Storm Drains on the Mend

As many residents already understand, Burlingame's 80-year-old storm drain system is rapidly deteriorating and costs $2 million a year to maintain. Much of the system causes storm water to flood public and private properties and sends trash, debris and pollutants into creeks and the Bay.

A total of $39 million, supplied from three municipal bonds, will be spent over 30 years to replace the city's aging levees, pipes and pumps, thereby preventing the future risk of floodwater damage. 

The storm drain bond series and repair plan is targeted to:

• Reduce the flow of trash, debris, and pollutants into the Bay
• Protect the water quality of our creeks and Bay
• Prevent street flooding that impedes 9-1-1 emergency access and response
• Ensure local control over all funds 
• Protect properties from flooding
• Repair and upgrade the storm drain system

"The common neighborhood issues are catch basins, grading and localized flooding," said City of Burlingame Assistant Director of Public Works, Art Morimoto.  "Improvements to the storm drain system will ensure that our key thoroughfares in Burlingame are accessible for the safety and well being of our community."

With the first of several bonds now in place, city officials are completing local flood control improvements through a Capital Improvement Program. The program will save the city from ever-increasing maintenance and capital replacement costs.  

"The Capital Improvement Program goals remain key for us," Morimoto said.

Capital Improvement Projects to be Funded by the Storm Drain Bonds:

• Multiple creek by-pass projects
• Rehabilitation of deteriorated bridge and culvert structures under roadways
• Upgrade storm drainage pump stations

 Morimoto said that the recent city bond sale will not cover the entire cost of the storm drain problem and is just the first of three anticipated bond issuances.

"We're in the beginning of the second year of a 30 year program," he said. "Our goal is to complete repairs to the storm drain system in less than the full 30 years." 

Public Works Web Sources:  Storm Drain Repairs

Capital Improvement Projects

PW  Storm Drain Q+A