Mid City Times

Starting from January 1, 2024, residents of Fort Worth will experience a 15% increase in their stormwater fee. This fee hike is aimed at funding programs that will help mitigate flooding in the city. The need for improved flood risk reduction and drainage system maintenance has been emphasized due to previous instances of heavy and repetitive flooding.

During a flooding event in August 2022, Fort Worth witnessed significant damage, including 52 flooded structures, 22 high-water rescues, 237 flooded vehicles, and 58 overtopped road locations. To address these concerns, the increased stormwater fee is expected to generate approximately $7.7 million in additional revenue for the stormwater program within the year. This revenue will be utilized for planned projects that aim to further reduce flood risks.

The impact of the fee increase will vary depending on the property type. The average single-family homeowner can expect to pay $79.35 annually, while small businesses such as gas stations or retail stores will pay $1,329.40 annually. Medium-sized businesses will face an annual fee of $13,294. These rates will provide the necessary funding to support the stormwater program.

With the additional funds, the City's Stormwater Management Division will be able to undertake various initiatives. These include general maintenance activities to ensure the efficient functioning of the drainage system. Furthermore, the rate increase will enable the division to tackle large-scale flood risk reduction in known problem areas. This will be achieved through the construction of phased improvements over time.

It is important to note that the stormwater fee has been increased five times since its inception in 2006. The most recent increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 6.5%. With the new increase, Fort Worth's stormwater fee now places the city just below Dallas, Arlington, and Austin, bringing it in line with the Texas average.

The implementation of the increased stormwater fee demonstrates Fort Worth's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by flooding. By investing in flood risk reduction efforts and drainage system maintenance, the city aims to protect its residents and minimize the damage caused by future flooding events.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2023/12/stormwater-fee-increase