Mayor Bowser Launches $7 Million Relief Program to Assist Residents and Nonprofits with Clean River Fees

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the launch of two new relief programs to assist eligible residents and nonprofit organizations with paying their DC Water Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC). With $7 million set aside in the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Support Act, the Mayor prioritized the establishment of new financial relief programs to benefit those being disproportionately affected by increases in the CRIAC.

“Just as we recognize the importance of the Clean Rivers Project in restoring the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, we also recognize the burden this charge is creating for many District residents and nonprofits,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through practical and equitable efforts such as these CRIAC relief programs, we can continue our work to build safe and healthy waterways while also addressing the needs and concerns of our community.”

Over the past 10 years, CRIAC rates have increased to help pay for a $2.7 billion project that will significantly reduce the discharge of raw sewage and stormwater runoff into the Anacostia River, the Potomac River, and Rock Creek. The District recognizes that these increases have imposed a burden on residents and local nonprofits, particularly religious institutions and cemeteries.

The CRIAC Residential Relief Program provides income-qualified households with a 50 percent to 75 percent discount on their monthly CRIAC in addition to other benefits, resulting in $200 to $760 of savings. To be eligible, the total household income must be below 100 percent Area Median Income ($117,200 for a household of four).

The CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program provides eligible nonprofits with a discount up to 90 percent on their monthly CRIAC. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate a financial hardship in paying their CRIAC and agree to reduce the harmful effects of stormwater runoff. Organizations may fulfill this requirement by installing green infrastructure on their property or by helping fund green infrastructure elsewhere in the District.

For additional information, please visit doee.dc.gov/service/criacrelief.