On Monday New Hanover County Commissioners will consider establishing a Stormwater Services program for the county’s unincorporated areas. If the measure passes, the county will assume responsibility for clearing storm debris and cleaning drainage ditches and pipes.
New Hanover County Engineer Jim Iannucci says the new program will allow the county to manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding. Residents and businesses would no longer have to do any of the heavy lifting. It’s been in the planning stages since 2017.
“We're really trying to implement this program in July of 2020, that would be the beginning of our fiscal year. Really trying to put this in the budget. And so what we're putting forward to them on Monday is really a resolution to establish this program. There'll be 13 positions that go along with it.”
The positions will be supported through grant funding, and a $5.67 monthly fee per property owner for those in unincorporated areas. The county is slating community meetings for February for those interested in learning more about how stormwater systems work.
Vince Winkel, WHQR News