The Fight for Better Stormwater Infrastructure in San Diego
Meet Michael Drennan, Director of Water Resources at NV5, and Jeff Cooper, Director of Infrastructure at ASCE Region 9 California. They are actively involved in addressing the critical need for funding to improve stormwater infrastructure in San Diego.
Recent heavy rains have once again highlighted the urgent need to address flooding and stormwater pollution issues in San Diego. City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera has taken upon himself to lead the charge in generating the necessary funding for these essential projects. This issue is not new, as reports have consistently pointed out the lack of dedicated funding for San Diego’s stormwater needs over many years, including a recent report in 2021 by the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst.
San Diego is not alone in facing these challenges. Many cities throughout California struggle with funding stormwater infrastructure, especially since the passing of Proposition 218 in 1996. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given California’s stormwater infrastructure a disappointing grade of “D+” in its 2019 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.
The Need: Despite being imposed in 1990, the stormwater fee of 95 cents per month per single-family home has remained unchanged. The current budget required to run the city’s Stormwater Department is $62 million for operations and maintenance, with additional estimates of approximately $5.5 billion through 2040 for critical capital improvements.
The Solution: The Stormwater Division has made progress despite the funding gap, with recent approval for $733 million in loan funds from USEPA’s WIFIA. However, more is needed to address the pressing issues.
Efforts to bring this issue to the ballot box have faced challenges in the past, but Elo-Rivera’s advocacy is crucial in finally finding a solution. Proposition 218 provides options for funding that could see progress in improving stormwater infrastructure.
Inspiration can be drawn from successful initiatives like Measure W in Los Angeles County and the recent approval of the Storm Drain Measure in Manhattan Beach. This shows that voters understand the importance of investing in stormwater infrastructure to protect their communities.
San Diego voters now have the chance to make a difference in improving their quality of life by supporting funding for essential stormwater projects. Kudos to Elo-Rivera for leading this crucial endeavor and giving the community a voice in shaping a better future. Let’s rise up to the challenge and make a positive impact on our city!
