfacing, installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian safety measures. Capital Region Water managed the design and development of 36 green stormwater infrastructure assets as part of the larger project. These green stormwater assets include stormwater planters, stormwater bumpouts, and trees that help intercept rainwater and provide additional benefits such as improved property value and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. Construction of these 36 facilities is now complete and Capital Region Water is assuming responsibility for the associated maintenance. Maintenance is slated to continue on a monthly basis, and Capital Region Water will revisit the frequency of maintenance as needed.
“Capital Region Water is committed to protecting public health and the environment by continually investing in our stormwater infrastructure,” said Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “While the assets along Third Street will be owned and maintained by Capital Region Water, we have also been approached by community organizations that have volunteered to assist with planting and day-to-day maintenance. In partnership with these groups, Capital Region Water is developing an Adopt-A-Bumpout Program.”
Green stormwater infrastructure allows Capital Region Water to manage stormwater runoff and prevent flows from entering the combined sewer system, thereby reducing combined sewer discharges. Green stormwater infrastructure is designed to mimic natural systems that provide for water infiltration and evapotranspiration. An estimated 2.4 million gallons of stormwater will be captured each year with this project, which would otherwise make its way into the combined sewer system. Capital Region Water is designing and constructing projects like this throughout the City as part of the City Beautiful H2O Program. City Beautiful H2O is Capital Region Water’s program to restore failing infrastructure, reduce combined sewer discharges, improve the health of our local waterways, and beautify our neighborhoods through community greening.
Customers with questions or concerns can contact Capital Region Water by phone at 888-510-0606 or by email at [email protected].
