Richmond faces many aging infrastructure needs.  We have begun to address these needs as evidenced in the repairs in Battery Park and alleviating flooding in Shockoe Bottom.

There is legislation before Council to approve a Stormwater Utility but the upcoming election is making it difficult for those rthat need to approve it to do the right thing.

The Stormwater Utility is a proactive, strategic and customer service driven approach to stormwater management that will enable the City to reduce the serious flooding that we see in so many areas of the city following heavy rains.

This program is needed to provide a proactive, strategic and customer service driven approach whose other benefits include reduced sewer back-ups, cleaner and safer streets, cleaner waterfront areas and parks, fewer threats of West Nile virus and a healthier James River and its tributaries.

Furthermore, this Utility is paid for by businesses and residents alike and is based on how much runoff your property produces. If you live in Jackson Ward, you pay a smaller fee than someone who lives in Windsor Farms. Businesses can reduce their fees if they install environmentally friendly measures that reduce runoff.

To offset the new fee, I have proposed a five year plan to gradually decrease residential water rates as commercial and industrial customers’ bills are gradually increased to pay their fair share.

At the end of the five year implementation, the average resident will see their water bill go down by as much as $60 annually. In the meantime, the average homeowner will see their annual Stormwater Utility Fee offset by their savings in reduced water rates.

This plan is paid through a fee – not a tax – which requires the state and federal government, colleges and universities, as well as tax exempt organizations to pay their share, thus, lessening the burden on you. Since residents and businesses all contribute to runoff, they all will pay into improving the system that keeps the City from flooding at the same time protecting the health of the James River.

Please let your Council member know you support this plan and that they should not stall a vote until after the election. Previous administrations have ignored these problems for years but I am committed to enacting long term solutions that benefit our City.

FYI - Wastewater rates will not decrease as they are subject to a mandated agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Federal Government to implement a Combined Sewer Overflow system that will help ensure the long term health of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. This agreement will see Wastewater rates increase 5.5% each year until 2010 and then rise only according to the Consumer Price Index.