This briefing paper from the National Recreation and Park Association provides guidance on financing green infrasturcture projects.

The key messages were:

• The budgeting process must consider the differing life cycle characteristics between green and gray infrastructure.
• Local taxes, user fees, and stormwater utility fees are suitable for both capital and O&M expenses.
• Grants and state revolving funds or other low- to zero-interest loans may fund planning and capital costs.
• Nontraditional sources of financing, such as public-private partnerships and nongovernmental funding, allow communities to leverage public funding against foundation, corporate, and community contributions.

About the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. NRPA’s network of more than 60,000 park and recreation professionals and advocates represents public spaces in urban communities, rural settings and everything in between. NRPA champions and supports the field of parks and recreation through professional development, advocacy, grants and programs, research, publications and more.