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Drainage costs can be extremely important to a land developer in determining his profit. Because drainage facilities are. (mostly) non-visible, prospective purchases of real estate usually do not include the drainage system in their pur- chase evaluations. Accordingly, drainage facilities constitute one item of con- struction that many land developers regard lightly. They often "shop" from one governmental jurisdiction to another to attain the most favorable conditions pos- sible in respect to zoning, land development, and building regulations. The appeal of increased tax revenues often weakens local officials' strict adherence to land use policies and land development codes. The resulting competition between local governments tends to fragmentize and reduce the effectiveness of areawide approaches to stormwater management. "No growth" policies and moratoria on land development are detested by most land developers. Under such conditions, developers find that financial difficulties can produce bankruptcy or force them to move their operations to other areas. This problem developed in the mid-1970's in Fairfax County, Virginia during an 18-month moratorium imposed on new land development throughout the County. Virtually, all new construction stopped. Not only did land developers suffer, but builders and sub-contractors also experienced severe hardships. Thousands of tradesmen were laid off, or sought employment elsewhere. Public Education and Responsibility Perhaps the most neglected phase of solving stormwater problems is the education of the local citizens. The public should be informed of the comparative annual costs of recurring damages versus the annual cost of improvements. They should also be educated about the need for a service charge or a fee so that a stormwater management program can be established to prevent many costly future problems. Ever- expanding urbanization is making it necessary for the citizens to accept stormwater management as a public utility. The public needs to be educated to accept responsi- bility, including "financial" responsibility, for the operation of a stormwater management system. Even though they may not have any direct problems, everyone should understand that stormwater does flow into the drainage system from their yards, roofs, driveways, patios and sidewalks. Further, they should develop an understanding of how each piece of real estate contributes to the problems of flooding, pollution, erosion and siltation. Very few areas have a good public information or community relations program. Those that do have found it helpful in making the public aware of the municipality's needs and in obtaining their support, especially for improvement bond programs. The citizens should be given the facts; then, most of them will support worthy pro- grams. Many public improvement bond programs have failed in the past because of poor public relations. Public officials hesitate to attempt these programs now because of past failures; however, many persons expressed the opinion that needed programs should be proposed again. They should be fully publicized and the public should be informed truthfully of the needs and costs. Too often the officials are afraid of public reaction and do not put forth their fullest, sincere efforts. Several persons interviewed in this study stated that many persons firmly opposed to stormwater projects in the past became strong supporters when they were fully informed and when they were "listened to" as they expressed their ideas and opinions. There is a need to be flexible and realistic, and public officials should be open-minded. In some municipalities, neighborhood organizations have been formed, and regular meetings are held. These meetings provide a forum for the municipal staff to present the needs of the municipality and an opportunity for 16 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I