Santa Fe gets federal help wth stormwater problem

Santa Fe’s stormwater pollution has drawn the assistance of the US government, which has stepped in with a $150,000 toolkit to help manage the problem.

The toolkit includes a handbook to guide the city in drawing up long-term stormwater plans, a web-based planning guide and technical assistance that will help create a model for nearby communities.
“We are taking an approach that was built on input from states, communities, industry, academia and nonprofits,” EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry said. “These tools will promote the use of flexible solutions that spur economic growth, stimulate infrastructure investments and help compliance with environmental requirements.”

Santa Fe is one of five pilot communities that will beta test the web-based toolkit, which will be updated and offered more widely later this year.

"This community owes so much of our history and culture to our river, and as mayor I am always looking for ways to work together with those who would restore the river's physical beauty and biodiversity as it creates jobs and honors our heritage,” Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales said.

Santa Fe is developing an integrated plan that will address many of its environmental responsibilities, including stormwater management, as required by the Clean Water Act.