Why are the new capital improvements required?
The stormwater utility improvements are required for many reasons, including:
  • Dredging is required to improve flow paths in ditches and pond areas.
  • Improvements are required due to deterioration of ravine structures caused by erosion.
  • Repair or replacement of collapsing and/or aging culverts, storm sewers, inlets, detention facilities, check dams, and control structures.
  • The current rating by the Corps of Engineers for the levee system is Minimally Acceptable. If the repairs are not corrected, East Moline risks losing eligibility for federal repair assistance during flood events.

In addition to capital improvement impacts, the city also faces compliance with newly mandated and unfunded federal and state regulations regarding the amount and quality of stormwater. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program requires communities to develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater program.

The intent of the program is to reduce discharge of pollutants from the storm sewer system, protect all tributaries, and improve water quality. Additional personnel will be required to administer and inspect elements relating to reporting and enforcement of a soon-to-be implemented Stormwater and Erosion Control Ordinance to ensure the city's compliance with these regulations.

Total of $14.4 million in projected improvements include $1.8 million for the flood protection levee system improvements and $12.4 million for a multi-year Drainage Capital Improvements Plan to replace storm sewers and repair ravine structure. If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department.

Show All Answers

1. Why does stormwater have to be managed?
2. What is a stormwater utility?
3. Why is the stormwater utility fee needed?
4. Who pays the stormwater utility fee? Why should churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations be charged a stormwater fee?
5. Under the new Stormwater Rate structure, how are properties with multiple renters handled?
6. What are the current stormwater utility rates?
7. How much will my rates increase?
8. Why a rate increase is required?
9. Can we delay the rate increase?
10. Can we implement a smaller rate increase?
11. Why are the new capital improvements required?
12. How do nearby municipalities handle stormwater charges?
13. How does a fee differ from a tax?
14. None of my water goes into the storm drains; why do I have to pay a stormwater utility fee?
15. What can nonresidential customers do if they think their bill may be calculated incorrectly?
16. I live on the edge of the city and water on my property drains away from streets and public drainage structures; why do I have to pay this fee?