- bhavya gada
- No Comments
Maryland is tackling its stormwater challenges by partnering with private companies through Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). These collaborations address pollution issues, reduce costs, and accelerate project timelines. A standout example is Prince George’s County’s Clean Water Partnership, which retrofits impervious surfaces to reduce runoff and pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Key benefits include:
- Cost Efficiency: Projects cost up to 50% less compared to traditional methods.
- Private Investment: For every $1 of public funding, up to $10 in private investment is leveraged.
- Job Creation: Thousands of local jobs are generated through these initiatives.
- Green Infrastructure: Solutions like rain gardens and permeable pavements improve water management.
P3s also involve local governments, private firms, and community organizations working together to meet federal water quality standards and long-term maintenance goals. While challenges like oversight and long-term accountability exist, Maryland’s model offers a scalable approach for addressing stormwater issues effectively.
Maximizing Smart Stormwater Infrastructure for Public and Private Benefit
How Public-Private Partnerships Work for Stormwater Management
Maryland’s approach to tackling stormwater challenges emphasizes collaboration. Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in the state bring together government agencies, private companies, and local communities to address water quality issues while streamlining funding and project delivery. This cooperative strategy lays the groundwork for understanding the roles each stakeholder plays.
The CBP3 Model Explained
The Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) model is Maryland’s tailored strategy for stormwater management. Unlike traditional P3s that focus primarily on infrastructure, CBP3s integrate environmental improvements with community development goals [5].
This model uses green stormwater infrastructure to meet water quality standards and comply with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits [6]. A standout example is Prince George’s County‘s Clean Water Partnership, which demonstrates how this approach works in practice.
One of the key strengths of the CBP3 model is its ability to attract significant private investment. For every dollar of public funding, up to $10 in private investment can be leveraged, enabling larger-scale projects than public funding alone could support [5]. This financial multiplier effect has been instrumental in addressing stormwater issues more comprehensively.
However, the CBP3 model isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Its structure varies depending on factors like project complexity, policy goals, private sector interest, and cost considerations [5]. A critical element is balancing risk between public and private partners, fostering shared accountability [5].
Who Participates and What They Do
Stormwater P3s rely on collaboration among multiple stakeholders, each contributing unique expertise and resources.
- Local governments act as the primary public partners, using P3s to meet regulatory requirements and tap into private sector resources [5]. They oversee projects, set performance standards, and ensure alignment with community priorities.
- Private sector partners bring flexibility, advanced technology, and specialized expertise to the table. They handle design, construction, financing, operations, and maintenance of stormwater systems. For instance, Corvias Solutions took charge of implementing and maintaining green infrastructure for the Clean Water Partnership [9]. Beyond technical roles, private companies in these partnerships often commit to supporting local businesses. In Prince George’s County, Corvias ensured that 30-40% of the project scope involved small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, with 79% of funds benefiting these groups [9].
- Community organizations provide critical input during project implementation. They ensure that solutions align with neighborhood needs. The Clean Water Partnership, for example, worked closely with communities to create features like outdoor classrooms and improved green spaces [9].
- Local contractors and service providers play a vital role in executing P3 projects. In Prince George’s County, 54% of total hours worked on the Clean Water Partnership were completed by county residents, amounting to nearly 40,000 hours [9].
This collaborative approach has yielded impressive results. By March 2018, $87 million of the $100 million allocated for Phase 1 contracts went to small, minority-, and women-owned businesses, with 80% of program funds supporting local entities [7][8].
Contracts and Funding Methods
Maryland’s P3 framework is designed to make large-scale stormwater projects financially feasible. The state’s P3 statute allows partnerships for "public infrastructure assets", including stormwater systems and related facilities [10].
Funding for these projects comes from a mix of federal, state, and local funds, as well as grants, loans, and private equity. This diversified funding model reduces the financial strain on individual government entities while enabling larger project scopes [10].
The FDBOM (Finance, Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain) model is a comprehensive contract type used in Maryland. Under this arrangement, private partners manage the entire project lifecycle – from securing initial financing to long-term maintenance. For example, Corvias Solutions oversees all aspects of Prince George’s County’s green infrastructure program under a 33-year agreement [9][11].
Maryland’s P3 contracts are carefully structured to protect public interests while encouraging private sector innovation. Key contract elements include revenue-sharing arrangements, quality standards, operational requirements, state oversight and inspection rights, and performance guarantees [10]. Contracts typically span 20 to 50 years, with a 50-year cap unless approved by the Board of Public Works [10].
Performance-based contracting is a cornerstone of Maryland’s P3s. Private partners are held accountable for achieving specific environmental targets, such as pollutant removal rates and system maintenance standards. The Clean Water Partnership, for instance, has successfully removed tens of thousands of pounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended solids annually, showcasing the effectiveness of performance-driven agreements [9].
The economic impact of Maryland’s P3 model is substantial. Additional P3 projects could contribute 6% to 10% of the state’s $3.1 billion annual capital budget and create 4,000 jobs each year [12]. For landscaping professionals and property owners, these projects offer opportunities to participate in large-scale environmental initiatives while boosting local economic development.
Mentor-protégé programs included in P3 contracts provide valuable support for local businesses. Nikita Floyd, President of Green Forever Landscaping, Inc., highlighted the benefits of participating in such a program:
"The CWP MPP was the perfect program for me because in addition to the education and business growth, I truly feel like I am helping my County address stormwater issues." [7]
The results speak for themselves. The Clean Water Partnership has reduced stormwater retrofit costs in Prince George’s County by over 30% while exceeding socio-economic and local business participation goals [8]. These financial and contractual strategies enable local stakeholders to play a key role in Maryland’s efforts to improve stormwater management.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Stormwater P3s in Maryland
Building stormwater public-private partnerships (P3s) in Maryland involves a structured process that balances regulatory requirements, community priorities, and private sector expertise. Thanks to House Bill 560, Maryland has refined its framework to make it easier to attract private investment for stormwater infrastructure projects [12]. Below is a practical guide to navigating this process.
Finding and Ranking Stormwater Needs
The foundation of any successful stormwater P3 is a thorough assessment of local challenges. Maryland prioritizes a data-driven approach to determine which areas need the most attention.
A key tool in this process is impervious surface mapping. Local governments survey areas like roads, rooftops, and parking lots – surfaces that prevent water from seeping into the ground. This mapping helps pinpoint where stormwater runoff has the greatest environmental impact and where compliance with regulations is most urgent.
For example, a major county initiative used systematic mapping to identify retrofit needs and align with state regulatory goals [13].
But it’s not just about square footage. Project priorities are shaped by factors like proximity to sensitive waterways, existing pollution levels, cost-effectiveness, and the potential impact on local communities. Public input also plays a critical role. Community meetings allow residents to voice concerns about flooding, recreational opportunities, and economic development, ensuring local needs guide project decisions.
Selecting Private Partners
Maryland’s competitive bidding process is designed to select private partners with transparency and accountability. The framework, governed by MDOT‘s COMAR 11.01.17 regulations since October 2013, sets clear guidelines for partner selection [12].
Public entities issue detailed requests for proposals (RFPs), outlining the project’s scope, performance expectations, community goals, and evaluation criteria. This process typically takes several months, giving private companies ample time to submit comprehensive proposals.
Interestingly, Maryland also allows private companies to submit unsolicited proposals for stormwater projects [12]. While these must still undergo competitive evaluation to ensure public value, they encourage creative solutions.
Evaluators assess private companies based on technical expertise, financial stability, and their track record with similar projects. Community engagement is increasingly important, too. For instance, Prince George’s County requires Corvias Solutions to involve small and minority-owned businesses for 30–40% of the total project scope [11].
Financial evaluations focus on funding plans, cost efficiency, and long-term benefits. Local workforce commitments can also set proposals apart, as some P3 agreements include job training and hiring initiatives to boost local employment [11].
Once a qualified partner is chosen, the project moves into the design, construction, and maintenance phases.
Design, Construction, and Maintenance
After selecting a private partner, the next step is integrating design, construction, and long-term maintenance into a unified approach. This streamlines the process and reduces costs by keeping all phases under one management framework [13].
Master Program Agreements outline deliverables, standards, and timelines, while Master Maintenance Agreements establish protocols for inspections and repairs. A good example is Prince George’s County’s partnership with Corvias Solutions, where the private partner handles everything from design and construction to operations and maintenance under a single agreement [13].
During the design phase, private partners perform site assessments, soil testing, and environmental evaluations. These initial studies help refine plans and may reveal more efficient or suitable project locations [4]. Community input is also factored into green infrastructure designs.
Payments to private partners are tied to specific outcomes, such as environmental improvements, maintenance quality, and community benefits [13]. This ensures accountability and alignment with public goals.
Construction management focuses on maintaining high standards while minimizing disruptions to local communities. Clear governance structures help prevent misunderstandings during this phase [13].
One of the standout benefits of the P3 model is its approach to long-term maintenance. By shifting the responsibility for ongoing operations to the private partner, the public sector gains consistent performance over decades without bearing the associated risks and costs [13]. Monitoring systems, regular reporting, and agreed-upon metrics ensure that performance remains on track.
Adam Ortiz, director of the County’s Department of Environment, summed up the value of this approach:
"We determined that it is riskier to continue doing things the same way … versus trying something different." [13]
This integrated model has already shown success in Maryland. Through initiatives like the Clean Water Partnership, the state aims to retrofit up to 4,000 acres of impervious surfaces using green infrastructure. These projects not only improve the environment but also create opportunities for property owners and landscaping professionals to contribute to large-scale improvements while supporting local economic growth [14].
Benefits and Problems of Public-Private Partnerships in Stormwater Management
Maryland’s use of public-private partnerships (P3s) in stormwater management highlights both the opportunities and obstacles that come with this approach. Prince George’s County’s Clean Water Partnership (CWP) serves as a prime example of how P3s can deliver impactful results while also presenting unique challenges.
Benefits of P3s
A major advantage of P3s is their ability to stretch limited public funds by attracting private investment. For instance, the Clean Water Partnership in Prince George’s County has achieved a 10:1 ratio of private to public funding, demonstrating how public dollars can go much further when paired with private equity[5].
Cost savings are another standout benefit. Through its partnership with Corvias Solutions, Prince George’s County projects a 60–80% reduction in administrative and procurement expenses for green infrastructure projects[1]. Additionally, the county estimates that retrofitting 15,000 acres of impervious surfaces will cost $1 billion – about half the cost of pursuing the project independently[2].
The partnership has also delivered projects at an impressive pace. Within just eight months, Corvias had 78 projects in the design phase and 16 under construction. By comparison, the county team managed only 37 design projects and three under construction during the same period[15].
| Key Benefit | Prince George’s County Results |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | 50% lower costs compared to independent efforts |
| Administrative Gains | 60–80% reduction in procurement expenses |
| Faster Delivery | 78 projects in design, compared to 37 by county |
| Leverage Ratio | 10:1 private to public investment |
Risk transfer is another critical advantage. By shifting construction and maintenance risks to the private partner, the county minimizes its exposure to long-term liabilities[1]. Beyond financial benefits, the partnership is expected to create 5,000 jobs across construction and ongoing maintenance[1]. However, these rewards come with their own set of hurdles.
Problems and Lessons Learned
While P3s offer many benefits, they also bring challenges that require careful management. Long-term contracts, such as the 30-year agreement with Corvias Solutions, can create difficulties in balancing financial accountability with performance expectations.
Oversight remains a significant challenge. Although operational risks are transferred to the private partner, public agencies must still establish and maintain robust monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and community objectives. This oversight requires dedicated resources and expertise, which can strain public agencies.
Procurement and regulatory compliance further add to the complexity. Jon Capacasa, Director of the Water Protection Division for EPA Region 3, emphasized the importance of communities maintaining compliance independently:
"The goal is to get communities staying in compliance on their own."[15]
Shifting from focusing on upfront costs to evaluating long-term performance requires public agencies to develop new skills and adopt different procurement strategies. This shift has proven to be a steep learning curve for both public and private partners.
Adam Ortiz, director of Prince George’s County’s Department of Environment, reflected on this growth process:
"We’re in the early stages of a growth industry, and it’s incumbent on people in our position to provide the R&D not just for ourselves, but so that overall the public sector can better provide services. We’re willing to learn and willing to share what we learn."[3]
Additionally, Maryland’s experience highlights the need for government agencies to adapt their internal processes. James Foster, president of the Anacostia Watershed Society, noted:
"It frees up the effort from the traditional bureaucracy in Prince George’s County."[2]
The partnership between Prince George’s County and Corvias Solutions shows how collaboration can address these challenges. Their experience offers valuable insights for improving future P3s, demonstrating how these partnerships can effectively manage stormwater while advancing green infrastructure initiatives.
sbb-itb-843f8be
How Local Service Providers Support Stormwater P3s
Big P3 projects often grab the spotlight, but their success relies heavily on local service providers who handle the nitty-gritty of green infrastructure. These local experts connect the dots between ambitious P3 goals and the practical work needed to make them happen. They’re the ones turning plans into reality, offering the expertise and hands-on services that keep these projects on track.
Services Provided by Local Partners
Local companies like MES bring essential services to the table, such as engineering, compliance certification, and inspection. Meanwhile, businesses like Pro Landscapes MD provide integrated drainage solutions and ongoing maintenance to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements[17]. Maryland’s local market is rich with experienced stormwater management professionals. For instance, Stormwater Facilities has over 25 years of experience in the field[16][18]. Even newer players like iSTORMWATER, founded in 2017, draw on decades of expertise to bring fresh ideas to the table[19].
From design to long-term maintenance, local providers cover every aspect of stormwater infrastructure. Pro Landscapes MD, for example, handles drainage installation, pipe repairs, French drains, and dry riverbed solutions across central Maryland counties like Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Howard. They also tackle grading and yard restoration, addressing the full range of water-related challenges that P3 projects often face.
Another area where local providers shine is the installation of environmental pavers. These permeable surfaces help reduce stormwater runoff while still serving as functional hardscaping. This makes them a great choice for retrofitting projects that need to balance environmental goals with practical land use.
As one industry leader from Stormwater Facilities puts it:
"Each customer is a valued partner at Stormwater Facilities. A strong work ethic, one-on-one client service and budget management are the basis of every project, from start to completion."[18]
This customer-first mindset is especially important in P3 projects, where private stormwater facility owners need to stay on top of maintenance schedules and inspection requirements[20]. Local providers step in to guide property owners through these processes, offering ongoing support and expertise.
Supporting Eco-Friendly Practices
Beyond installation and maintenance, local service providers are also champions of sustainable practices. They implement green stormwater solutions like rain gardens, bioretention systems, and permeable surfaces that help reduce runoff and meet compliance standards[21].
Here’s a quick look at some Best Management Practices (BMPs) they bring to life:
| BMP Category | Examples | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Scale BMPs | Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, Permeable Pavers | Ideal for homeowners |
| Large-Scale BMPs | Bioretention, Bioswales, Green Roofs | Requires professional planning and installation |
| Green Street Practices | Rain Gardens, Bioretention Areas, Pervious Surfaces | Designed to filter and reduce stormwater runoff |
Local providers also work with property owners – both residential and commercial – to implement smaller-scale green infrastructure projects. These include disconnecting downspouts, installing rain barrels, planting native trees, and creating rain gardens or permeable paver systems[21]. While these efforts may seem small, they play a big role in complementing larger P3 initiatives by spreading stormwater management across entire watersheds.
Horticultural expertise is another critical piece of the puzzle. Local companies employ professional horticulturists to ensure that vegetation in green infrastructure systems thrives over the long term. For example, Pro Landscapes MD offers services like landscape design, planting, and lawn care that keep these systems functioning as intended.
Finally, the strong relationships local providers have built with inspectors and county governments help streamline project approvals. By ensuring installations meet all required standards from the start, they make the process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.
Maryland’s Model for Public-Private Stormwater Partnerships
Maryland has crafted a standout approach to managing stormwater through public-private partnerships, showing how collaboration and local know-how can tackle environmental challenges while also benefiting communities.
Prince George’s County led the way with the Clean Water Partnership, launched in March 2015. This ambitious 30-year, $100 million initiative aimed to retrofit 2,000 acres and capture the first inch of runoff [1]. Adam Ortiz, the director of the county’s Department of Environment, highlighted the program’s influence:
"All jurisdictions are struggling with the same challenge, many of them are watching very closely how successful we are" [3].
This initiative has laid the groundwork for broader efforts across Maryland. One standout example is the smart ponds project, which ran from July 2020 to March 2021. By leveraging technology, this project delivered Chesapeake Bay treatment credits at just $37,500 per acre – far below typical costs [22].
Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles underscored the project’s significance:
"We’re setting an example for the nation on how to combine creative forces for cleaner water and safer communities in the face of climate change and local flooding" [22].
A key to Maryland’s success lies in local expertise. Companies like Pro Landscapes MD bring practical solutions to the table by providing drainage systems, environmental paver installations, and ongoing maintenance. Their contributions ensure these projects remain effective over the long term.
Prince George’s County’s efforts also demonstrate the cost-saving potential of this model. The county plans to retrofit 15,000 acres of impervious surfaces for roughly $1 billion – about half the cost of tackling these projects independently [2].
Recognizing the success of this approach, Maryland has focused on scaling and sharing its model. The EPA has created guides based on Maryland’s experience to help other communities establish similar Community-Based Public-Private Partnerships [3]. With 65,000 privately owned stormwater management ponds in the Chesapeake Bay watershed – 18,500 of them in Maryland – the opportunities for expansion are immense [22].
Maryland’s approach to stormwater management goes beyond securing funding. It’s about building the right partnerships, relying on local expertise, and staying committed to long-term solutions. This model not only addresses today’s environmental challenges but also serves as a replicable framework for future public-private initiatives across the state.
FAQs
What makes Maryland’s Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) model unique in managing stormwater?
Maryland’s Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) Model
Maryland’s Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) model takes a unique approach by prioritizing local, community-focused solutions for managing stormwater. Unlike traditional public-private partnerships (P3s) that often concentrate on large-scale infrastructure projects, CBP3s place an emphasis on green infrastructure retrofits and practices designed to meet the specific needs of individual communities.
This approach brings together local governments, private organizations, and residents to develop cost-efficient, tailored strategies. By addressing challenges that conventional P3 models might miss, CBP3s encourage deeper community involvement and deliver more affordable, customized ways to tackle stormwater issues.
What challenges does Maryland face in ensuring oversight and accountability in stormwater public-private partnerships?
Maryland faces hurdles in ensuring proper oversight and accountability in its stormwater public-private partnership (P3) projects. A key challenge is the lack of sufficient monitoring and transparency, which can result in inefficiencies during project execution and management. When regulatory oversight is weak, it becomes difficult to confirm that these projects are achieving their intended environmental and operational objectives.
Another issue lies in the centralization of decision-making power within state-level bodies like the Governor’s Office and the Board of Public Works. This setup often sidelines local stakeholders, potentially leading to decisions that fail to address the unique needs of individual communities. Tackling these obstacles is critical to keeping stormwater P3 projects effective, transparent, and aligned with the interests of Maryland’s residents and its environment.
What role do local service providers play in Maryland’s stormwater public-private partnerships (P3s)?
Local service providers are an essential part of Maryland’s stormwater public-private partnerships (P3s). They take charge of implementing green infrastructure projects designed to tackle stormwater issues efficiently. By doing so, they help the state comply with environmental regulations while encouraging eco-friendly practices and improving water quality.
Beyond environmental benefits, these providers also contribute to the local economy. They create opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses and encourage community involvement and teamwork. With their specialized knowledge and hands-on efforts, they deliver cost-efficient solutions that improve stormwater management and help build greener, stronger communities.
Chat with Us