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Today the House of Representatives approved legislation requiring Federal payment of local stormwater management fees (S. 3481 ).  This follows Senate passage of the legislation by unanimous consent on December 21, 2010 which NACWA worked hard to secure.  Upon signature by the President this legislation will be enacted into law.  The legislation will benefit communities in over 15 states and the District of Columbia that are currently experiencing issues with federal payment of these fees.  In addition, the legislation will provide certainty to communities that may enact stormwater fees in the future to meet growing stormwater management responsibilities.

As you likely recall, NACWA has been a leader in moving this issue forward. Our efforts began in April when the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a preliminary decision that federal agencies in the District of Columbia would not be required to pay a recently enacted stormwater fee.   Following this decision, NACWA took a leadership role and immediately  worked with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) to have legislation introduced in both Houses of Congress.  NACWA also organized a coalition of over 15 key municipal organizations in Washington, D.C. and throughout the nation, that helped press for passage of this critical legislation.  In the final days of consideration, NACWA staff was busy building support to ensure passage during the very hectic and busy remaining days of the lame duck session.  NACWA will continue to review the final language in this bill, including any effects that occur in the appropriations process as a result of its passage, and will be in touch with any additional information in the near future.

NACWA is pleased to report this success to our members just before the holiday season.  We look forward to additional successes in 2011 and continuing to advocate for our members before Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the courts on the range of challenges facing our community and your utility.