Planning commission recommends Lacey 2026——stormwater strategic plan to city council

The Lacey Planning Commission voted to recommend the city's 2026''''''''''''''''''''''' 2035 stormwater strategic plan to the City Council following a presentation by Ray Chung, the stormwater permit planner. Chung said the plan updates the 2020 comprehensive plan to reflect new Department of Ecology permit requirements and to guide the utility's programs, projects and staffing for the next decade. "This plan guides our stormwater utilities, programs, projects, and activities," Chung said, and he described asset totals the city manages, including about 7,000 storm drains and roughly 150 miles of storm pipe.

Chung told commissioners the draft plan responds to the Western Washington Phase II permit (2024'''''''''''''''''''' 2029 cycle) and adds new obligations on water-quality retrofits, PFAS/6PPD, PCB issues, environmental-justice outreach and tree-canopy goals. He said staff identified a capital program for 2026'''''''''''' 2035 of about $36,000,000 and presented two rate scenarios: the current stormwater fee shown on utility bills is $15.46; proposed scenarios would raise it to $16.92 or $17.16 if council approves the change.

City staff recommended the commission forward the plan. As one staff member said, "Our recommendation is to make a recommendation of approval to the city council on this plan tonight." Commissioner Robert moved to recommend the plan as written and a second was recorded; the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. The plan will proceed to a Council work session scheduled July 28, with a more detailed rate discussion expected in August and potential council adoption afterward.