The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recently demonstrated the ability of permeable interlocking concrete pavement to reduce stormwater and flooding.

North Carolina U.S. Representative David Price attended the demonstration, which was held by Fred Adams of Fred Adams Paving and North Carolina University professor Bill Hunt.

"There is a need for a better way. Not only to mitigate damage from a particular storm, but also to build to better standards to mitigate damage in the future," Price said. "(Permeable pavement) is part of a bigger picture that has to do with everything from the way we pave, to the way we construct housing, to where we put our wetlands and parks."

Water runs through the joints in the pavement and filters into the soil subgrade preventing surface runoff. Permeable pavement complies with national stormwater regulations and is a good option for freeze-thaw climates according to the ICPI.

"PICP has shown significant runoff and pollutant reduction for walkways, plazas, driveways, parking lots, alleys, and streets throughout the U.S. We are pleased that Congressman Price is examining how PICP can help achieve national policy imperatives," said ICPI chair Matt Lynch.