Stormwater Tax Sought in Virginia

Richmond, VA Mayor L. Douglas Wilder is proposing a new tax on every Richmond property owner to solve the city's stormwater drainage and water quality problems.

The mayor's proposal includes a flat $89 annual fee for every homeowner, with higher rates for businesses and nonprofit organizations depending on the expected stormwater runoff from roofs and pavement on their properties. The fees would generate about $15 million in net revenue each year to pay for drainage improvements, maintenance of ditches and catch basins, and enforcement of water-quality regulations. Almost three-fourths of the money would come from businesses and nonprofit groups, although they would be able to cut their annual fees by up to 50 percent if they can reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff from their properties. 

Richmond Times Dispatch – May 4, 2007