Storm water controls are necessary to prevent flooding, protect property, and to protect local lakes and streams. Unfortunately, effective storm water controls are often very costly. Maintenance to ensure these features keep working means additional costs that are added each year.
A good, long-term, strategic plan will help organize projects and spread out the overall costs of storm water improvements over time. A long-term plan will also allow staff to explore creative ways to help lower the cost of these projects, including developing private or public partnerships, and looking into grant funding. These efforts may take time to initiate and mature, but in the long-run, can save several thousands of dollars.
For example, a grant application that is due in 2018 may fund a project during 2019 or 2020. Or perhaps an opportunity for land acquisition comes up that would reduce the cost of a storm water facility. Without proper planning and prioritizing, opportunities like this may be lost. A good plan is dynamic and can be adjusted as opportunities come up. A good plan will be available and used by staff to make life easier (not just as a bookend).
For more information about storm water planning or related grant opportunities, contact an expert today.
About the Author
Maureen A. McBroom
Environmental Coordinator
Maureen is dedicated to the protection and improvement of Wisconsin’s resources through close collaboration with municipalities and their citizens. Efficient & effective implementation, driven by strong relationships and communication, are drivers behind her project implementation strategies. She has experience in the WDNR’s Runoff Program, specifically issuing WPDES Permit coverage for construction site erosion control & long-term storm water plans, industrial storm water sites and municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permittees. Maureen has been with R/M since 2015.
