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Little Rock, Arkansas is said to receive, annually, more federal funds than are collected in federal taxes from the local people and business enterprises. A philosophy and policy of "no-growth" are sometimes supported, or promoted, by local politicians as solutions to the ever-expanding urban problems in rapid growth areas. Most times, such actions are pursued in desperation and can best be described as temporary "political" solutions. Such means have appeal to some poli- ticians because problem growth can be halted promptly; whereas corrective solutions may require several years for financing, engineering and contruction. Maintenance Very few local governments have a planned, continuous program for maintaining their stormwater systems. Maintenance crews usually have additional responsibili- ties and perform stormwater maintenance only when problems occur. In some areas, the sanitary sewer maintenance crews and equipment are used to maintain stormwater drainage facilities, and efforts are made to record the costs separately so that revenue from sanitary system service charges is not used for stormwater system main- tenance. Maintenance is poor-to-fair in most areas, mostly due to the lack of pro- grammed operating funds. Also, the lack of right-of-way or easements along streams and drainage ditches compound maintenance problems. Usually, municipalities now require easements along the drainageways in new land developments, even in in- stances where there may be no public responsibility for maintenance. The difficult problem is to obtain these easements in previously developed areas because many property owners prefer that the streams remain in their natural states--without disturbing the banks, vegetation, trees, brush, etc.--and they are reluctant to grant easements. Implementation Guidelines The following suggestions are presented to serve as a guide to representatives of local public agencies and engineering firms in planning and implementing storm- water management programs. 1. Adopt a regional approach, where appropriate, for solving and preventing the problems of drainage, flooding, erosion, sedimentation and pollution. 2. Develop masterplans for entire watersheds, when feasible, based upon accurate field data and inputs from local residents and interested organizations representing them. 3. Establish goals and objectives for meeting present and future requirements imposed by federal, state and local authorities. 4. soc ial future Determine and analyze the nature and extent of the local physical, economic, and political problems associated with runoff, and attempt to estimate the extent and consequences of these problems if solutions are not provided. 5. Develop design criteria compatible with the masterplan. 6. Develop detailed plans based on the masterplan and criteria. 7. Develop a strategy for financing and implementation. 8. Enact legislation needed to implement the adopted policies, criteria, administrative directives, and plans. 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I