Urban Waters Partnership Recognized for Positively Affecting Proctor Creek Communities

Left to right: Shea Jones-Johnson, EPA Region IV; Michael German, HUD GA Field Policy Management; Anne Heard, EPA Region IV Deputy Director; Denise Cleveland-Leggett, HUD Region IV Administrator and Johnnie Lattimore, HUD SE Field Policy Management.

Since Proctor Creek's designation in 2013 as a priority Federal Urban Waters location, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership working across federal agencies with state and local partners recently celebrated the success attained in addressing the pollution erosion from stormwater flooding and sewage overflows adversely effecting and economically challenging blighted areas along the creek in Atlanta.

During the recent Proctor Creek Celebration of Success and recognition ceremony Ms Ann Heard, Deputy Administrator, Region IV, recognized HUD Region IV sharing in the 2017 Samuel Heyman Service to the American National Partnership for Public Service Award for Proctor Creek, Atlanta Urban Waters Federal Partnership.

HUD Southeast Regional Adminstrator Denise Cleveland-Leggett during her remarks acknowledged the real difference being made in the lives of those in the communities surrounding Proctor Creek while also acknowledging what can be achieved through collaboration at all levels of government and with partners. Michael German, HUD Georgia Field Officer Director, was the master of ceremonies and over 200 leaders from government and local stakeholders and partners attended the event in the Atlanta Federal Building.

The Urban Waters Partnership reconnects urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or economically distressed, with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies. The Partnership also collaborates with community-led revitalization efforts to improve our Nation's water systems and promote their economic, environmental and social benefits. Read more about the Partnership (www.epa.gov/urbanwaterspartners/about-urban-waters-federal-partnership).

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