T-VSSI Organizational Background

In 2005, Temple University's Center for Sustainable Communities and Villanova University's Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership joined resources to form the T-VSSI. Other participating organizations include the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, Philadelphia Water Department, and CULTEC, Inc.

Temple University’s Center for Sustainable Communities (CSC)
The CSC was established in July 2000 to develop and promote new approaches to protect and preserve quality of life through sustainable development, improving public health, and balancing the relationship between environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity.

Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership (VUSP)
The VUSP's mission is to advance the evolving comprehensive stormwater management field and to foster the development of public and private partnerships through research on innovative stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), directed studies, technology transfer, and education.

T-VSSI Participating Organizations

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT)
The PERT is a private, non-profit conservation organization located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. The Trust’s mission is to protect, restore, and preserve the lands of the Pennypack Creek valley to enhance the quality of life of both residents and visitors, offer habitat for native plants and animals, and become a standard of excellence for innovative restoration and stewardship practices, which can be shared with others joined in a common commitment to the environment.

Philadelphia Water Department, Office of Watersheds (PWD)
The PWD created the Office of Watersheds in 1998, to help preserve and enhance the water quality in the region through effective wastewater and stormwater services, along with planning and acting in partnership with other stakeholders to achieve a sensible balance between cost and environmental benefit. The PWD invests roughly a quarter of a billion dollars every year through its combined operating and capital budgets to protect the region's watersheds.

CULTEC, Inc.
CULTEC, Inc., a private company, is a leading authority in stormwater systems product design. The company has agreed to donate its time, materials, and services to support the installation of the infiltration gallery that will be installed underneath the parking lot at PERT’s office and visitor center.

Funding Partners

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)
PA DEP provides funding support to the T-VSSI through its Growing Greener Grant program. Growing Greener is a voter-approved plan that will invest $625 million over six years, beginning in 2005, to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces and working farms; and shore up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize communities across the Commonwealth.

William Penn Foundation
The William Penn Foundation provides major funding support to the T-VSSI, as part of its mission to improve the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children’s futures, and deepen connections to nature and community. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance a vital, just, and caring community.

Other Partners

Project Headwaters
Project Headwaters was initiated in early 2007 by Southeast Montgomery County Trout Unlimited, Philadelphia Water Department Office of Watersheds, Temple/Villanova Sustainable Stormwater Initiative, Montgomery County Conservation District, AKRF, Inc. and Pennsylvania Environmental Council. These partners are seeking ways to improve urban watershed planning by implementing a regional initiative aimed at coordinated, strategic, action-oriented approach to watershed management. Project Headwaters focuses on implementation of projects in a watershed's  headwaters first, where it can concentrate its efforts most effectively and see results from improved stormwater management.

StormwaterPA
StormwaterPA is an online resource developed to help municipalities throughout Pennsylvania apply the most effective, proven techniques in stormwater management to their community's needs. The site is a clearinghouse of stormwater information, including upcoming events, case studies, regulatory information, model ordinances, and publications available for download.