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Officials say aging storm sewers are failing across town; FEMA aid and fee changes discussed
Summary
Board members reported multiple collapsed storm sewer lines and opened discussion on FEMA aid and possible phased stormwater fee increases to fund larger culvert replacements; staff will analyze options and equipment needs.
Town staff told the Stormwater Management Board on June 1 that multiple aging corrugated metal storm sewer lines have failed in recent weeks and months, prompting repairs and a broader discussion about funding and priorities.
Town engineer Drew Flamen said another collapsed run — about 90 feet long — was found near the Lock and Dam on French Island Trail and that town crews plan to replace it in-house in the coming weeks to reduce external costs. "There's another 1 of those age lines that have just collapsed," Flamen said; staff characterized several similar failures across older parts of town.
Flamen said the town submitted an initial FEMA application for damage to Eller Bush Road; the state advanced the application to the national level and staff indicated a mid-June deadline (noted as June 19) for elements of the application. "We're continually working on that application," Flamen said; he added that the town will compete nationally for funds and outcome is uncertain.
Board members and the town attorney discussed options to raise stormwater fees and to phase any increases to reduce immediate rate impacts on residents. The town attorney noted fee increases can be phased similarly to recent sewer rate changes to preserve bond capacity while spreading impacts over time. Staff also flagged that enhancing in-house maintenance capability — including a jet trailer for line cleaning and a mapping/inventory system — would require upfront spending but could reduce long-term repair costs.
No formal decision was made; board members asked staff to return with fee scenarios, bondability analysis and equipment cost estimates. The board also emphasized improved documentation of past repairs so the town can produce stronger FEMA/grant applications.
