SB 11 was widely embraced by the New Hampshire House, which means there will be plenty of blame to go around. While we wait, let us reminisce about an effort back in 2010 to do one of the things we suggested that SB11’s broad language might empowers new intermunicipal water districts to do.
From CNHT.org
By GARRY RAYNO
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff
Monday, Apr. 26, 2010MANCHESTER – What one New Hampshire official calls “a rain tax” could soon fall on Granite State taxpayers.
New federal storm water runoff permits and what they require have some communities around the country instituting new fees and property tax surcharges. New Hampshire could be next.
Compliance costs to nearly 40 southern New Hampshire municipalities would be steep — estimates are more than $4 million in Manchester and $2 million in Portsmouth in the first five years.
In a letter to the EPA, Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau writes the city is in a preliminary stages of determining if a storm water utility is viable to pay for the operation, maintenance and improvements to its drainage collection system, but any decision is at least five years away.
Right now, she notes, the city does not have the money to meet the new permit requirements.
How long will it take for a new intermunicipal water board to determine the need to comply with these and other Federal regulations as it pursues funding mechanisms for its projects? Assuming governor Hassan does not veto this progressive wonderland of revenue opportunity, not long enough.
