City Offers Reimbursement for Green Infrastructure on Private Property

This reimbursement program applies to residents included in the pilot project area of the Westmorland neighborhood.

The City of Madison Engineering Division is offering a new reimbursement program for residents involved in the watershed area for its upcoming green infrastructure pilot project in the Westmorland neighborhood. If residents within the pilot area install green infrastructure on their private property within the requirements, the City could pay them 80 percent of expenses up to $1,000.

City Engineering announced the launch of the green infrastructure pilot program last week and plan to discuss it at an upcoming virtual public information meeting on June 10, open to the public. The pilot project focuses more on what residents can do with their terrace within the public right of way adjacent to their property. However, this new program will be another option if residents involved in the pilot project watershed would like reimbursement for installing green infrastructure elements on their private property.

Green Infrastructure can be explained as a number of approaches to managing wet weather impacts in a more resilient approach that manages more rain where it lands. This approach benefits the environment and community, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Options for Pilot Study Residents’ Public Land

The City is working with residents in the Westmoreland neighborhood to include green infrastructure into the public right of way such as: rain gardens, rock cribs, rain barrels, stormwater terraces (bronze, silver or gold options depending on vegetation, infiltration impact), permeable pavement and other property suggestions. Learn more on the study project page.

Options for Pilot Study Residents’ Private Land

For residents to qualify for reimbursement for installation on private property, there are a number of criteria they need to follow. All information is posted on the Green Infrastructure Pilot Study project page. A few criteria include:

• Must select qualifying type of green infrastructure
• Design must be approved by City Engineer
• Signed deed restriction must be approved by City Engineer
• Resident will need to submit before and after photos at the time of reimbursement request
• Provide proof of payment
• If hiring a contractor, documentation must be provided

What won’t be reimbursed
The installation of landscaping including plants, trees, and shrubs outside of the green infrastructure area identified on the approved plan. A three foot wide path from down spout to the garden and a three-foot buffer around the top of the garden is the maximum area allowed for the green infrastructure foot print unless pre-approved.

Resources:
Stormwater Utility Credit Form
Green Infrastructure Project Page
Listen to City of Engineering Podcast on Rain Gardens
Guide: How to build a Rain Garden for $100 or less PDF
Facebook Event: Public Information Meeting: June 10
 

Links

• stormwater_utility_credit_form_2020v2.pdf
• Green Infrastructure Project Page

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