🌱 Core Strategy

Implement proven rain garden technology at scale in Mobile County. Address the convergence of chronic flooding and food desert problems by creating dual-purpose infrastructure that manages stormwater while producing fresh vegetables. Train workforce in green infrastructure skills while creating sustainable jobs and reducing municipal drainage costs.

Implementation Components
Site Identification & Design
Map chronic flooding locations across 11 Mobile County municipalities. Design bioretention systems with vegetable growing capacity. Partner with municipal engineers to integrate with existing stormwater plans.
Green Infrastructure Training
Comprehensive workforce development in bioretention construction, stormwater management, urban agriculture, and rain garden maintenance. Certification programs for long-term career advancement.
Food Production Systems
Edible rain gardens designed for optimal vegetable production while maintaining stormwater function. Direct farm-to-market sales creating revenue stream for program sustainability.
Municipal Partnerships
Work with 11 Mobile County cities to redirect stormwater budgets toward food-producing alternatives. Document cost savings and performance metrics for replication.
Detailed Components
  • Flood Area Mapping: GIS analysis of chronic flooding locations prioritized by municipal impact and food desert proximity
  • Bioretention Design: Engineer rain gardens optimized for both stormwater capture and vegetable production using proven designs
  • Workforce Development: 6-month green infrastructure training program leading to full-time employment in garden management
  • Agricultural Systems: Implement container growing, raised bed systems, and soil amendments suitable for stormwater environments
  • Distribution Network: Farm-to-market pipeline including mobile markets, community pickup points, and institutional sales
  • Municipal Integration: Work with city engineers to incorporate gardens into official stormwater management plans
  • Performance Monitoring: Document stormwater volume reduction, food production metrics, and cost savings for municipalities
  • Community Engagement: Educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and community ownership development
Implementation Timeline
Months 1-6
Site Assessment & Training Launch
Complete flood mapping, finalize municipal partnerships, begin workforce training program, design first 5 garden sites
Months 7-12
Construction & First Plantings
Build first 5 rain gardens, plant initial crops, establish distribution partnerships, hire trained workforce
Months 13-24
Scale & Optimize
Construct additional 10-15 sites, optimize growing systems, develop revenue streams, document performance
Months 25-36
Sustainability & Expansion
Achieve revenue sustainability, train additional workforce cohorts, prepare for expansion beyond grant funding
Budget Overview
Site Construction & Materials: $400,000
Workforce Training & Salaries: $250,000
Equipment & Tools: $75,000
Program Management: $50,000
Total USDA Request: $775,000
Required Cash Match (25%): $194,000