Creating local funding for mitigation

The problem: Manhattan (pop. 55,000) frequently floods and needs a comprehensive mitigation plan.

How we helped: We researched a range of options for funding mitigation projects. We presented to the city commission the benefits of increasing the city’s stormwater utility fee to create a mitigation reserve fund. The funding would be used as a match for federal and state grants and to develop a long-term strategy for mitigation projects. We also researched the long-term costs of green infrastructure to ensure that Manhattan’s budget planning accounts for both implementation and ongoing costs of critical mitigation projects.