Editor:

There has been a lot of discussion over the past few weeks regarding Baldwin County Local Amendment 1. I care about the legacy of my community and Baldwin County and want my child to understand its ecological beauty and enjoy its recreational opportunities. I want to share with you why I strongly support this initiative.  

Over the past six years, I have witnessed firsthand beach closures after heavy rains, flooding in areas historically dry and fishing holes and navigable channels filled with silt — all impacts of stormwater. Stormwater runoff severely hinders our ability to enjoy local bays, beaches and bayous. 

What began as a reaction to flooding after Hurricane Ivan became a study of stormwater and its impacts. Since 2004, our local legislative delegation, municipalities, business interests and environmental organizations have been researching options for dealing with the damaging effects of stormwater runoff in Baldwin County.  Being involved since the beginning, our goal has been to find a cost-effective solution to promote the economic growth of our area without sacrificing the streams, creeks, bays and other waters that define our unique way of life in Baldwin County. This Election Day, that solution will be on the ballot: Baldwin County Local Amendment 1.

There has been quite a bit of misinformation about what Local Amendment 1 does and does not propose. Before you vote, please consider the following facts about this legislation:

*The people are in control. The wave of public distrust for state and federal government policy and elected officials cannot dictate our need to take action locally. We have the power to control where this legislation goes by demanding that our local elected officials are held accountable. The legislative delegation has committed to ensuring that the public has the ability to weigh in on these important decisions. 

*This is not a “Rain Tax.” This is not a tax on rain — it has nothing to do with amount of rainfall on your property. The proposed fee is based on impervious (hardened) surfaces on your property that prevent water from naturally soaking through, which creates stormwater runoff. Why is it called a fee instead of a tax?  Because just like water, sewer and garbage, it is based on how much of a service you use. 

*Cities and the county must work together! We have demonstrated through the work over the past six years that we can visualize needs on a watershed level. Our ability to address our problems locally is much more effective and powerful than hoping others will come in to solve the problem.

*The proposed fees go to solutions! Stormwater does not follow property lines or municipal boundaries. Currently, the majority of stormwater funds go to solve problems retroactively. We wait for funding sources to solve flooding or drainage problems. That costs you more money and robs budgets of money that was previously earmarked for other community services: police, fire, recreation, beautification, etc. ALL Baldwin County municipalities and the county worked together to create a five-year work plan for capital improvement projects. The proposed legislation requires at least 80 percent of those funds go to capital projects. That means this corporation cannot sit on its laurels and become a bureaucratic waste. There are strong deliverables to which accountability plays a major role. 

*You decide the fee. The proposed fee is based on impervious surfaces that contribute to stormwater run-off because we can quantify the impacts to the watershed based on impervious cover. Agricultural, forested and undeveloped land are exempt. The amount of impervious cover can be minimized at a site plan design to minimize the cost of the proposed fee. There are over 700 stormwater authorities throughout the country. The rate structure is only proposed because we wanted to ensure continued dialogue. The proposal had to be fair, equitable and affordable. We have done a good job making sure we would be able to start small, show success and then communicate those accomplishments to the community. We have set measurable goals and targets to build in accountability — if the program does not accomplish what is set out to do — then it will cease.

*This program does not duplicate existing efforts. This is a solution-based program. It is non-regulatory and has no jurisdictional powers.  

*Clean water is in our hands. Nov. 2 is just the starting point. Yes, there are areas that can better be defined but without a “yes” vote, the dialogue ceases. We cannot afford to do nothing — and we cannot afford to wait.

Baldwin County is a great place to live, work and raise a family, but I believe that passing Local Amendment 1 is a chance to make our community even safer, healthier and more prosperous.