Author

Carl Niizawa

Date of Award

9-2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

At a time when local governments in California are struggling with shrinking revenues, financing of a new federal mandates by these jurisdictions are problematic. This study provides a review of the funding alternatives available to local governments and for compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), an unfunded Federal mandate. NPDES funding alternatives available to the City of Salinas are analyzed for feasibility, effectiveness, and reliability. The hypothesis of this investigation is that the creation of a user fee funded municipal stormwater utility is the best means for the City of Salinas to fund the NPDES program. It is further postulated that, given the similarity of the general fiscal environment with other municipalities in California, the analysis, findings and recommendation provided in this case study are applicable to other cities throughout the state.

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