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i' I , I. ' . I' I " ,I 1'1 , 'I' ,. , I I I I I I , I I I, I I I ~ I runoff rates would otherwise be excessive, or where storage can reduce drainage costs. Where detention facilities are used, careful hydrologic analyses should be made so that local problems are not transferred to downstream communities. Maintenance. Maintenance of surface drainage systems should be performed regularly as part of planned and funded public works programs. It is important that sound financing procedures be adopted to assure the availability of needed funds on an annual basis. Trained maintenance crews and proper equipment are im- portant for obtaining high quality work and job efficiency. Easements or right- of-ways should be acquired in both new and existing developed areas along all drainageways, even if the local government is not responsible for maintenance. This facilitates access by public agency personnel and equipment for maintenance of drainage systems, thereby improving cost-effectiveness and relationships with property owners. Financing. Most people are aware of stormwater flooding problems; however, only those directly affected are fully aware of the seriousness and consequences of these problems. Others usually do not want to assume any financial responsi- bility for providing solutions or funding programs to preclude problems. Realis- tically, those persons who suffer damages and losses cannot finance major under- takings because this group usually does not have the needed financial resources. From an ethical viewpoint, many property owners outside areas impacted by storm- water should participate in financing because they also receive benefits. These are identified under Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations in this chapter, under the section on "Financing". , Because financing is the major impediment in developing a stormwater management program, local agencies should investigate thoroughly all practical financing methods, including needed legislation related thereto. The methods studied should include special assessment districts, service fees or user charges, grants, loans, development fees, general and special tax revenues, and tax-increment financing. Also, consideration should be given to: establishing a public utility to manage stormwaters, or including drainage as a responsibility of the department or dis- trict that manages the sanitary system. This would make stormwater management a revenue-producing activity, thereby making possible the issuance of revenue bonds to finance needed improvements. Costs-sharing between local agencies is also feasible for facilities that provide tangible benefits to people and property in more than one community. Federal and state governments should give solution of stormwater flooding and soil erosion problems a higher priority for available funds. Also, unnecessary paperwork should be reduced as much as possible to avoid delays in implementing a needed stormwater control project. Too often, especially in federal projects, an unreasonable period of time elapses between initial approval of a project and the appropriation of funds, or authorization to proceed with implementation. Both federal and state agencies should develop cost-sharing programs with local agencies for the purchase of floodplain lands. Such land could be used for parks, recrea- tion, open space, etc., as well as for flood control. Funds made available for floodplain purchases would make possible "preventive" approaches, which are always less expensive, and superior from both sociological and environmental standpoints. Obtaining Public Support Unfortunately, most persons are unwilling to accept a realistic financial respon- sibility to help support needed programs and projects. It is essential to inform 23