Tega Cay stormwater committee advances planning for 'Adopt a Drain' volunteer program

Tega Cay — The Tega Cay Regular Stormwater and Environmental Committee on Oct. 13 discussed steps to develop an "Adopt a Drain" volunteer program after Chairwoman Heather Jones reported interest from the Young Men’s Junior League.

Vice Chairwoman Maureen Norcutt moved to approve the committee’s Sept. 8 minutes, and Committee member Ben Bartelt seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Committee members then turned to planning for the volunteer program, which members said will focus on identifying drains in highest need and distinguishing drains maintained by residents from those maintained by groups or commercial properties.

Committee member Jerry Church raised the need to select software to manage volunteer rosters and send alerts. Members agreed to divide research tasks: identify potential grant sources, estimate labor and implementation costs, and prepare a budget estimate for council consideration that would include funding for drain markers and program rollout expenses. The group discussed a tentative target of launching the program on or before Earth Day 2026.

The committee also agreed to table further work on an Adopt a Stream program to concentrate staff and volunteer recruitment efforts on the Adopt a Drain project. No public comments were offered at the meeting.

The meeting adjourned following a motion by Committee member Jerry Church, seconded by Ben Bartelt, and approved unanimously. Staff and committee members were directed to return with cost estimates and grant research for presentation to the council.