URBANWATERS

A Partnership for Restoring Urban Waterways and Revitalizing Communities

Urban Waters in Final Four for Sammies People's Choice!

Dear Northwest Indiana Urban Waters Partners,

I'm excited to share the news that the Urban Waters Team has
advanced to the final four for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America
(Sammie) People's Choice Award! As the "Oscar of public service", this
achievement means a great deal, and it reflects the hard work I see on
the ground every day here in Northwest I ndiana.

Continue voting daily here through September 15. After casting your
votes, share your favorites with your social media network and tell your
friends and colleagues.

I n just six months as your Urban
Waters Coordinator, I've been
amazed by your hard work,
innovation, and passion for
improving our urban waterways to
better our communities. I feel
exceptionally proud of Northwest
Indiana and our partnership, and I
thank you for letting me be a part of
it.

I'm inspired to see my calendar
paGked with opportunities to

Above; The SCA tree team plants a tree in East
Chicago.

Sammie medal in the Science and
Environment category, in addition to
being in the final four for a People's
Choice Award. Surabhi has been
quick to point out that this honor is
for all of our Urban Waters Partners
working across the country.

It's really your work that has led to

Above: Lake Michigan shoreline photo
courtesy of NPS

connect our communities to our
waterways - from Canoemobile
adventures to CommuniTree
plantings. I know the expertise
and resources that make our
partnership work will continue
to lift up our projects and
catalyze new ones.

Read the finalist profile for

Surabhi Shah and the Urban
Waters team, nominated for a

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this national recognition, and this
award is an honor for all of us.

So thank you, congratulations, and
keep up the great work!

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Above: Surabhi Shah, Director of the Urban
Waters Program.

The Northwest Indiana Urban Waters Partnership focuses on the Lake Michigan watershed in Lake, LaPorte

and Porter Counties, Indiana,

Urban Waters works to connect urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or
economically distressed, with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and state
and local partners. The goals are to improve the Nation's water systems and to promote their economic,

environmental and social benefits.

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