After months of debate, the Montgomery County Council and County Executive Ike Leggett appear ready to compromise on how to handle the awarding of contracts for stormwater management projects in the future.
On Tuesday, council President Hans Riemer unveiled a new proposal that would implement Leggett’s plan to hire one contractor to design, build and maintain several stormwater projects. The proposal would also enable the council to appropriate additional money to the contractor if needed, create an environmental advisory group to provide input on those projects chosen for construction and require contractors to build projects seen as most beneficial to the environment.
The compromise, which will be formally voted on at a later date, is supported by both the council and Leggett and is expected to end a standoff between the legislative body and administration over about $43.2 million in funding for projects over the next six years. A public hearing on the compromise is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. July 10.
The county is required by the state to treat water runoff from a certain amount of acres of impervious surface under what’s known as a MS4 permit. Leggett issued a statement Tuesday saying he was pleased with the compromise. He said the council “signaled its intent to approve the reform of our stormwater construction program, which will enhance our ability to meet important environmental goals… .”
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Andrew Metcalf over at Bethesda Magazine