As an industry of stormwater professionals, we have learned much in recent decades, but have an imperative challenge in front of us. In the face of massive and imminent climate threats to the stability of our communities and our economy, we need to step up and accelerate the stormwater infrastructure industry — before it is too late.
That was the message at this year’s StormCon – the industry's leading conference on advancing the science and practice of stormwater management, owned by Endeavor Business Media and organized by Stormwater magazine.
Adam Ortiz, Regional Administrator for EPA’s Mid-Atlantic region, delivered the keynote address to kick off the event, sharing his expertise as a former mayor of a city devastated by flooding and in his current role working with EPA. After he spoke to conference attendees, I caught up with him to discuss the future of stormwater management.
“We’re in an amazing time,” he said. “There are tremendous environmental challenges, but there’s also tremendous environmental support from President Biden, and [EPA] Administrator Reagan, with historic levels of funding – once-in-a-generation [funding through] three huge, game changing funding bills around environmental and climate.”
In order to ensure that funding — allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and other key legislation makes its way to the states that need it, Ortiz said that collaboration is key.
EPA headquarters is working closely with stakeholders in states across the country, but Ortiz urged stormwater managers to speak up early and often to ensure that they receive their funding allocations. Among other resources, EPA’s website outlines various green infrastructure funding opportunities that are available now. The agency’s social media channels also provide examples of how communities are putting funding to work, making much needed infrastructure upgrades with help from EPA and its partners.
“This is an ‘all hands on deck’ moment; we’re going to work with all the partners we can to get [the funding] to where it really is needed,” he said of EPA’s efforts.
While will continue to report on the historic funding opportunities for the stormwater sector in the coming months, this will be the last issue of Stormwater magazine as you know it. Starting in 2023, the new Stormwater Solutions will be the premier resource for stormwater and erosion control professionals. This new publication will combine the industry-leading content from Stormwater magazine and Storm Water Solutions into one brand, serving our combined audiences of professionals managing runoff, designing and maintaining water quality and erosion control equipment, plus those working toward achieving regulatory compliance.
We will continue to manage the StormCon conference, to be held in Dallas, Texas, August 28-30, 2023. The event’s call for papers will open soon, so keep an eye on your email inbox for more details. If you are not already subscribed to our e-newsletters, now is the time to make sure that you are included in the conversation. Thanks for reading!
Published in Stormwater magazine, November 2022.
