Funding Strategies for Non-Traditional University MS4 Stormwater Programs

Stormwater programs have historically been stymied by lack of proper funding resources. Unlike drinking water and sanitary sewer utility services that long ago transitioned to enterprise funds, a stormwater utility continues to evade stable and direct revenue sources throughout much of the United States. Inefficiently funded stormwater programs utilizing general funding practices leaves stormwater management programs unable to properly plan for long-term improvement, management, regulatory compliance, and maintenance. Funding research has established that forms of direct funding sources are crucial for successful stormwater programs, however, focus has been directed to strategies for municipalities. This paper will attempt to analyze, through primary case study research obtained from personal interviews, how several universities have successfully taken direct funding strategies and implemented them at the university level. From this case study research, a broad funding strategy that requires stakeholder planning and development, has been recommended for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Advisor: Zhenghong Tan