City of New London
Stormwater Authority Pilot Program Study
New London is one of three communities in the State of Connecticut that has received a $240,000 grant from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to study how stormwater is managed. The pilot program was authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly through Public Act 07-154 to allow the pilot communities to find new sources of revenue to fund and better manage stormwater services.
The City has hired the consultant firm of Black & Veatch Corporation to study its existing system of underground pipes, drains and culverts and the City’s compliance with its current stormwater discharge permit from the state. It will assess what improvements may be needed and recommend a program to implement stormwater improvements and how to pay for them.
New London’s stormwater services are now paid 100% through the property tax. The study will assess the feasibility of financing these services by a user fee, like sewer and water, rather than the property tax. A user fee system would share the burden among all properties that benefit – including tax exempt properties.
Besides creating a fairer way to pay for stormwater services by charging fees to all who benefit, the fees would be based on how much stormwater a property contributes to New London’s stormwater system. For example, a property that is used primarily as a paved parking lot has a greater percentage of runoff during rainstorms than a residential property that has half of its property in use as a lawn and garden under a user fee system. Properties that are built so water cannot penetrate through the ground will pay more for stormwater management than those that don’t.
The consultants briefed the New London City Council on the purpose of the stormwater pilot program this past December. The consulting team is working closely with the City’s Advisory Team consisting of the City Manager, Office of Development and Planning, Public Works, Finance Department, Legal Council, and Information Technology.
The total amount of the project is $300,000 with the State contributing $240,000 and the City providing the remaining $60,000. The study will be completed in the Spring of 2009.
Questions about the study may be directed to Harry Smith, Office of Planning and Development, 437-6379 or email: hsmith@ci.new-london.ct.us.
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