Policy board endorses feasibility study finding a regional stormwater utility feasible with local political champions

The policy board endorsed a consultant-led feasibility study that concluded a regional or multi‑jurisdictional stormwater utility is feasible but would require sustained local political support and local champions to advance implementation.

Heidi, who presented the study, told the board the analysis included stormwater program reviews in five communities, rate modeling for four communities and educational material because the stormwater utility concept remains relatively new in Connecticut. "The study did conclude that a regional or multi‑jurisdictional utility is feasible, but it does require local champions in political support," Heidi said. The consultant recommended forming a regional stormwater committee to continue evaluating potential collaboration and next steps.

Board members asked questions; no substantive opposition was recorded and the board moved to endorse the study. Staff said they view endorsement as the start of broader stormwater work with outreach to member communities to discuss study findings and potential collaboration.

Next steps: staff will coordinate outreach to interested municipalities and convene a recommended stormwater committee to examine funding, governance and implementation options before any formal utility or rate proposal is advanced.