WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 18, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — This winter is the perfect time for Tacoma residents to start thinking about gardening. Or, more specifically, about rain gardens. The City of Tacoma has launched a pilot incentive program to help homeowners design and install rain gardens. Residents throughout Tacoma may request soil testing and design assistance now, so they’re ready to plant this spring.
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Rain gardens are low areas designed to absorb and filter rainwater running off of impermeable roofs, driveways and sidewalks with the help of highly previous soils and drought- and standing water-tolerant plants.
“We participated in the program first and foremost to be good stewards of the stormwater hitting our property,” said Tacoma homeowner Chris Beale. “So far, the program’s been very supportive and flexible of our needs and design getting the rain garden put in.”
Homeowners in Flett or Leach Creek watersheds, which comprise parts of central and south Tacoma, may qualify for rebates of up to $2,000 to help them with construction and instillation costs. These watersheds are priority areas due to downstream salmon habitat and storm system capacity issues. Lots of smaller rain gardens can minimize expensive storm system expansions.
The residential rain garden program is voluntary and designed to benefit both homeowners and community waterways. Learn more online at cityoftacoma.org/raingardens, calling (253) 591-5588 or by visiting a residential-style rain garden in-person at the City’s EnviroHouse, 3510 South Mullen Street.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media andCommunications, gschuler (at) cityoftacoma (dot) org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications Office, cmccausland (at) cityoftacoma (dot) org, (253) 573-2005
