Utility Benefits

Infrastructure, Safety, and Security

Athens-Clarke County was proactive in developing its Phase II program, working prior to the state's mandate and going above and beyond minimal regulatory requirements for stormwater management, in order to protect the needs of this diverse community. In 1995, in response to flooding and the county's aging infrastructure, the citizens of Athens-Clarke County voted to include the Stormwater Management Program in its Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding program.

A Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program

Community leaders realized even then that a comprehensive stormwater management program was needed to ensure that adequate infrastructure would be available for the continuing growth and development in Athens-Clarke County, while simultaneously protecting the precious natural resources of this community. Early on, the Athens-Clarke County Government decided that a "minimal" program would not serve the interests of the government or its citizens.

The stormwater utility funds the implementation of the countywide master plan, which will help minimize damage to property from flooding, protect our watershed, manage land development activities, and plan for needed drainage improvements.

ACC a Leader in Stormwater Management

The use of a stormwater user-fee to fund stormwater management pushes Athens-Clarke to the forefront statewide as a leader in stormwater management and federal compliance. Currently more than ten municipalities in Georgia fund their stormwater programs through a utility fee. Future utilities are most certainly on the horizon as other Phase II towns look for ways to fund their stormwater programs

Poor Stormwater Management Will Cost Much More

Poor stormwater management can have severe ramifications for the community. Traffic and safety hazards are created by uncontrolled drainage, like flooded streets and washouts. These problems can hinder the access of fire, police, and other emergency vehicles as they respond to calls from across the county. Stormwater runoff can also increase the cost of treating our drinking water, as it becomes necessary to filter out greater loads of contaminants for public health and safety.