Things are looking greener in New Port Richey, according to Council members and volunteers. The City of New Port Richey Environmental Committee made its annual report to the City Council last night and highlighted the City’s recent achievements as well as recommending nine additional projects for the City.

Among the proposals were:

• Requiring planting of milkweed in City landscaping to benefit monarch butterflies
• Expansion of reuse water lines
• Addition of Urban Farming and Market Gardens as land use categories
• Prohibition of sales of bottled water on public property with an emphasis on alternatives
• Requiring recycling plans for all City sponsored events
• Pursuit of Green City certification
• Review of fertilizer and pesticide policies and recommending additional restrictions

Committee Chair Dell deChant said that he believes the measures can help the City to better lead from the front in the region and will also promote public safety through crime prevention, among other benefits. Committee members provided Council members with alternative “Boxed Water” products to demonstrate that other options are available.

You can view the full presentation document on Google Drive.

by Jon Tietz