Addressing Wet Weather Infrastructure Funding

The need to address wet-weather infrastructure in Peoria has been an ongoing initiative in recent years to address combined sewer overflows, stormwater systems and aging infrastructure Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) was selected to lead the community through the development of a Stormwater Utility initiative to address the growing capital needs.

The initiative included evaluating the facility, maintenance, and operational needs, along with program funding options for the city’s storm drainage system. A stormwater program was then developed within the context of a comprehensive wet-weather management plan. The project involved an extensive outreach program in support of a new stormwater utility fee. Public outreach efforts targeted all sectors of the community through small group meetings. Public advisory committee recommendations were provided to city staff and elected officials as part of a comprehensive approach to funding sanitary, combined, and storm sewer systems.

CMT’s team worked closely with city public works staff and CSO consultant to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the wet weather infrastructure needs of the entire community. We were the principal author of a proposed stormwater program that addresses activities and revenue needs over a five-year period for maintenance, inspections, cleanings, repairs and replacements, planning and design, equipment needs, MS4 regulatory compliance, and utility administration. The program included a financial analysis of rate models for alternate methods to generate revenues to fund the stormwater program.