With its city affected by chronic flooding, property owners in San Mateo have voted in favor of a stormwater fee to improve the city’s drainage system.
About 51.87%, or 5,195 voted in favor of the fee, while 48.22%, or 4,837 voters, thumbed down the measure.
The San Mateo City Council will decide whether to adopt the measure in its Jan. 16 meeting.
This measure would implement a fee that would enhance storm drain systems within the city in order to combat flooding.
The proposed “community flood and storm protection fee,” set at $8 per month or $96 annually for property owners, is anticipated to generate $4 million in its first year.
How will the funds be allocated?
The money would be directed towards upgrading storm pipelines, pump stations, assessing and restoring aging infrastructure, improving water quality in waterways, and implementing maintenance and reliability measures, according to the city.
San Mateo Mayor Liza Diaz Nash stated, “We will utilize this investment efficiently and transparently, and enhance its impact by seeking matching funds from our State and Federal partners.”
The city highlighted the necessity of this fee, emphasizing that San Mateo has never had a dedicated revenue source for its stormwater system, which comprises 130 miles of storm pipelines and 20 miles of open creek, among others. This infrastructure is over 50 years old and has rarely undergone improvements over the years.
“By endorsing this measure, San Mateo property owners have demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding the community against the increasing threat of severe weather and flooding,” the city stated in its announcement. “Reflecting on the challenges posed by last year’s events, this initiative positions San Mateo to be better prepared and more resilient in the face of future weather uncertainties,” it added.
Recently, San Mateo County also committed $15 million to combat floods in the Daly City area and in parts of San Francisco.