Grist was awarded a PWD SMIP Grant for stormwater improvements to the Holy Cross Campus in Mt. Airy. The total grant award was over $1 million, and Grist was both the engineer of record and the grant administrator (subgrantee) on the project. The project was completed in October, 2024.

The campus improvements are based on a project by the Community Design Collaborative. Stormwater management is provided by two subsurface infiltration basins and four rain gardens, These stormwater management practices manage runoff from the site’s parking lot, driveways, rooftops, and a portion of Mt. Airy Avenue.

The largest of the rain gardens is located in the existing asphalt area behind the school and helps define traffic flow for school pickup and drop-off lanes. This rain garden can also be used as an environmental learning laboratory by the school. The design team engaged with the church congregation and ministers, school personnel, and various other campus users create an improved site design while managing stormwater.

Holy Cross Stormwater Improvements