Florida is especially susceptible to flooding and cities across the state are taking action.
Flooded Roads Lead To Tax Hike
What’s going on?
The DeBary City Council approved a temporary tax increase in order to meet the $1.8 million budgeted for this year’s stormwater projects. The Volusia County city has experienced flooding and drainage issues, leading officials to consider the projects as critical.
Why it matters.
The city, which has started to pay the price of inadequate infrastructure, is raising taxes to address the resulting issues.
Where can I learn more?
- Read this story in the Daytona Beach News Journal
Flooding Drowns Flat Fees
What’s going on?
St. Petersburg is changing stormwater fees based on the amount of impervious surface area on properties.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that an engineering company hired by the city estimated how much of a homeowner’s lot doesn’t drain rainwater. Stormwater billing will change from a flat fee to a four-tier system.
Why it matters.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, impervious surfaces like roads, buildings and parking lots limit the areas where water can be absorbed into the ground, which leads to a greater flooding risk. The newspaper reports several other Tampa Bay area utilities have passed similar measures to end what they view as an inequitable subsidy of properties with a high percentage of impervious areas.
While fees are expected to decrease for most homeowners, they will rise significantly for those with large areas of impermeable surfaces.
Where can I learn more?
- Visit this information page on Impervious Surfaces and Flooding.
Republican Rep Calls For Change Amid ‘Crisis’
What’s going on?
Congressman Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) has garnered attention for his remarks regarding the climate “crisis,” stating that the facts are in and that we should act now to prevent costlier action later on.
He also stated his support of a carbon tax, which he says would incentivize people to reduce their carbon footprint.
Why it matters.
The Republican Naples-area representative has taken a stance rarely seen within his party in addressing human-caused climate change and referring to it as a “crisis.”
Where can I learn more?
The Takeaway Message
As cities feel the cost of flooding, they are taking measures to address stormwater issues and how to pay for them.