There is no fiscal impact of supporting this legislative effort.

The California State Association of Counties is part of a coalition of statewide organizations in Sacramento working on a legislative effort to give stormwater agencies the same authority as water districts and wastewater districts to fund their services. AB 1362 is a critical first step in this effort by providing a definition of stormwater for a future Constitutional Amendment.   
  
In California, water is divided into 3 separate sectors: drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. Drinking water and wastewater services are provided by utility districts with the resources necessary to provide an efficient and effective service to society. Water districts and sanitary districts have the legal authority to establish a rate structure to pay for the construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of their utility system. The same is not true for stormwater and the revenue sources to fund stormwater services are inadequate to meet expected or required service levels.  
  
The cost for the County to provide stormwater related services has increased dramatically over the last several years with no offsetting revenue source. The County is responsible for improving stormwater quality in our storm drain systems and creeks by removing pollutants such as mercury and trash, and building stormwater treatment facilities like grassy swales and green infrastructure projects along our roads. The County owns and operates miles of drainage pipes and ditches in seventeen unincorporated communities that are inadequate, old, and need replacing. The County Flood Control District is required to maintain flood capacity in its facilities while protecting and enhancing riparian and aquatic habitats.  
  
Stormwater is viewed more and more as an essential resource that can augment our drinking water supplies and is critical in maintaining ecological health. As an essential resource more and more attention is placed on improving its quality and maintaining its infrastructure. Stormwater is becoming a vital service like drinking water and wastewater and should have a funding mechanism similar to the existing funding mechanism utilized by water districts and wastewater districts.  
  
To achieve this parity, the Legislature must pass a Constitutional Amendment that would allow the voters of California to decide if the process to fund stormwater infrastructure and services should be similar to the current process used by water districts and wastewater districts. Assembly Bill 1362 would provide implementation guidance for the Constitutional Amendment.  
  

Assembly Member Gordon and Senator Wolk would not know the County supports passage of AB 1362 and introduction of a Constitutional Amendment.

Not applicable.