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Stormwater oversight committee details $6 million Rock Creek phase, federal grant leverage and emergency fixes
Summary
R. Scott Smith told the council the stormwater sales-tax program has leveraged federal grants for major repairs, citing Rock Creek Watershed Phase 2 as an $6 million project with 80% federal funding and Independence's share about $1.2 million; Smith also described emergency repairs (45th & Nolan) done for $383,000 and a matrix used to prioritize projects.
R. Scott Smith, chair of the Stormwater Tax Oversight Committee, reported that the committee continues to monitor allocation of the stormwater sales tax and has secured federal grant leverage for major capital work. "This is 80% funded...the total cost is $6,000,000," Smith said of the Rock Creek Watershed Phase 2 project and noted Independence's direct share is approximately $1,200,000.
Smith described an emergency repair at 45th and Nolan completed for $383,000 that prevented a road closure, and summarized other completed and near-complete neighborhood projects (Rockwood improvements at roughly $2,000,000 projected to finish at 95% complete). He emphasized the committee's use of a prioritization matrix that weighs citizen complaints and the number of people benefited when allocating funds and pursuing grant matches.
Smith said the stormwater fund balance and encumbrances are being managed to cover rollovers and right-of-way acquisitions; several projects are continuing into 2026. Council members asked for clarifications about sequencing and grant match responsibilities; staff said available fund balances are being held to pay contracts as bills are presented.
