In 2019, New Jersey empowered local governments to create stormwater utilities through the Clean Water and Flood Reduction Act, after experiencing the devastation from hurricanes such as Sandy and Irene. This act is one of the most comprehensive and permissive authorities for stormwater financing in the nation, covering important policies and options. What happened next provides excellent lessons for others across the US and Canada who struggle with funding their surface water management programs and what to do and what not to do. While New Jersey has over 585 local governments that are eligible to create a utility, in five years (as of October 2024), only one utility has been created. So, why is this the case? There are numerous reasons that action has not yet been taken. This presentation will identify the challenges, options, policies, and approach to implementation that have both helped and hindered progress. A review of the legislative authority and the role of the state in support of utility financing is covered in this presentation. The importance of supporting non-governmental organizations and using effective communication strategies to move forward with sound financial planning will also be covered.
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Recognize how, even with comprehensive authority, creating a funding structure offers challenges that can be overcome.
• Evaluate their options for funding stormwater services, using public support and internal agency partnerships.
• Anticipate and overcome barriers to stabilizing local government funding of all things stormwater.
Contributor/Source
Elizabeth Treadway-Senior Vice President
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