Critics challenge Narragansett Bay Commission's connection fee structure for residences and businesses

Residents in the Narragansett Bay Commission service area are facing significant financial burdens due to inequitable sewer connection fees, as highlighted in a recent meeting of the House Committee on Finance. Concerns were raised about the commission's rate structure, which disproportionately impacts low to moderate-income families living in multi-family homes.

During the meeting, a speaker criticized the commission for its outdated practices, including the approval of costly underground tunnels for stormwater management that have not yielded the expected environmental benefits. The speaker pointed out that a decade after the construction of a previous tunnel, only 15% of the flow was sewage, raising questions about the effectiveness of such investments.

The current fee structure charges single-family homes a connection fee that exceeds that of the Providence Water Supply Board, while multi-family homes face even steeper fees—double for two-family homes and triple for three-family homes. This approach has been deemed discriminatory, particularly as many low-income residents reside in these types of housing.

The speaker urged the committee to reconsider the connection fees, advocating for a system based solely on consumption rather than fixed connection charges. This change would align the commission's practices with those of the Providence Water Supply Board, which bases its fees more equitably on actual water usage.

In addition to residential concerns, the speaker also addressed the commercial sector, noting that businesses with multiple tenants face similar challenges with connection fees that do not reflect their actual usage. The call for reform in the Narragansett Bay Commission's rate structure is seen as essential for ensuring fair treatment of all residents and businesses within the service area.

As discussions continue, the committee is urged to include these recommendations in the upcoming budget, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and transparent rate structure that better serves the community.