2011 DC Appleseed Report, A New Day for the Anacostia: A Model for Urban River Revitalization

DC Appleseed’s new report on Anacostia River revitalization calls on the federal government to partner with local jurisdictions, businesses, and residents to transform one of the country’s most polluted rivers into a national model for urban river revitalization.

The Anacostia River has long been considered Washington’s “other” river—one that divides our city, our region, and our Nation’s Capital economically, geographically, racially, and socially. For more than 20 years, many individuals, organizations, and agencies have worked passionately and tirelessly in the face of huge challenges and much resignation to address these injustices and improve the condition of this River and its tributaries. Today, the once-forgotten Anacostia has been rediscovered and embraced as a precious resource by our community’s residents and by local and regional government leaders.

The Anacostia can be reclaimed as an economic asset and source of pride for the watershed’s communities. With downtown D.C. mostly built out, and six Metro stops within walking distance of the River, the Anacostia waterfront is poised to capture some of the District’s future growth.

The Anacostia watershed contains nine of Prince George’s County’s 15 Metro stops, some of which are the Washington region’s best candidates for future transit-oriented development. Wide-scale implementation of green infrastructure throughout the watershed could enhance these upstream development opportunities by promoting the area’s sustainable image, visibly enhancing locations’ attractiveness, boosting property values, and signaling a commitment to a high quality of place to businesses, employees, and residents.

Read the full report: 2011 DC Appleseed Report, A New Day for the Anacostia: A Model for Urban River Revitalization