Developing Administrative Tools and Authority for
Stormwater Management in the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area

Why Kent County? Why is stormwater a concern? Who is addressing this concern? What tools are available for stormwater management?

As development increases, impervious surface area is created and the volume of stormwater runoff and the amount of pollutants conveyed to nearby water bodies increases. Kent County has recognized the need to develop a coordinated, comprehensive program to address stormwater runoff and is in the process of establishing a stormwater program. The Annis Water Resources Institute received Environmental Protection Agency Nonpoint Source funding from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in April 2000 for this stormwater program called "Developing Administrative Tools and Authority for Stormwater Management in the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area" (Stormwater Tools project).

The Kent County storm water program's goal is "to improve and protect the region's quality of life by preventing and minimizing any impacts of stormwater runoff and transforming runoff into a valuable resource."