10 Maryland towns to get first "Green Streets" grants

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) -- Ten Maryland towns are receiving the first "Green Streets" grants, which support local efforts to reduce urban stormwater runoff.

The winning towns will be recognized Friday in Silver Spring. Cities and towns receiving grants are Baltimore, Bladensburg, Capitol Heights, College Park, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Edmonston, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and University Park.

Reducing runoff from streets, buildings and other developments in urban and suburban areas is a key target in efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

That's because urban and suburban runoff is the only pollution source in the bay watershed that is increasing.

And that runoff carries sediments that can bury bay grasses and pollutants, robbing bay water of oxygen.

The grants administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust range from $25,000 to $35,000.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)