Back in May, we told you about a Seattle Public Utilities proposal called “Ballard Green Streets” to create green spaces in the planter strips between the sidewalk and the street to reduce stormwater pollution. Today, Governor Gregoire approved $1.5 million in funding for the project.

The project includes the area between NW 75th and NW 85th Streets and 28th to 32nd Avenues NW, controlling runoff from 2.6 acres. The green spaces will be designed to reduce stormwater pollution to the Ship Canal. Together with projects in Olympia and Spokane that were also announced today, the funding from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create 75 jobs, according to the Governor’s office. (Thanks Allison for the tip!)