Stormwater Reimbursement Program

Goal

The goal of this program is to encourage individual property owners and businesses to incorporate Stormwater BMPs on their property to aid in the improvement of water quality. The program is intended to help offset the cost of materials and/or contract labor to install such practices.

How the Reimbursement Works

• City approval is required prior to any of the work occurring. Projects constructed without prior City approval will not be reimbursed.
• The City of Ankeny will provide up to a 50% match on BMPs constructed, with a maximum reimbursement amount of $1,800 per property address or business.
• Rain barrels will be funded at a maximum of $75, with a limit of one per address.
• The funding may be utilized for multiple practices, however, the maximum amount reimbursed will be $1,800.
• Applicants may utilize this program in multiple fiscal years for various BMP projects, with the exception of rain barrels which are available one time only.
• Funding is available to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to the approval of the Public Works Department.
• The applicant is responsible for all project costs. The City of Ankeny will provide reimbursement on an approved project after costs are incurred.
• The application requires a map showing the location of the project, project description, scientific names of all native plants, project schedule, and the cost summary which should include any estimates or quotes. 
• Rain gardens should be designed utilizing the Iowa Rain Garden Design & Installation Guide, Third Edition, developed by the Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership. 

Make a Difference

Stormwater runoff is the water that runs off impervious surfaces from rain, snow melt, and surface drainage. Impervious surfaces are hard surfaces where water is unable to soak or infiltrate into, including paved streets, parking lots, and rooftops. This water flows overland collecting sediment, litter, nutrients, and other pollutants. The stormwater then discharges into the creeks and ponds in Ankeny untreated. Unmanaged stormwater runoff can cause water pollution, stream bank erosion, and flooding.

By capturing rainwater where it lands and infiltrating or slowing down the stormwater through Best Management Practices (BMPs), the pollutants and sediment have a chance to settle out. These practices can help improve the water quality of our streams and ponds and help improve the water quality downstream in our state's rivers.

Apply

Online applications are closed as funding for the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget has been allocated.

Applications for the 2026/2027 fiscal year budget will open May 1, 2026 at 8 a.m.

All submitted stormwater BMPs must meet design criteria in the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual.

Wondering what kind of information you'll need? Be prepared to complete your form:

Rain Garden/Bio Retention Cell

• Scientific names of plants to be used
• Map or aerial photo showing area(s) of installation
• Please complete appendixes E, F, G & H within the "Iowa Rain Garden Design & Installation Guide", pages 81 - 89 (11-15 in this document). These will need to be uploaded as part of your application.
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Projected costs, including cost of materials, contractor's estimate if applicable, with scientific names of all native plants to be used

Pervious Paving System

• Installation details
• Map or aerial photo showing area(s) where the pervious pavement system will be installed
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Projected costs, including cost of materials, contractor's estimate if applicable with cost breakdown of all individual items

Soil Quality Restoration

• Map or aerial photo showing area(s)where soil quality restoration will occur
• Square feet of the area
• Depth of application (0.5-0.75")
• Will you be applying supplemental seeding?
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Projected costs, including cost of materials, contract labor cost, contractor's estimate if applicable with cost breakdown of all individual items

Native Planting Garden/Buffer/Swale

• Map or aerial photo showing area(s) where natives will be installed 
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Projected costs, including cost of materials, contractor's estimate if applicable, with scientific names of all native plants to be used