In a recent government meeting, the Lambertville City Council received a comprehensive presentation on the feasibility of establishing a stormwater utility, a topic that has been on the agenda for several months. Dr. Clay Emerson, representing the consulting team from Princeton Hacker and WSP, outlined the findings of a detailed 200-page report, which will be made available on the city’s website.

The proposed stormwater utility aims to create a dedicated funding mechanism for the city's drainage infrastructure, which includes pipes and culverts essential for managing stormwater runoff. Emerson emphasized that this utility would operate similarly to other municipal utilities, where fees are based on the amount of impervious surface area on properties, rather than property value. This shift could significantly alter the financial burden of stormwater management, reducing the percentage of costs borne by residential properties from 80% to approximately 54%.

The presentation highlighted the current challenges faced by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which is primarily reactive in its approach to stormwater management due to insufficient staffing and resources. Emerson noted that new state requirements necessitate a more proactive strategy, including regular inspections and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. The report suggests that the city needs to invest in additional personnel and resources to meet these demands effectively.

Community engagement was a focal point of the study, with Emerson praising the active participation of residents in discussions about flooding and infrastructure concerns. Feedback from these meetings indicated a strong desire for a more resilient and equitable stormwater management system, with many residents advocating for a regional approach to address drainage issues that extend beyond city limits.

The council is now faced with the critical decision of how to finance the necessary improvements to the stormwater system. Emerson concluded that establishing a stormwater utility could not only provide a stable revenue source but also enhance the city’s ability to secure state and federal grants for infrastructure improvements. The report's findings and recommendations will be pivotal as Lambertville navigates its stormwater management challenges in the coming years.