Stormwater Financing and Outreach
Effectively managing stormwater is one of the greatest challenges faced by communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Like all infrastructure, stormwater management systems, including low impact development practices, require long-term care and maintenance. As communities struggle to best allocate limited resources, stormwater management systems are frequently overlooked until an emergency occurs, costing millions in damages and repairs, or until a mandate forces a community to take action.
The issue of paying for stormwater, incorporating both gray and green infrastructure practices, looms even larger as Chesapeake Baycommunities prepare to deal with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements and Watershed Implementation Plans. Although often an effective driver, unfortunately, these federal and state mandates are not always accompanied by the type of technical assistance, information, and resources needed to successfully guide the development and implementation of sustainable stormwater management plans.
The Stormwater Financing and Outreach Unit was created to address a community’s stormwater financing questions and help craft a strategy that best meets local needs.
For more information on the EFC’s Stormwater Financing and Outreach Unit, check out our FAQ or contact Joanne Throwe at jthrowe@umd.edu.
NFWF Capacity Building
EFC has taken on a key role in providing technical support and direct assistance to NFWF’s new Local Government Capacity Building Initiative.
Bay WIP Financing Workshops
EFC is working with the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to expand the capacity communities to advance their Watershed Implementation Plans.
Stormwater Projects
The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland is working with several communities in the region to revitalize their stormwater management and financing programs. Current project partners include Berlin, MD; Bowie, MD; Salisbury, MD; Ocean City, MD; Lynchburg, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Anne Arundel County.