Montrose Green Infrastructure (Raingarden & Permeable Pavement) Pilot Project. Launch!!

We at Community In Power Development Association Inc. have some exciting new updates surrounding our Montrose Green Infrastructure and Permeable Pavement Pilot Project. We have officially completed and launched our raingarden and permeable pavement structure located at the Montrose community park in Port Arthur, Texas. It has been a journey of research, setbacks, but most of all execution. Our Montrose Green Infrastructure raingarden and permeable pavement project is a collaborative project launched by us at CIDA Inc. to build resilience in Port Arthur, Texas. With partners including the Montrose neighborhood residents, Anthropocene Alliance, River Network, Texas A&M University, Green Infrastructure for Texas (GIFT) and Lamar University Beaumont, with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund, this community-led project has developed a Green Infrastructure Master plan with a pilot implementation plan for the Montrose neighborhood.

Our raingarden and permeable pavement structure has made history of being the FIRST of its kind in the Southeast Texas area to be implemented. We take pride in being the pioneers of this groundbreaking structure. Our green infrastructure will positively impact the residents of the Port Arthur Tx, Montrose neighborhood. This is a neighborhood of predominantly African American working class citizens who have contributed hugely in the history of Port Arthur.

our Montrose Green Infrastructure pilot project has three major goals us, in collaboration with our partners have determined. (1) To develop a flood risk mitigation strategy that is informed by community knowledge and needs. (2) Providing community education on Green Infrastructure or nature-based solutions to flooding. (3) Install a pilot Rain Garden and Permeable Pavement feature in Montrose Park to measure and demonstrate the strategy. We believe through the proper research, education, and execution we have actively achieved and are currently striving to maintain and exceed all three of these project goals.

We would like to a extend a special thank you, to the residents of Montrose for entrusting our organization with assisting them in creating sustainable and green solutions to the standing water after regular rain events. The Montrose residents and overall neighborhood is the epitome of history, wisdom, resiliency, and community pride. Being able to provide resources to a neighborhood that is so rich is culture and knowledge has been an absolute treasure and opportunity for our organization. They assisted us throughout the entirety of the project, from research, execution, and completion. Without their knowledge, input, and first hand experience this project would not have been capable of being as nearly as impactful as it stands todays.

We would like to extend a major thank you to our partners Anthropocene Alliance, River Network, Texas A&M University, Green Infrastructure for Texas (GIFT) and Lamar University Beaumont and funder National Fish and Wildlife Fund, who assisted us ,throughout the entirety of this project. From research, implementation, community involvement and execution.

Thank you to the City of Port Arthur for being such an involved and collaborative partner during the entirety of this project. Thank you to the Port Arthur Texas Parks and Rec leadership for being of assistance while we navigating the complexities of this raingardens implementation and its needs. Them being such a resourceful and collaborative resource assisted us tremendously

We look forward to the Montrose Green Infrastructure (Raingarden & Permeable Pavement) Pilot Project being a prominent addition to the neighborhood. We look forward to being a source of education to the community on the importance of Green Infrastructure or nature-based solutions to flooding. Having a green infrastructure in the Southeast Texas area is a huge accomplishment and we hope that our project inspires other environmental based organizations and or governmental agencies to do the same in their area.

If you have any questions are would like further details on our project please email us at cidainc.info@gmail.com.

Installation crew members carefully planting flowers and shrubs according to the planting layout.

Project manager Michelle Smith (middle) delivering planting details to crew. Ensuring the plants are planted in the area that will provide the most effective water absorption.

Project manager, Michelle Smith and Montrose community member discussing the details of the garden.

Installation crew members working in groups, planting one type of plant at a time.

Permeable pavement and plants fully installed and planted.

Project Manager Michelle Smith, Founder and Director Hilton Kelley, and Project Coordinator Jasmine Patin.

Project Coordinator, Jasmine Patin and Project Manage, Michelle Smith.

Full crew members and CIDA leadership at the completion of the installment.

informational leaflet detailing the information on rain gardens, plant details, and how to care for the garden. These leaflets were given out to the community members. Created by our Project Coordinator Jasmine Patin.

informational leaflet detailing the information on rain gardens, plant details, and how to care for the garden. These leaflets were given out to the community members. Created by our Project Coordinator, Jasmine Patin.