Friday, September 11, 2026
Newport to Host Public Information Session on Stormwater Management
NEWPORT, R.I.(FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026) — The City of Newport’s Department of Utilities will host a public information session on Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall to discuss the City’s stormwater management system, proposed changes to how stormwater services are funded, and an ongoing public rate study.
The session, titled “Rate Structure and Fairness,” is the third public workshop held as part of the City’s ongoing stormwater utility exploration and will provide residents and property owners with an opportunity to learn more about how Newport manages stormwater and to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed plan.
Topics will include the proposed Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) methodology, which would measure stormwater charges based on the amount of impervious area on a property; examples of how the proposed structure could affect different types of properties; and questions and comments raised by the community since the Department’s April workshop.
Newport currently funds stormwater services through the City’s sewer rate. The proposed rate structure would establish a dedicated stormwater fee based on impervious area, such as rooftops, driveways and parking areas. According to the Department of Utilities, the proposal is intended to better align the cost of stormwater services with the factors that generate runoff while providing a more transparent and predictable funding structure.
Stormwater management is an ongoing City responsibility that includes maintaining thousands of catch basins, inspecting and repairing approximately 55 miles of storm drainage infrastructure, maintaining and monitoring stormwater outfalls, responding to flooding and drainage concerns, meeting state and federal regulatory requirements, and investing in flood mitigation and water-quality improvements. Recognizing that changes to how stormwater services are funded may affect properties differently, Thursday’s information session hopes to address the questions and concerns from residents and property owners regarding fairness, affordability, and the methodology used to calculate charges.
No changes to utility rates or fees have been adopted. Any proposed changes would require two public hearings before the Newport City Council. The Sept. 17 workshop is part of the public engagement and review process and is intended to provide residents with additional information before any future Council consideration.
As always, the meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
For additional information about the stormwater rate study, proposed changes, previous workshop materials and opportunities to provide feedback, visit Utilities.NewportRI.gov.