City of Laramie Introduces Surface Water Management Program and Utility Fee to Support Long-Term Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Improvements

6/17/25 - LARAMIE, WY – In response to increasing infrastructure demands and a growing need for proactive flood control, the City of Laramie is launching its new Surface Water Management Program—a citywide initiative aimed at addressing stormwater runoff, minimizing flood risks, and enhancing the resilience of Laramie’s drainage infrastructure.

The program is supported by the Surface Water Drainage Utility Fund, which was formally approved by the Laramie City Council on December 3, 2024. As part of this effort, a Surface Water Drainage Fee will be applied to properties across the city beginning July 1, 2025.

“Stormwater management is a critical service that protects homes, businesses, streets, and public infrastructure,” said Patrick Corcoran, an Engineer Tech in the City’s Public Works Department. “Until now, Laramie has lacked a dedicated funding source for maintaining and improving our drainage systems. This program gives us the tools we need to prepare for future challenges.”

Why This Program Matters

Surface water—primarily rain and snowmelt that runs off roofs, streets, and parking lots—can lead to localized flooding, street and property damage, erosion, and water quality issues when not properly managed. Laramie’s existing stormwater infrastructure is aging, and portions of the City currently lack formal drainage systems altogether.

The new Surface Water Management Program will allow the City to:

• Construct new stormwater systems in underserved areas
• Rehabilitate and upgrade aging infrastructure
• Conduct routine maintenance to keep systems functioning properly
• Develop flood mitigation strategies and stormwater planning tools

The initiative is modeled after similar programs implemented in other communities across Wyoming and the Mountain West.

About the Surface Water Drainage Fee

The Surface Water Drainage Fee will be assessed to properties based on the amount of impervious surface—such as rooftops, driveways, and paved areas—that contributes to runoff. The fee structure ensures that funding is distributed equitably based on a property’s contribution to stormwater runoff.

The City is also offering fee credits for properties that reduce their impact through on-site stormwater management practices, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, or detention basins.

Full details, including a fee estimator and credit application guidelines, are available on the program’s website: www.cityoflaramie.org/1382.

Community Engagement and Support

Residents and business owners are encouraged to learn more about the program by visiting the website or scanning the QR code included on informational flyers now circulating throughout the City. The City also welcomes public input and is committed to helping property owners understand how the program and fee may apply to them.

For questions, feedback, or assistance, please contact the City of Laramie Surface Water Hotline via phone at (307) 721-5350 or via email at surfacewater@cityoflaramie.org.