Heavy rainfall and a significant amount of street litter combine to worsen flooding in Louisiana.

The Solution:

Permanently Funding
Stormwater Management Programs

In 2022, Louisiana became the 42nd state to pass "local option" legislation, allowing communities to declare stormwater a utility. This provides a reliable way for communities to create and permanently fund programs that address both water quality (litter and pollution) and water quantity (flooding).

Securing permanent funding is crucial for a successful program because it:

• Enables communities to finance capital improvement projects through bonds.

• Helps attract federal grants and private partnerships.

• Keeps fees simple, reasonable, and sustainable for residents.

Key Steps for a Successful Program

The most effective stormwater programs are the result of collaboration and strategic planning:

1. Define the Problem: Community leaders must first clearly identify their specific stormwater issues.

2. Educate Stakeholders: They then need to inform key community members about these problems and the need for a solution.

3. Create a Fee Structure: Together, leaders and stakeholders devise a simple and reasonable fee that reflects local political realities. Once determined, this fee must be approved by a one-time public vote in Louisiana.

The most successful programs are managed by stormwater experts and include measures for citizen accountability, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.

Stormwater Utility Survey Results

According to a University of Western Kentucky 2024 stormwater utility survey, 42 states have a stormwater utility (SWU) in place.

Florida's Blueprint for Stormwater Management

East Baton Rouge was the first parish in Louisiana to create a stormwater utility district but hasn't yet implemented a fee.

We can learn from Florida, a leader in stormwater management with a similar environment. Over three decades ago, Florida declared stormwater a utility to reduce litter and boost tourism. Today, 214 of its communities have successful programs that not only keep the state clean but also prevent floods and improve water quality. These efforts have also improved their Community Rating System (CRS) scores, which helps lower the cost of flood insurance for residents.

According to the 2024 survey, stormwater utility fees vary widely, from $2.00 to $50.00 per month. The fee amount often depends on local needs and political factors. No single state has universally high or low fees; even states with higher-cost utilities also have some communities with much lower fees.

Communities that invest in stormwater management enjoy cleaner streets, a robust economy, healthier watersheds, and a strong sense of place.