Watershed Implementation Plans: Getting Started at a Local Level. Environmental Finance Center, University of Maryland

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1 Watershed Implementation Plans: Getting Started at a Local Level Environmental Finance Center, University of Maryland

2 Environmental Finance Center A university-based center providing communities with the tools and information necessary to manage change for a healthy environment and an enhanced quality of life EFC strengthens the capacity of local decisionmakers to analyze environmental problems, develop innovative and effective methods of financing, and educates communities

3 The stormwater we can see 3

4 The stormwater we can t see 4

5 Stormwater Management Program Drivers Recurring flooding Land development pressures Aging infrastructure Operations and maintenance Pollution prevention Capital project implementation Regulatory compliance Ecosystem preservation Water quality management

6 Why pay for stormwater now? Aging infrastructure in many communities Flooding issues Water pollution concerns Inadequate systems maintenance Water quality and quantity concerns Population growth Regulations-Phase 1 & 2 permits, TMDL, WIPs Pay now or pay twice as much later

7 Examples of ways to pay for stormwater General Funds Revenue bonds Revolving loans Construction fees Tax allocation Development fees Grants Stormwater Utility

8 When thinking about a financing strategy Remember that your revenue stream must be: Reliable Stable Consistent

9 Factors influencing funding decisions Legal considerations Community perspective, goals and objectives Fair and equitable Revenue is stable and reliable Political acceptance Administrative complexity

10 Where do you begin? Have a solid plan in place to educate and engage the community be diverse and inclusive Assess and prioritize your stormwater needs Know what s already been done; what should be done; and know where you need to be in 5-10 years down the road think long term Utilize existing resources Develop your stormwater goals and priorities

11 Examples of what to fund for a sustainable stormwater program Administrative Programmatic Planning and Engineering Water Quality Management Operations and Maintenance Capital improvement GIS

12 Examples of what dedicated funding could do for you Address backlog of repair requests Retrofit and replace deteriorating pipes Build a long term operations and maintenance program Install best management practices (BMP) controls: storm drain interceptors, catch basin inserts Outreach and education to residents, businesses, and visitors 12

13 Key points in building a successful program Build an optimal program Think BIG Prioritize projects and bundle community priorities together Educate and involve many sectors of community Base a sustainable program on real estimates (it takes digging but can be done) Look to other communities for examples but make a program reflect your community Resolve obstacles, don t ignore

14 Case Studies Each one has a lesson Takoma Park, MD Rockville, MD Ocean City, MD Berlin, MD Salisbury, MD Alexandria, VA Centerville, MD Alexandria, VA Lewes, DE Lynchburg, VA Lancaster, PA Washington, DC

15 Examples of revenue generated from Comparison of regional stormwater fees: stormwater utilities City, State Year Stormwater Fee Established Population Lewes, DE ,932 Takoma Park, MD ,027 Rockville, MD ,734 Suffolk, VA ,659 Virginia Beach, VA ,746 Washington, DC ,657 Fee Structure $5/month Residential $10/month Commercial $20/month Industrial $4/month Single Family $4/month/ERU* Commercial and Multifamily * (*1 ERU = 1,228 sq/ft impervious surface) $4.10/month Single Family $4.10/ERU/month* All Other Properties (*1 ERU=2,330 sq/ft impervious surface) $5.24/month Single Family $5.24/ERU/month* All Other Properties (*1 ERU=3,200sq/ft impervious surface) $7.23/month Single Family $7.23/ERU/month* All Other Properties (*1 ERU=2,269 sq/ft impervious surface) $2.67/ERU/month* All Properties (*1 ERU=1,000 sq/ft impervious surface) Revenue Generated Per Year $200,000 $350,000 $1,927,928 $4,056,979 $21,058,267 $13,000,000 *The twenty-three largest non-residential properties in Takoma Park, MD pay an average of $4,222.87/year.

16 Case Study Ocean City Resources: General Fund Operational Supply budget $197,790/year Stormwater supplies budget $65,000/year Many repairs done on an emergency basis No sustainable O&M program

17 Failing pipes Most storm drain systems in Ocean City were installed by the developer using corrugated metal pipe in the 60 s-80 s 80,000 linear feet (over 15 miles) of this pipe that will need to be replaced in the next 10 years at a cost of over $6 million

18 Future SW revenue needs Replace and retrofit old pipes Develop a Operations & Maintenance Program Create a storm drain cleaning program More seed money for a BMP cost share program Trash & debris cleanup program for canals Hotline for illicit discharge Buy a Jet Vac Truck or long term cleaning contract Expand rain garden program Expand mini-grant program Several BMPs installed over the first five years

19 Examples of some outreach Key Presentations and events Economic Development Council Chamber of Commerce Homeowner Association meetings Home and Garden Show Local festivals Stormwater Work Group Meetings Stormwater Article published in March/April 2011 issue of the Stormwater Solutions Magazine 19 Retrieved from:

20 Public Meetings Public Meeting Exit Survey Results Ocean City Concerns Not concerned Somewhat concerned Very concerned Critical Flooding that makes driving around town difficult* Flooding that will cause property damage** Water that could be harmful to fish or wildlife** Litter in the water (ocean/canal)* 11.1% 33.3% 44.4% 11.1% 0.0% 28.6% 28.6% 42.9% 14.3% 28.6% 28.6% 28.6% 0.0% 11.1% 33.3% 55.6% *9 respondents **7 respondents 20

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22 Website Retrieved from: 22 Retrieved from:

23 Stormwater Financing and Outreach Unit EFC is helping two communities a year Expect to hold workshops/trainings in 2012 Choosing case studies to be models of success for Maryland Will require approval from City Council and inkind support

24 Want more information? Visit stormwater financing Fill out Stormwater Assessment Survey (pdf) located under Tools and Resources link Contact a member of EFC staff

25 Questions? Thank you! Joanne Throwe and Dan Nees