Howard County Council approves stormwater management financial assurance plan

Howard County has taken a significant step towards improving its stormwater management by approving a financial assurance plan for its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. This decision, made during a legislative public hearing on March 17, 2025, is crucial for the county's compliance with state environmental regulations.

Mark Richmond, Chief of the Stormwater Management Division, outlined the requirements of the NPDES permit, which mandates the restoration of 1,345 impervious acres by December 29, 2027. This restoration is essential for enhancing water quality and involves implementing best management practices (BMPs) such as stream stabilization, tree planting, and the construction of new stormwater management facilities.

To fund these initiatives, Howard County has established a Watershed Protection and Restoration fee, which has been in effect since July 1, 2013. For fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the county plans to allocate approximately $6.9 million and $8.2 million, respectively, from this fund to support stormwater restoration projects. Additionally, the county will seek state and federal grants and may collaborate with private entities to further bolster funding.

Richmond emphasized the importance of maintaining sufficient funding in the county's budget to meet the restoration requirements. While the county has utilized its general fund for stormwater projects in the past, no general funds are projected for the upcoming fiscal years. Instead, the focus will be on utilizing the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund and issuing stormwater bonds as necessary.

The approval of this financial assurance plan marks a proactive approach by Howard County to address stormwater management challenges and fulfill its environmental obligations. As the county moves forward, the implementation of these restoration projects will play a vital role in safeguarding local waterways and enhancing community resilience against flooding and pollution.