New storm water fee for Lafayette?

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette residents may have to pay a new storm water fee.  The Board of Public Works and Safety learned about plans for a storm water program.  DLZ Indiana LLC Project Manager Michael Massonne said the program would allow the city to better handle storm water run-off, and comply with state and federal requirements.

The program includes $15 million of projects, including improving retention ponds and the Elliott Ditch.  Massonne said the program needs a dedicated source of funding. He recommends a monthly user fee for both residential and non-residential Lafayette users.

"Because they have flatline revenue needs to meet regulatory requirements and then to continue operation and maintenance many times in areas where the systems are beginning to fail, they need to go back in, look at funding sources to provide those revenues to build the program," said Massonne.

He said the improvements should ease overflow on Lafayette streets and basements.  The city council will consider creating the storm water program and a monthly user fee at its September meeting.