Augusta city leaders are expected to consider a new stormwater fee aimed at preventing flooding from heavy rains that sent untreated sewage into waterways and damaged homes in the city.

Augusta commissioners are expected to discuss the new fee on Monday.

Officials say the fee, which would be assessed on property owners, could raise up to $10 million a year.

Engineering Director Abie Ladson says the funds could be used to complete an inventory of Augusta's aging - in some cases century-old - system of ditches, culverts, pipes, storm drains, manholes and other infrastructure.

Ladson said the fee, if approved, also could be used on construction of regional detention ponds to address flooding issues on a wider scale, acquisition of property in floodplains and vegetation maintenance.

Tags: sewer, Augusta, sewer system, flooding, sewer projects, sewage, sewage spill, stormwater fee