Designing and Convening a Policy Dialogue on Wastewater in Delaware

CBI helps the state of Delaware organize and convene a policy dialogue on financing wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, incorporating stakeholders from across the state.

BACKGROUND AND CHALLENGES

Facing the need to identify predictable sources of funding for both wastewater and stormwater, Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner asked the Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI) to help convene a policy dialogue on financing wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

She sought to develop policy recommendations to help guide the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and the Wastewater Facilities and Surface Water Management Advisory Council (the Council) in carrying out their responsibilities.

CBI was asked to help organize and convene the dialogue, which was attended by stakeholders from across the state.

THE CBI APPROACH

CBI helps the Delaware Public Policy Institute design and convene an effective dialogue organized around key policy questions.

CBI assisted Lt. Governor John Carney, Chair of the Livable Delaware Advisory Council, the Governor’s Office, DNREC staff, and DPPI to organize and convene the policy dialogue.

The dialogue sought not only to identify predictable sources of funding across Delaware, but to address regional differences in needs and resources within the state. The dialogue was organized around three key questions:

  • What are the current and future statewide challenges facing wastewater and stormwater infrastructure?
  • Is a dedicated, longer-term funding source for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needed?
  • If such a funding source were established, what mechanism(s) might be used to provide those funds?

RESULTS

CBI’s process design expertise leads to a successful dialogue and the production of an important final report on wastewater financing.

With CBI's help, the diverse stakeholder group reached agreement and developed a final report. The report discusses the general background and need for such a study, the funding and future funding needs of Delaware's wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and recommendations to the state of Delaware, the Clean Water Advisory Council, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and to municipalities and utilities.