City of Fort Worth, TX

09/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 10:29

Proposed stormwater rate change aims to protect people, property

Proposed stormwater rate change aims to protect people, property

Published on September 08, 2024

Fort Worth residents and businesses could see a slight increase in their stormwater utility fee next year, a crucial step in safeguarding the community from future flood-related risks.

What's the reason? The proposed 5% rate increase aims to accelerate the rehabilitation of high-risk storm drain infrastructure citywide, enhancing public safety and mitigating system failure.

Why it's important: Delayed rehab of storm drain pipes increases the risk of collapse. If drainage pipes collapse, the movement of stormwater can be restricted. This situation increases the risk of flooding and sinkholes and also can have dangerous impacts to people, structures, roads and vehicles.

The bottom line: For example, a single-family homeowner would pay $83.28 annually, an increase of 33 cents per month over current rates. (View a handout that shows other tiers for residential owners.) Commercial, industrial and institutional property owners like gas stations, warehouses and schools would see existing monthly payments increase 5%. For example, a small commercial land use like a gas station that has 1 acre of hard surface such as a building area and parking lot would pay $5.61 more per month, while a medium-sized commercial land use that has 10 acres of hard surface would pay $55.11 more per month.

What are the benefits of proactive rehabbing?

  • Heightens public safety.
  • Reduces emergency response.
  • Enhances quality of life.
  • Provides opportunity to partner to leverage resources and provide more complete projects for the community.

Brief background: Fort Worth's stormwater utility launched in 2006 after five fatalities due to flooded roadways and significant flooding to 300 homes and businesses in 2004. The program's mission: To protect people and property from harmful stormwater runoff.

The stormwater rate has increased six times since the utility's inception. The latest was in 2024, a 15% increase.

Learn more and stay informed:

Photo at top:Routine inlet cleaning ensures the movement of stormwater is not restricted.

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