Stormwater Funding - The Golden State's Perspective

摘要

Forming and maintaining a sustainable stormwater utility is a challenge throughout the United States. Public perception of a "rain tax", understanding and planning for stormwater infrastructure needs in an ever-changing environment, legal impediments, and establishing an equitable set of rates and fees present unique complications in the management of stormwater systems. In California, this challenge is exacerbated by the requirements and restrictions associated with Proposition 218, and subsequent legal rulings and legislation that have sought to clarify (or in some cases complicate) the issue of utility rates in general, and more recently, stormwater rates in particular. In this manuscript, we will outline these challenges and the legal environment within which California stormwater utilities must operate. We will then provide an overview of the options available to enhance or establish dedicated stormwater funding, including the pros, cons, and potential risks associated with each. Finally, we will present key lessons learned from some successful case studies from around the state. The options and lessons learned are beneficial to agencies and municipalities that are likely dealing with similar challenges in California and in other geographies.