Fresh Coast Green Communities

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is partnering with Greenprint Partners to connect with communities to plan, build and maintain multi-benefit green infrastructure. In parts of Milwaukee, the combined sewer system sends both stormwater and wastewater through the same pipes to a water reclamation facility. However, major storms and heavy rains can overwhelm the sewer system. To prevent water from backing up into basements, MMSD redirects excess water to the nearest river or lake through an overflow pipe. The Fresh Coast Green Communities (FCGC) program aims to reduce these overflows by using green infrastructure to capture and slow stormwater. In doing so, it encourages the creation of more Fresh Coast Guardians — individuals committed to protecting Milwaukee's water through sustainable practices and green infrastructure.

Ready to see if your commercial-scale property is eligible? Contact us now for a free consultation. 

Program Goals 

Through FCGC, Greenprint is helping organizations build green infrastructure at little or no cost. FCGC supports MMSD’s 2035 Vision by increasing the implementation of green infrastructure in greater Milwaukee communities. The program has the following goals: 

• Protect Freshwater Resources: Focus on areas with combined sewers to help reduce the risk of sewer overflows and polluted runoff into Lake Michigan.‍
• Center Community: Work closely with Milwaukee’s community organizations and involve property owners in every stage of the projects.‍
• Create Economic Opportunities: Use construction projects to provide opportunities to small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses (SWMBEs). ‍
• Invest Equitably: Prioritize projects in areas with a high social vulnerability.‍
• Maximize Benefits: Ensure that the designs provide the greatest possible advantages to the communities involved.

How to Participate 

Greenprint manages every step of FCGC’s green infrastructure projects including funding, design, and construction. We will also help participants apply for available stormwater credits and will manage the vegetation establishment of green infrastructure for the first five years following construction.

Best fit projects are:

• In areas MMSD serves
• Commercial/institutional-scale properties
• Properties that are not currently managing stormwater on-site
• Able to commit to six years of maintenance following the fully funded five-year establishment period
• Not planning for redevelopment that would disrupt the green infrastructure
  ‍