According to the newly released watershed report card, the Huron River gets a “D” for flooding. This watershed indicator assesses the number of property-damaging floods over the most recent five years compared to the previous ten years. The “D” (Poor) grade for the Huron indicates that flooding in our watershed has increased over the past decade. And this will only be exacerbated over time with increasing precipitation and severe storms. Increasing flooding has also led to significant economic impacts on watershed communities as indicated by the “F” (Very Poor) grade for the cost of flooding indicator (see right).
Flooding in urban areas is largely driven by the capacity of our stormwater infrastructure, whether it is grey (including piped storm drains and detention ponds) or green (including rain gardens and bioswales). These systems carry stormwater away from our streets, homes, and neighborhoods. Michigan’s stormwater infrastructure is aging (with some parts over 100 years old!) and has been given a “D” by the American Society of Civil Engineer’s 2023 report card. A “D” grade means Michigan’s stormwater infrastructure is in poor condition and at risk of failure.
To fund essential improvements to stormwater systems, municipalities traditionally tap into cash-strapped general funds, pursue grant funding, or take out loans through bonds. However, these funds are not sufficient to address the on-going maintenance and construction needs of Michigan’s stormwater infrastructure amidst the growing frequency of high-intensity precipitation events.
Nearly a dozen communities across Michigan – including a few in the Huron River watershed – have created a stormwater utility, which is an avenue for directly funding local stormwater infrastructure maintenance and improvements. With a dedicated funding stream for stormwater, these communities can invest in local flood mitigation and pollution prevention.
However, some Michigan communities who formed local stormwater utilities have been met with costly lawsuits from residents and businesses. These lawsuits have discouraged others from pursuing a stormwater utility and have left stormwater infrastructure in continued disrepair.
HRWC is advocating for the adoption of Senate Bill 660, which provides a road map for Michigan communities to create a stormwater utility if they choose. Introduced by Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), SB 660 ends the legal limbo municipalities face when implementing stormwater utilities and establishes clear guidance to secure sustainable funding for aging stormwater infrastructure. These utilities could fund significant improvements to our waterways that would otherwise be unaffordable to local communities.
On June 4, on behalf of HRWC, I testified to the Senate Local Government Committee in support of SB 660. Read my testimony here, which outlines how the bill will enable Michigan municipalities to better manage their stormwater systems and improve the quality of Michigan waters. We encourage you to tell your state elected officials that they should support SB 660.
Find your State Representative
If you need assistance contacting your legislator or have questions about SB 660, reach out to our Government Relations Director David Lossing at dlossing@hrwc.org. Sign up for our e-news and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. HRWC will track the action on SB 660 and share developments with you.