Costs of Stormwater Management Going Up?

The Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District Board is looking at implementing a stormwater fee
August 22, 2010

From the Highlands Ranch Herald:

Federal and state regulations for municipal stormwater systems have redefined the responsibilities associated with owning and maintaining facilities such as surface drainages, detention and water quality management ponds, and storms sewers and culverts. As the permit holder under the Clean Water Act, the metro district is responsible for public education and outreach, as well as participation.

Money from Centennial Water and Sanitation District, developers and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District have for years helped fund the initial stormwater management projects in Highlands Ranch. However, the long-range plan for stormwater infrastructure, including capital and maintenance costs, requires approximately $30 million over the next 30 years. It is anticipated that UDFCD will continue to partner with the district, but will require matching funds for capital projects. “It is important that the metro district identify a reliable funding source to allow us to stabilize the channels in our natural open space lands and meet our requirements as the holder of the Clean Water Act permit,” a press release from the district says.

Metro district staff will conduct a public workshop at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 at the district office at South Broadway and Plaza Drive to explain the financial implications and the alternatives.

Those with questions should visit www.highlandsranch.org or contact director of public works Jeff Case at jcase@highlandsranch.org or at 303-791-0430.

(The CoCPN is looking at taking over stormwater functions in CPN from the Metro District. Little revenue is associated with this function, while potential financial liability is enormous. Has CoCPN evaluated the long-range plans and costs for stormwater, or are they looking to add legitimacy to CoCPN efforts? While the Metro District might be wise to dump this obligation, what's best for the citizens of CoCPN?)