Richmond, Virginia — The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, in partnership with Innovate Fulton, Groundwork RVA, Lively Harper, RVAH2O/City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, Exact Stormwater Management, and design firm VHB, is pleased to announce the Greening Greater Fulton Project, which will bring a green street to two blocks of Government Road in Richmond’s East End.

Greening Greater Fulton was developed in 2019 when Innovate Fulton approached the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with a concept for a green street on Government Road. Project partners have spent several years actively engaging with the Greater Fulton community to design a green street that utilizes green stormwater infrastructure to improve water quality in the James River and also creates a beautiful, greener public space. Innovate Fulton has led the team through this robust community engagement to understand the community’s desires for the 4900 and 5000 blocks of Government Road.

“When the opportunity for a green street arose, Innovate Fulton immediately understood the positive long-term ramifications and jumped into action,” said Chuck D’Aprix, President and Founder of Innovate Fulton. “Innovate Fulton quickly understood that environmental justice could help revitalize a long-underserved business district in a diverse neighborhood that has too often been marginalized. The green street will play an essential role in creating a sense of place in our ongoing revitalization efforts.”

Exact Stormwater and Groundwork RVA will work together on the installation of several green stormwater practices, designed by VHB, that will transform Government Road between Williamsburg Road and Carlisle Avenue. Green street improvements will include two rain gardens, native plant gardens, street tree plantings, permeable pavers, and a centralized art sculpture by local artists Matt Lively and Tim Harper that will be placed in a stormwater-friendly art plaza. Three murals celebrating the neighborhood’s rich culture were painted by Hamilton Glass in the project area in 2023. Once construction is complete, the community will have an opportunity to participate in the creation of a street mural at the intersection of National Street and Government Road.

“The Greening Greater Fulton project is designed to reduce stormwater runoff, increase shade, and provide a safer place for pedestrians,” said Christina Bonini, Senior Green Infrastructure Projects Manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “Our goal is to create a vibrant, community-centered commercial district for Greater Fulton while also improving water quality in the James River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.”

Digital rendering of green street acommpanied by a QR code to see more project photos.

“Groundwork RVA has been super-connected to this project, from its very inception. The combination of direct, measurable reductions in stormwater runoff and the shade promotion and cooling of a highly used streetscape, is exactly what Richmond needs more of,” said Rob Jones, Executive Director of Groundwork RVA. “The opportunity for young folks to learn and earn, through support of Groundwork and Innovate Fulton’s Green Apprenticeship Program has been pivotal. We hope that seeing these young people actively participate in improving their built environment, will encourage more young folks and everyday community residents to get curious about how these natural systems work and how we can put MORE of them into use.”

“VHB is thrilled to be a part of this transformational project which demonstrates that stormwater management infrastructure can provide both environmental improvement and neighborhood enhancement,” says VHB project manager, Charlene Harper.

A public groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 18th, at 10:00 AM at the corner of Government Road and National Street. Construction on green street elements will begin at the end of May and is expected to be completed this summer. Click here to view a flyer with more details about the construction.

“We are trying to get rainwater runoff out of Richmond’s existing infrastructure so it will no longer contribute to the combined sewer system. Runoff and water from the streets and parking areas will feed the plants and shrubs on each block, sustaining the green space and providing habitats for all sorts of wonderful wildlife, like birds and butterflies,” says Sean Simonpietri with Exact Stormwater.

This project is supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities, Altria Group, Luck Companies, Ferguson, LLC, and Wetlands Watch.

Media Contact:

Please contact both Adam and Christina

  • Adam Miller, Communications Director, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay amiller@allianceforthebay.org
  • Christina Bonini, Senior Green Infrastructure Projects Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay – cbonini@allianceforthebay.org