The future home of two electrified Jeep® vehicles will also be home to one of the most efficient and sustainable manufacturing operations at FCA in North America. Located on the east side of Detroit, the new assembly plant reflects the Company’s commitment to bringing 4,950 new jobs to the city, as well as building an assembly plant with the lowest VOC emissions rate in the United States, ensuring that it is a good neighbor to the community.
“Following numerous public and private discussions with residents, especially those nearest the facility, we’re proud to share our environmental plans and the future of FCA manufacturing in Detroit,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Operating Officer, FCA – North America. “We’re honored the residents of the city support us, and know that every step of the way, we need to prove that we follow through on our commitments and will be good neighbors long into our collective future.”
FCA partnered with local community leaders and organizations to listen to concerns, engage them in the decision making, and ensure educational and environmental needs are addressed. Environmental efforts support six priority areas: enhance air quality, improve landscape aesthetics, reduce and manage stormwater impact, support pollinators and wildlife habitats, provide educational opportunities and support pride in the community.
Environmental projects that FCA will execute over the next three years include:
- Construct and install stormwater park to control runoff; park will be available for use by the neighborhood and include a walking path surrounded by native vegetation, pollinator gardens and educational pavillion
- Install vegetative buffers and bioswales to further minimize stormwater runoff; bioswales are vegetated areas that naturally filter and slow stormwater runoff to help reduce the impact stormwater can have on a municipal system
- Help transform vacant lots into green spaces where once blighted homes stood with trees, shrubs and gardens working with community organizations, such as the Chandler Park Neighborhood Association and the Canfield Alliance Network
- Help revive urban tree canopy by planting more than 1,000 new trees onsite and within the immediate neighborhood
- Partner with the Wildlife Habitat Council to create and support thriving urban biodiversity, pollinator habitats and on-campus conservation projects
- Host ongoing programs with local schools to build awareness and educate young students on the benefits of environmental stewardship
- Install solar-powered bus stop shelters together with the Detroit Department of Transportation, providing residents a well-lit location and available mobile device charging stations
- Host informative event on the benefits of rain barrel capture of stormwater and provide rain barrels to interested residents
“Our commitment to this city goes well beyond our facility,” said Stewart. “Our future lies in the hearts and minds of the young people who grow and thrive in Detroit. Supporting their growth is especially important to me, which is why we will also be partnering with other local organizations to further enhance the neighborhood.”
Please click here to view the full press release.
SOURCE: FCA
