Savannah leaders are considering stormwater utility reimbursement for drainage upgrades

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A possible solution to ongoing concerns about Savannah’s aging drainage system.

City residents could soon be able to pay a monthly fee to finance infrastructure upgrades.

The discussion arose when many streets in the city were flooded due to heavy rainfall on Thursday.

City officials say the reimbursement is a priority as recent flooding leads to increased maintenance needs for Savannah’s drainage system.

The reimbursement would be comparable to the water and sewer bills city residents receive each month.

The costs to property owners would be based on the amount of area where water cannot seep into the ground on each property.

Currently, the city pays taxes and subsidies for drainage projects.

On Thursday, stormwater officials told council members the method doesn’t go far enough … with a funding gap of more than $245 million for the necessary improvements.

The idea of a user fee for the rainwater company seemed to have broad support among council members.

Mayor Van Johnson says that in the wake of severe flooding this summer, there must be a dedicated funding source to improve Savannah’s drainage system before it’s too late.

“We’re always playing catch-up. We never really invest in any way,” said Mayor Johnson. “Right now, we’ve seen this summer how real it can become.”

Other areas such as Garden City and Richmond Hill already have stormwater facilities.

City staff say an investigation into this potential new fee is underway.

Mayor Johnson asked during Thursday’s council workshop to add the utility to next year’s budget, with the exact cost to property owners not yet finalized.