Question

A river runs through Brad's and several neighbors' property. After conducting a special assessment, the local government is imposing a storm sewer that will cross Brad's and his neighbors' property, draining into the river. The costs will be significant. Which Oregon-specific act could help finance this local improvement?

Answer 1

The Amendment of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1996 can serve as a federal backdrop allowing states to seek money for water system upgrades, while local government programs may provide direct funding or tax incentives for storm sewer improvements like the one affecting Brad and his neighbors.

Step-by-step explanation:

An Oregon-specific act that could help finance the local improvement of a storm sewer draining into a river on Brad's and his neighbors' property is likely to be tied to a combination of local government financing mechanisms and potentially with assistance from state or federal programs.

The Amendment of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1996 is a piece of federal legislation that may not directly finance such local improvements but provides a structure for water quality assessments and could enable states to seek federal money for upgrading water systems.

Furthermore, local governments may offer incentives such as reduced tax payments for property owners who engage in cleanup or improvements or allow businesses to manage and pay for neighborhood cleanup, which can include storm sewer projects.

The example of Albert Hanson Lumber Company v. United States illustrates government action on waterways and the exercise of eminent domain, which highlights that such projects can sometimes involve legal considerations surrounding property rights and compensation.