The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition

Transcription

1 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Watershed and Stormwater Finance Workshop August 10, 2010 Auburn University, Alabama Facilitated by the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program

2 Overview Why are we here? The Legislation Guiding the Way The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition its mission and the conceptual plan The Coalition The Program and Structure Committees and Responsibilities Projected Rate Structure Timeline

3 Why are we here? Rapid Urban Growth Municipality Number of Permits Valuation Daphne ,053, Fairhope ,975, Spanish Fort 70 72,866, Robertsdale 66 15,395, Loxley 73 9,842, Bay Minette Elberta Foley 90 47,771, Gulf Shores* 77 21,737, Orange Beach 26 77, Summerdale 12 1,711, Silverhill 2 200, Unincorp. Baldwin Co ,598, ,229,911.11

4 Why are we here? As impervious surfaces in Baldwin County increase, infiltration of rainwater decreases % Impervious surface area and the proportion that runs off over land to the nearest water body increases! 2000 Impervious Cover by 12 digit HUC Based on US EPA Office of Research & Development Analysis 2025 Impervious Cover by 12 digit HUC Based on US EPA Office of Research & Development Analysis

5 Why are we here? Increases in impervious surface coupled with extraordinary precipitation = Increased Stormwater Volume and Velocity = Increased water pollution Flooding Sediment deposits Degraded Water Quality = Environmental, aesthetic, and economic consequences Decreased aesthetics and property values Channel erosion Habitat destruction

6 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act Proposed constitutional amendment on the election ballot, November, 2010 Relating to Baldwin County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the legislature to provide by general or local law for the formation of a public corporation for the purpose of managing stormwater in the county ; and to authorize the levy and collection of storm water service charges on certain properties containing impervious areas in the county. Yes ( ) No ( )

7 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act Defining the Language Impervious Surface developed areas of land that prevent or significantly impede the infiltration of stormwater into the soil Roofs Sidewalks Walkways Patios Driveways Parking lots Access extensions Roadways Alleys

8 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act Defining the Language Service Area Entire county except undeveloped land and land used for agricultural and forestry purposes. Service Charge A charge applicable to a land parcel that reflects the impact on or demand for stormwater management services note: undeveloped areas or parcels classified as agricultural or forestry property shall be exempt. Stormwater Runoff from precipitation that travels over natural or developed land surfaces and enters a drainage system Stormwater Program Identified set of measures and activities to protect, restore, and manage stormwater quality and quantities

9 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act The Public Corporation To be formed by member governing bodies To support member governing bodies in their stormwater management roles To enhance stormwater programs throughout the county To levy or collect service charges on property containing impervious surface areas

10 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act What the Public Corporation will do: Ensure public participation Construct stormwater control projects on public lands in Baldwin County applying at least 80% of gross revenues to capital expenditures May act as agent of any member governing body for inspection and program implementation

11 The Legislation Guiding the Way: Act What the Public Corporation will NOT do: NOregulatory actions NO additional requirements other than those mandated by ADEM (unless within corporate municipal limits) NO establishment or enforcement of any building codes NOsubdivision regulations NO zoning regulations NOdevelopment plans NOcomprehensive plans NO other construction or development related regulations NO relief from liability for compliance with NPDES

12 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition has convened to establish a cooperative, regional watershed management program in Baldwin County. BCWC s Mission The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition will support local communities in managing flooding, drainage, and issues related to stormwater runoff in Baldwin County while preserving and improving water quality and the use of our water resources.

13 Baldwin County Watershed Coalition so far Steering Committee Technical Committee Education Committee Development of Overall Conceptual Plan For County-wide Stormwater Management Utility, Including Rate Structure Provide a Countywide Stormwater Needs Inventory Develop a Priority Projects List for On-The-Ground Implementation General Stormwater Outreach/Education Development of Marketing Campaign in Preparation for November Referendum

14 Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Conceptual Plan For BCWC Including Proposed Rate Structure for Future Public Corporation

15 Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Voluntary Membership Government 14 Municipalities Baldwin County Commission Baldwin County Legislative Delegation Private Utilities State Agencies Federal Programs Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board etc. Environmental Groups Alabama Forest Resource Center Alabama Coastal Foundation Coastal Land Trust Mobile BayKeeper Mobile Bay National Estuary Program etc. Local Watershed Groups Fly Creek Preservation Association Friends of Baldwin County Lake Forest Property Owners Association Battles Wharf Property Owners Association League of Women Voters Fairhope/Point Clear Association for Responsible Development Smart Coast Wolf Bay Watershed Watch etc. Private Interests Chambers of Commerce Home Builders Board of Realtors Contractors etc.

16 Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Voluntary Membership To join each member will sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating voluntary commitment to support local communities in managing flooding, drainage, and issues related to stormwater runoff in Baldwin County while preserving and improving water quality and the use of our water resources.

17 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition The Program Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground watershed projects

18 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Structure Executive Committee Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects

19 Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Executive Committee = 19 Government Representatives (7) 1 State Senate 1 State House 1 County Commission (Chair or Proxy) 3 Municipalities (appointed by Mayoral Assoc) 1 Baldwin County Environmental Advisory Board Regional Environmental Groups (3) 1 MBNEP 1 Mobile Baykeeper 1 Alabama Coastal Foundation Local Groups (3) 3 Baldwin County local or grassroots Watershed or community groups How are Executive Committee Representatives selected/appointed? Baldwin County Watershed/Community Groups Friends of Baldwin County Nominates Chambers Chamber Execs to nominate At large undetermined Private Interests (6) 1 Chamber of Commerce 1 Board of Realtors 1 Home Builders Association 1 Road Builders Association 1 Baldwin County United 1 At large

20 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition The Program Executive Committee Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects Education Committee Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Environmental, government, community groups conducting outreach and education as part of their individual programs but in support of the objectives of the BCWC (Low Impact Design, rain barrels, etc.)

21 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Executive Committee The Program Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground watershed projects Education Committee Policy Committee Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) State agencies, local and county government entities, and environmental and private interests working to streamline and standardize regulatory processes

22 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Executive Committee The Program Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects Education Committee Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Policy Committee Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Technical Committee Municipal and County staff and private interests (working civil engineers in Baldwin County) developing consistent standards and criteria that all government entities willingly adopt

23 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Executive Committee The Program Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Coordinate existing regulatory programs Develop consistent standards and criteria Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects Education Committee Policy Committee Technical Committee Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) Develop Priorities for watershed projects Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP)

24 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Executive Committee The Program Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Education Committee Coordinate existing regulatory programs Policy Committee Develop consistent standards and criteria Technical Committee Develop Priorities for watershed projects Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects Baldwin County Stormwater Corporation This is a financing mechanism and capital project implementer for the BCWC Fund/Undertake capital improvement projects Support Municipal/County projects (funding, technical assistance)

25 The Baldwin County Watershed Coalition Build watershed stewardship and partnerships Education Committee Executive Committee Watershed Plans will include other financing possibilities The Program Coordinate existing regulatory programs Policy Committee Develop consistent standards and criteria Technical Committee Develop Priorities for watershed projects Watershed Planning (MBNEP/CWP) This is a financing mechanism and capital project implementer for the BCWC Undertake on the ground Watershed Projects Baldwin County Stormwater Corporation Fund/Undertake capital improvement projects with fees/other funding Support Municipal/County projects (funding, technical assistance)

26 IMPERVIOUS AREA Lower Range (sq ft) Upper Range (sq ft) Projected Rate Structure Annual Watershed Preservation Fee (Charge to All Property Owners of Developed Properties) TOTAL FEE Watershed Fee plus Fee ERU Fee Expected Number of Customers By Classification Anticipated Annual Revenue Stormwater Fee ($12/ERU/Yr) Individually Calculated Based on Total Impervious Area 2,385 sq.ft. 63 $39,662 > 80,001 $12 75,000 79,999 $12 $390 $402 3 $1,206 70,000 74,999 $12 $365 $ $5,275 65,000 69,999 $12 $340 $ $5,274 60,000 64,999 $12 $314 $ $9,794 55,000 59,999 $12 $289 $ $9,039 50,000 54,999 $12 $264 $ $9,113 45,000 49,999 $12 $239 $ $15,060 40,000 44,999 $12 $214 $ $19,874 35,000 39,999 $12 $189 $ $27,694 30,000 34,999 $12 $164 $ $35,104 25,000 29,999 $12 $138 $ $37,140 20,000 24,999 $12 $113 $ $43,447 15,000 19,999 $12 $88 $ $57,529 11,000 14,999 $12 $65 $ $48,381 7,000 11,000 $12 $45 $57 1,236 $70,802 4,000 6,999 $12 $28 $40 4,056 $160,914 3,000 3,999 $12 $18 $30 6,254 $185,181 1,000 2,999 $12 $12 $24 68,487 $1,643, $12 $0 $12 15,156 $174,532 Total 97,657 $2,598,708

27 Rate Structure- Revised based on Input Assumptions used in developing rate structure The corporation can apply $ million on the ground per year The fee structure focuses on level of impact (impervious area greater than 10% causes an adverse impact rule) The fee structure is based on impervious area regardless of whether it was commercial or residential Rates are calculated by total impervious area within ranges Five year program and fee structure review No credits in first phase; smart growth and low impact design measures will be promoted by BCWC members to build awareness and encourage individual action

28 Timeline July August September October November December January February ByLaws/Policies Developed X Invite members to BCWC X X X Collect Memorandum of Understandings X X X Sollicit Nominations to Executive Committee X Hold First Official BCWC meeting X BCWC Meetings X X X X X BCWC Executive Committee Develop Policies for appointing Corporation Board X X Referendum X Establish Corporation X X Apply for State Revolving Loan Funds X