The Big Bend Conservation Alliance (BBCA), in collaboration with the City of Presidio, has secured a monumental $12.7 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance the city’s infrastructure and environmental resilience. This initiative, named “Everything’s Connected in Presidio,” aims to establish green infrastructure and reduce pollution in an effort to combat the impacts of climate change in the region.
Project Overview: “Everything’s Connected in Presidio” will focus on two primary areas: building climate resilience and reducing pollution. The project will introduce a series of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure improvements, including the development of a shaded greenbelt alongside a bike and pedestrian path, the planting of thousands of native trees, and the creation of three detention ponds to manage water runoff and aid in aquifer recharge.
Community and Educational Benefits: The initiative will also include the establishment of a community cooling center at the Presidio Activity Center, equipped with solar power and battery backup to serve as a refuge during power outages and extreme heat events. Additionally, the project will foster a bi-national air quality monitoring program led by students at Presidio High School, utilizing sensors on both sides of the border to provide real-time data on air quality and traffic conditions at the International Bridge.
Key Contributors: This EPA-funded project was inspired by local climate activist Ramon Rodriguez, a Presidio High School student whose vision for a greener hometown became the catalyst for the grant application. Rodriguez, together with Shelley Bernstein, Co-Executive Director of the BBCA, and other local leaders, crafted a proposal that effectively addressed the unique environmental challenges faced by Presidio.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Project Homeleaf and the Rio Grande Joint Venture are key partners, providing technical support and conservation expertise. Local students and community members will be actively involved in the project, emphasizing community engagement and educational opportunities.
Impact and Recognition: This grant is one of the largest awarded to a nonprofit in the region’s history and marks a significant advancement in environmental justice and sustainability efforts in Texas. “Everything’s Connected in Presidio” not only aims to enhance the physical landscape and environmental health of Presidio but also seeks to empower its residents with the knowledge and tools to sustain these efforts.
EPA’s Commitment: The Community Change Grant program, part of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, supports projects that tackle pollution, enhance climate resilience, and engage communities in environmental and climate justice efforts. This initiative reflects the EPA’s commitment to fostering community-driven solutions to environmental challenges, particularly in underserved regions.
For more details on the project or to participate in upcoming community activities, residents are encouraged to visit the official project site or contact local project coordinators. The successful implementation of “Everything’s Connected in Presidio” stands to transform Presidio into a model of environmental resilience and community collaboration.
