Lessons Learned from ARRA GPR (SAIC)

This study reveals outcomes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocating EPA funding considering Green Project Reserve (GPR) requirements. Targeting nearly $1.2 billion for green projects, the EPA with help from the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) revealed a lack of documentation of environmental benefits from projects, but offer six case studies or “focus groups” for findings. They found the majority of programs nationwide involved the installation or replacement of water meters, rehabilitation or replacement of leaking pipes, the construction of wastewater treatment plants, or stormwater management. GPR requirements have had primary and secondary benefits, including: improved overall awareness of the environment, community pride, efficiency in water meter reading operations, cost savings to municipalities (reduction in energy consumption by water treatment activities), and increased innovative attitude of engineers to pursue future green projects.