Job Training in West Virginia
In Berkeley County, WV, CVI piloted a Green Jobs/Green Infrastructure program that provided field training in environmental science and paid summer internships for local college students. The program led to the hiring of two interns by the local stormwater management district and career opportunities in the field for other program graduates.
Funding for the “Green Collar” job training program was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, which promotes community-based efforts to develop conservation strategies to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay. Additional funding was provided by community foundations and our partners, including Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, the Berkeley County Public Service Stormwater District, Region 9 Planning Commission and other partners.
About Green Infrastructure
Runoff from stormwater is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. It carries trash, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants through storm sewers into local waterways. Heavy rainstorms can cause flooding that damages property and infrastructure. Green infrastructure uses natural materials to filter and absorbs stormwater where it falls, reducing stormwater flows to sewer systems or surface waters.
